Soccer Tournament Welcomes Newcomer Youth

On Wednesday, July 17, 2024, the Durham Regional Police Service’s (DRPS) Youth in Policing (YIP) team partnered with the Community Development Council Durham’s (CDCD) Newcomer Youth Services to host the 2nd annual Newcomer Youth Soccer Tournament! This event was hosted for youth who are new to Canada between the ages of 14 to 24 in an effort to foster meaningful connections and new friendships in the community through soccer.

DRPS' 120 YIP students and leaders were joined by 41 newcomers and 18 DRPS members, creating a platform for fostering positive relationships through sport. This event united youth from across Durham Region, bridging community gaps and promoting team spirit to build positive and trusting relationships with the police service.

Through-out the day, the YIP Students and participants worked together, engaging in team-building activities and soccer games. DRPS Chief of Police Peter Moreira, who is an avid soccer fan, stopped by to meet the participants and shared his knowledge of the sport. DRPS members showed their support by playing on teams, cheering on the athletes, and providing support throughout the day.

A big thank you to all who contributed to the success of this event! Special recognition goes to the Community Development Council Durham, ProAction Cops & Kids, Whitby FC, the Durham District School Board, and Sergeant Dave Ashfield for their contributions. We also thank YIP Leaders Hannah Crockford, Aravind Niranjan, and Hamza Siddiqui for organizing the tournament.

This collaboration fostered a sense of belonging and shared purpose, inclusivity and building community partnerships. 

To learn more about the Youth in Policing Initiative, visit www.drps.ca/yip.