More than 500 Melton youngsters braved cold, wet and wild weather last Wednesday to play soccer with the boys and girls in blue.
For the first time in a decade, the Victoria Police Soccer Club – made up of police officers from across the state – hosted soccer clinics in Melton to engage with children aged eight to 12.
Sergeant Martin Kappel said the games and clinics were a great opportunity to forge relationships and break barriers with local youngsters.
“We want to start working on leaving a positive impression with these kids,” Sergeant Kappel said.
“So often in life, people’s first interactions with police isn’t a positive one.
“We wanted to show these kids we’re not only out there to tell people off for doing the wrong thing.”
Children from 20 local schools took part in the clinics at MacPherson Park in Toolern Vale.
