Bridgeport police held a late Friday night basketball game with the goal to help earn trust with young people.

The Midnight Basketball event happened at the Wakeman Boys and Girls Club.

Winning was not really the focus as it was more about building relationships between police and players of all ages.

Midnight Basketball also aimed to make the kids feel comfortable and safe.

Bridgeport Police Chief Roderick Porter/Bridgeport Police said the officers participate out of uniform to show the kids that they are part of the community.

The program that started in June takes place on Friday and Saturday nights.

The event is also held at Hall Neighborhood House Community Center on the East side of Bridgeport.

Shawn Byrd, the director of the Wakeman Boys and Girls Club praised the program because it keeps kids off the streets.

Funding from the Justice Education Center in West Hartford makes Midnight Basketball possible.

Funding also recently got extended, so Bridgeport police hope to keep the program going through August.