Over 80 young people come together for football tournament at Clee Fields

The second Fair Play Tournament of the school year, funded by the Police and Crime Commissioner, on behalf of Humber Violence Prevention Partnership, was held at Clee Fields on Ladysmith Road on Friday, 1^st November.

Ten teams from organisations across the borough participated, including Oasis Academy Immingham, West Marsh Community Centre, Nunsthorpe Centre 4, YMCA and Fusion.

Each organisation delivers weekly sessions with tournaments held on a quarterly basis as part of the Fair Play Football initiative.

Also in attendance was the North East Lincolnshire Young and Safe team who disseminated positive engagement and learning in support of Humberside Police Knife Crime Awareness month and other initiatives.

The scheme is open to boys and girls age 12 to 19 and is delivered by North East Lincolnshire Council and its partners.

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

In a tightly contested final, two Immingham teams battled it out with Immingham 1 coming out eventual winners against Immingham 3.

Speaking about the event, Head of Youth & Community at YMCA, Louise Harling, said: “we are thrilled to be supporting the provision of a safe, positive and inclusive event for young people who wouldn’t necessarily be able to access organised football. 

“The tournament encourages teamwork and community spirit and is a constructive outlet for young people to take part in positive activity.” 

Councillor Ron Shepherd, Portfolio Holder for Safer and Stronger Communities, said: “Fair Play Football is an amazing scheme that not only gives the younger generation a hobby, but also improves their physical and mental health.

“It’s wonderful to see the new Clee Fields site used for such a positive event, especially with so many people taking part.

“The Council Plan is focused on protecting and improving the lives of people across the borough, which these initiatives help to achieve. I hope this will continue and provide a basis to improve our younger generations skills in sport for many years to come.”