Local football clubs and Crimestoppers come together to help reduce knife crime on Merseyside

Young people from across Merseyside took part in a unique football event at Marine FC on Friday 14th October.

The tournament was for teams of boys and girls from year 7, who represented each of the four football clubs on Merseyside who are part of Crimestoppers Four Clubs One Goal initiative: Everton, Liverpool, Marine and Tranmere.

The round -robin football tournament was interspersed with short sessions on the dangers of knife crime, led by Knife Savers and Crimestoppers.

Watch a short video from Tranmere first-team player Chris Merrie on the dangers of carrying a knife:
 

The teams who represented each club won their place in the finals after competing in tournaments held by each club over the preceding week. 

The goal of the day was to deliver a powerful message that knives, guns and County Lines drug crimes destroy lives. It highlighted that young people could take part in the wide range of activities that each club provides to help and support them throughout the year, through the work of their Community Foundations.

Everton legend and club Ambassador Ian Snodin presented the medals to all those who took part, and trophies to the winners of the boys’ and girls’ events - which were both teams representing the LFC Foundation.

Gary Murray, Regional Manager Crimestoppers, said: “It was a fantastic day with some very competitive matches, but all played in a great spirit. Football is a great way to engage with young people and if what the young people heard during the day stops one young person thinking that they should carry a knife, then we have been successful in our aim of reducing crime on Merseyside.

“Tragically, young people often think they have no choice but to carry a knife to protect themselves, but statistically it is shown that young people are at greater risk of being stabbed if they do carry a knife.

“The day also challenged the “no grass” culture, and stressed that reporting anonymously to Crimestoppers or Fearless.org, Crimestoppers’ youth brand, is a positive thing to do, and could save lives.”