THE youngster was lurking with intent, but the officer had him in his sights.

As the known troublemaker was about to strike, Pc Pete the bobby decided he had seen enough and decided to step in – and prevented him from scoring a goal.

This is the face of modern policing that has used sport to bring police and teenagers together.

Set up seven years ago in conjunction with Birmingham City football club, the Kickz project in Turves Green is helping turn the tide of crime and anti-social behaviour.

And the impact is for all to see, with police reporting a drop in crime and an improvement in relations with youngsters.

Recent cutbacks in both the police and Blues’ budget have meant a shortfall in funding for their project leaving the axe hanging over it.

But Pc Ash knows the value of the project for helping to win round youngsters and help them turn their back on crime.

Three nights a week, between 50 youngsters gather for football or boxing sessions, dancing, music sessions and other workshops. Police are also able to use the meetings to help tackle issues of youth crime such as the dangers of knives.

“They now see us in a different way, we are not just police officers, we are the people they see at Kickz who mix with them and play sports with them,” said Pc Ash.

“When we see them on the streets it gives us something to talk about. It has really helped break down barriers with people.”

Officially launched by then Prime Minister Tony Blair, the idea was to use sport as a way of connecting with children in some of the most poverty-stricken areas of the country.