A group of police officers spent Wednesday playing soccer with kids from tough neighbourhoods, hoping a day on the field will prevent future fights on Halifax's streets.

Sean Romans,13, said he didn't mind playing with officers on the field. He says it's easier to deal with the officers when they're not wearing their uniforms.

Putting a softer human face on the police force is one of the goals of the day-long camp at Dalhousie University hosted by the Halifax Regional Police.

Veteran officer Dwight Hennigar says the camp is an investment in the future.

He says sometimes the kids on his beat without opportunities turn into the criminals he arrests as adults.

"It's a sad story because there's so many children (who) slip through the cracks and there's a lot of cracks out there, whether it's education, social, policing, justice or whatever. There's a lot of cracks out there that kids slip through," he said.

"We're just trying to help some kids along the way. If we help a few that's a big bonus."

Budding soccer player Mathew Teklet, 13, says chasing police on the field is better than seeing them chase criminals.

"I find them more just relaxed. I can tell they're having fun, as we are, so it's a good thing."