Leicestershire pupils at a primary school in the heart of the city are gearing up today to take on the police in a friendly football match this afternoon at 1.30pm (July 13th).

Rowlatts Hill’s Year 6 student Sheldon Richards came up with the idea after talking to local PC Yusuf Nagdi, while he was on duty in Coleman Ward and challenged the officer to a game against him and his friends. At only 11-years-old he has been praised for his idea as the match is hoping to create unity between the children and the police force.

Intensive training has been going on down at the primary school to prepare the children and staff for the match as they will be working together as a team to try and defeat the opposition. Denley Andrew, who has agreed to referee the match, has been coaching the Rowlatts Hill Primary side to improve their health and fitness.

The school is already closely linked with the police team but this match aims to strengthen the bond and create a tighter community.

PC Nagdi, who was the officer first challenged to the match, has been responsible for organising many tag rugby and football matches for older children over the past year, so the police side are more than used to being challenged. Made up of six players, the team are as much looking forward to the match as the children.

PC Nagdi said: “Officers from Leicestershire Constabulary realise the importance of building strong and positive working relationships with the members of the community we serve.

“The Coleman ward neighbourhood team have tried to make a concerted effort to work with young people in the area to help establish trust and confidence between parties.

“During the past few years a strong bond has formed between the local neighbourhood officers and the staff and students at Rowlatts Hill Primary School.

“We were delighted to take up the football challenge and hope the children will learn the importance of personal responsibility, team working and fair play.”

The match will be watched by the whole school of 300 children, and Year 6 pupils will be waiting on the bench to replace the teachers when they get tired.

Rowlatts Hill Head Teacher, Jay Virk, added: “It’s a great way to celebrate the end of the academic year for our Year 6 and fun to see the police respond to Sheldon’s challenge.

“The police are extremely supportive towards the school and come in and work with the children regularly, which we appreciate. I know it will be a great day.”

By Amy Bennett