Football wins again at record breaking Fair Play tournament with over 80 young people

12 teams made up of over 80 young people took part in a record-breaking Fair Play Football tournament, giving children an enjoyable safe space to meet and make friends.

On Friday, 21st March, teams from YMCA, Grimsby Town Foundation, The Trin, Fusion, West Marsh Community Centre, Centre4 and Immingham Oasis Academy took part in what was the largest tournament to date.

The evening was supported by North East Lincolnshire Councils Safer Towns and Communities Service area, Young and Safe Youth Engagement team, the Violence Prevention Partnership (VPP) and Grimsby Town Foundation.

Funded via the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Humberside, each organisation delivers weekly sessions with tournaments held on a quarterly basis as part of the Fair Play Football initiative.

The scheme is open to boys and girls age 12 to 19 and is delivered by community led organisations in key areas of the borough. this includes Fusion, the Trin, YMCA, West March Community Centre, Immingham Oasis Academy and Grimsby Town Foundation.

It aims to provide a cost-free opportunity for the younger generation who are signposted via their local schools, the Youth Justice System, Young People’s Support Service and more importantly by their peer groups.

With a last minute winner, it was Oasis Academy Immingham 3 who were crowned champions. After channelling their inner Solskjaer against Bayern Munich in the 1999 UEFA Champions League final, the team hoisted the trophy aloft to mark the end of the tournament.

Councillor Ron Shepherd, Portfolio Holder for Safer and Stronger Communities, said: “These tournaments are a great way for the younger generation to express themselves in a fun and safe environment.

“With attendance increasing by 200% since the tournaments started, it’s clear that they are having a positive impact.

“Giving the youth facilities and amenities is a key target of our Council. They are the future of this borough and we want to help them in any we can.

“Initiatives like this are also aiding the reduction of youth anti-social behaviour (ASB). In areas like Grimsby town centre, we have seen a reduction of 14% for youth related ASB, which is a hugely positive stride.”