Committed to Carnarvon

Carnarvon PCYC youth continue to benefit from the enthusiasm and commitment of WA Police Force Youth Crime Intervention Officers (YCIO’s) First Class Constable Brenton Uphill and Constable Ally Ramirez.

The officers manage and run the Carnarvon PCYC football team, the Kingsford Lions, who recently reigned premiers in the Gascoyne Football Association league. The team is made up of Aboriginal youth, with a number of the players identified as at-risk.

“We pick up the team each Thursday for training and each Friday afternoon for their match. As well as promoting a healthy, active lifestyle, our involvement means that YCIO's have regular contact with our youth and their responsible adults each week” 1/C Uphill said.

The players are regular participants in the Carnarvon PCYC safeSPACE program, which provides a safe place to enjoy a meal and hang out after each training session. Participation in the football team has also been used to provide an incentive for the kids to attend school and as a deterrent for engaging in antisocial behaviour.

Carnarvon OIC Acting Senior Sergeant Ryan Devine said the work by the officers makes a big difference for youth in the local community.

“Reductions in youth offending are a direct result of their involvement in football and safeSPACE programs and the relationships which have been built through these initiatives” he concluded.