80 youngsters take part in community football tournament in Wirral

Young footballers showed off their pitch skills in a community football tournament in Wirral organised by local officers and partners.

More than 80 young people took part in the Beechwood Football Tournament on the playing fields of Manor Primary School in Birkenhead on Monday 25 July.

The event was organised by officers from Bebington Local Police Team and partner organisations, while Tranmere Rovers player Chris Merrie congratulated and awarded trophies, t-shirts and medals to the winning teams.

Beechwood Together was set up earlier this year by Merseyside Police, partners and residents on the Beechwood estate to work together as part of a Home Office pilot scheme.

Project Medusa part-funded the tournament, a Merseyside Police-led initiative set up to tackle County Lines drug dealing and child criminal exploitation.

Chief Inspector for Local Policing in Wirral, Tom Welch said: “It was a very successful community day with more than 80 youngsters participating in the tournament.

“It was great to see all partner organisations coming together to make it an enjoyable afternoon which the children enjoyed.

“Thank you to the Beechwood Little Centre and Tesco Bidston for providing food on the day. We are also thankful for the support given staff by Wirral Borough Council, Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service, local army reserves, Regenda and Onward Housing.

“But of course the event would not have been possible without The Rakers Football Club and Hype who provided the football equipment and referee services, and not forgetting Chris Merrie and others from Tranmere in the Community for taking time out to award the teams and players.”

Chief Insp Welch added: “Events such as this are great way for young people to come together and enjoy themselves in a positive and safe manner.

“It also gives young people the chance to build their self-esteem and in some cases, give them the chance to make a different decision in their lives, which we hope will lead them along a better path.

“This event is just one of many community activities that we organise in Wirral which focusses on knife crime and preventing serious violence while the Knife Angel monument is on display in the borough.”