Sport Changes Lives - Can your Sports Club help ?

Dear Sir / Madam

My name is Ian Goudie – I am Inspector with Hampshire Police based in Basingstoke. I lead the Priority Crime Team who deal with all of the High Harm issues for the District, including drug related crime, knife crime, domestic violence and many more.

As I am sure you can appreciate, within these crime types many of our young people get caught up in situations which takes their lives down a path which ultimately can lead to criminality, lack of self-esteem, domestic violence (often a reflection of learnt behaviour) anti social behaviour and many more which go on to impact society and their families and friends.

I am writing to you via 'Basingstoke Voluntary Sports Council' as a passionate advocate for social mobility through sports and with a deep appreciation for the invaluable work your club sport does in fostering athletic talent and community engagement. Importantly this is part of our efforts within Hampshire Constabulary, and specifically Basingstoke & Deane, to make our town a safer place to be.

The power of sport to transform lives is undeniable. As we all know, it's not just about physical fitness and competition; it's about building character, fostering teamwork, and instilling discipline. Moreover, sports have the remarkable ability to break down social barriers and offer opportunities for individuals who may not have access to them otherwise. This is where your club can poytentially make a significant impact on society.

I am aware of the incredible work that local clubs do in nurturing talent, promoting inclusivity, and fostering a sense of belonging within the community. With this in mind, I would like to propose a mutually beneficial partnership that not only enhances the reputation of your club but also bolsters social mobility in our local area.

I am therefore reaching out to discuss the possibility of your offering free places to underprivileged children and young adults in our community. By providing access to your facilities, coaching, and mentorship, you can open doors that these individuals might never have imagined possible. Your club can become a beacon of hope and a catalyst for positive change.

Here are some key points that highlight the advantages of such an approach

1. Enhanced Community Engagement: By reaching out to the less privileged in our community, your club will strengthen its community engagement efforts and solidify its reputation as a socially responsible organization.

2. Diverse Talent Pool: Offering free places will diversify the talent pool at your club, promoting inclusivity and encouraging fresh perspectives, which can ultimately lead to a richer sports culture.

3. Future Success Stories: By nurturing talent that may have otherwise remained untapped, your club has the potential to discover future stars and success stories, bringing pride to your organization and the community.

4. Sponsorship and Partnerships: This initiative could open doors to potential sponsors and partnerships who want to support your club's social mobility efforts, leading to increased financial stability and growth.

I am more than willing to meet with you / your club to discuss this proposal in greater detail and explore how we can collaborate to make a lasting impact on the lives of those less fortunate. I strongly believe that together we can create a brighter, more inclusive future for our community.

I look forward to the opportunity to discuss this proposal further. Please feel free to reach out to me at ian.goudie@hampshire.police.uk

Thank you for your time and consideration. I am excited about the positive change we can bring to our community through this initiative and eagerly await the chance to work together.

Ian Goudie 28773 Inspector – Basingstoke District | Priority Crime Team | Rural Hostage and Crisis Negotiator Neighbourhoods Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary Internal: 4622228 | Mob: 07929868