Young people in Becontree compete with police in football tournament

The tournament happened yesterday (credit: Future Youth Zone)

Young people in Becontree and have taken on police officers in a 6-a-side football tournament.

The youth charity, Future Youth Zone based in Barking and Dagenham, worked alongside police to organise the event which took place at Parsloes Park yesterday.

In total, four teams competed made up of the staff, young people and officers.

It’s hoped the tournament will allow young people to build positive relationships with officers in the area.

Our officers enjoyed some friendly competition with the staff and young people @futureyz this evening during a fun football tournament . Amazing buzz in the air tonight, great to be with our community ? pic.twitter.com/P3JBllOuTG

— Havering MPS. #HandsFaceSpace (@MPSHavering) June 24, 2021

Acting Head of Youth Work, Steve Anderton said: “The event was a huge success that used a shared passion of football to provide an opportunity to bring together young people and police officers from across the borough to come together as a community and to get to know each other a little better whilst playing the beautiful game.

“The tournament allowed young people to interact with Police Officers in an informal setting removing any barriers and allowing them to meet the real people behind the uniform and likewise the opportunity for the officers to speak to young people on their terms and in their environment.

The tournament was played yesterday (credit: Future Youth Zone)

“This is crucial in building trust and forging positive relationships to help build a stronger community.

“We place great value in the relationship we have with the Local Police and are particularly grateful to the officers attending and DC Anoushka Dunic for her help in organising the event.

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