All for the love of the game, young teams battled it out to be crowned champion in the latest Fair Play football tournament.
Held at Clee Fields, teams from YMCA, Grimsby Town Foundation, The Trin, Fusion and Immingham Oasis Academy took part in the hope of being crowned champions.
Funded via The National Lottery Communities Fund, each organisation delivers weekly sessions with tournaments held on a quarterly basis as part of the Fair Play Football initiative.
The tournaments are open to boys and girls age 14 to 16 with weekly sessions for 8 to 16 delivered by community led organisations in key areas of the borough. this includes Fusion, the Trin, YMCA, West March Community Centre, Immingham Oasis Academy, Creating Positive Opportunity (CPO) 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.
During a hard-fought final, Immingham 3 came out on top with a convincing 3-0 win against Fusion. Player of the tournament was awarded to Ruby Corrigan aged 14 from YMCA with a great night had by all.
Ruby Corrigan, centre
However, it’s about much more than football. For the providers, it’s a way to engage with the youth and teach them something new at the same time in an environment they enjoy.
Kerry Hillman, Community Manager at the TRIN, said: “Our youth provision is a vibrant, welcoming space where young people can thrive, connect, and feel supported. Each week, we welcome over 250 young people, offering more than 20 hours of free activities designed to engage, inspire, and encourage personal growth.
“From sports and arts to group sessions and social time, there’s something for everyone. Our qualified youth workers are passionate, approachable, and committed to creating a safe, inclusive environment where every young person feels heard and valued. By building trust and positive relationships, we help young people develop confidence, resilience, and a strong sense of belonging.”
Donna Thornton, Youth and Community Leader at Fusion Youth, added: “This is a community-based provision dedicated to supporting young people across North East Lincolnshire, offering a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment where they can socialise, build confidence, and feel part of their community. Our youth clubs provide a fun, structured space where young people can take part in activities, make friends, and develop key social skills in a positive setting.
“Alongside this, we deliver indoor and outdoor football sessions, offering young people the opportunity to develop their skills in a fun, inclusive, and supportive environment. Open to all abilities, sessions focus on improving fitness, teamwork, and game understanding, while also promoting respect and fair play.
“Our Junior Gym offers a free, welcoming space for young people to improve their physical and mental wellbeing, build confidence, and develop healthy habits in a safe and supportive environment.
“Our 16+ programme helps young people build confidence, develop key life skills, and prepare for education, employment, and independent adulthood.”
For Creating Positive Opportunity (CPO), it’s about providing support in various ways. Emma Jackson, Head of Youth, added: “It delivers practical support for people of all ages within the local community. Our services include dementia support groups, household support grants, family food support, education for EHCP students, structured family support and a family enterprise provision.
“Our local youth offer provides safety, guidance, and positive activities at the Grange Community Centre whilst our family fitness and healthy body in mind projects help break down barriers to fitness access.”
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