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Ypungsters from Haydock at the Brazilian Soccer Schools tournament
As England gears up for the World Cup in South Africa, youngsters in Haydock took part in a more modest football tournament.
In a bid to combat anti-social behaviour by bored children and teenagers in the Easter holidays, housing association Riverside funded a Brazilian Soccer Schools tournament.
Tanya Marsh, of Riverside Housing said: “As the world’s most popular game, football has always been a powerful way of bringing together people from different backgrounds to play, watch and enjoy the game.
“We teamed up with Merseyside Police and Helena Housing to integrate young people with adults in authority and break down barriers created by ignorance or prejudice.
“As well as promoting community cohesion, the tournament
was a great way of keeping kids fit and healthy as well as
developing their self-esteem and team skills.”
Merseyside Police Community Support Officer Ian Hinton said:
“This was a great opportunity for the police and its partners
to engage with the local children and young adults of the area in
the beautiful game.
“By actively engaging with the locals we can help to
promote the benefits of team working, keeping fit and most
importantly having fun. Plus it allows the local community to see
the various agencies in a different light working to address the
needs and desires of the area.”
