Leics pro joins forces with the police

New Glen Gorse head professional Richard Reed has made an instant impression in his new role at the club, opening up a coaching route into golf for troubled youngsters in conjunction with Leicestershire Police.

The specifically-designed programme is aimed at young people who may be involved in anti-social behaviour. Skills for life will be the primary focus of the programme in order to enhance young people’s lives through the catalyst of golf.

The course itself will be approx 70 per cent golf and 30 per cent other activities that will allow the development of key behavioural skills such as, team building, problem solving, leadership skills.

The club's overarching aim is to provide a community of young individuals that can challenge each other and develop new skills in a range of different activities, from the energetic through to the creative and unusual.

Leicestershire Police are currently applying for funding in order to support the delivery of this programme over the next three years.

“We started with doing some coaching for the officers and their families which was great as many hadn't played before or were just getting their clubs out after many years,” he said.

“It was nice to start them with the basics and watch them hit golf shots for the first time.

“The other coaching session was for the younger ages and for lads that were already known to the police. They were very well behaved and showed a great interest in the sport once they were shown the basics.

“The lack of interest was something that worried me but they loved the time they spent golfing!  There was also one lad with previous golf experience who had never had any help with his golf. It was nice to point him in the right direction with his swing as well as starting the others with their golf swings.”

It's early days but Reed has seen a few things to encourage him.

“I've seen a few signs to suggest that some of the kids are taking enough interest and showing some potential that could turn them into talented golfers in the future.”

Reed’s own introduction to golf saw him come through the amateur golf ranks based at Birstall in Leicestershire. He played representative golf for the county for both junior and senior teams whilst also competing in both Midland and national amateur events.

With A levels in Physics, Psychology and Sports Science, Reed has an educational background that assists with the more scientific aspects of golf.

After a spell playing golf in America and learning from some coaches at a golf school in Texas, he began working in the professional shop at Notts Golf Club (Hollinwell) in 2006 before taking up his new role back in his home county in March this year.