Young people unite with police at Haringey football tournament

Two players challenge for the ball during the tournament. Picture: Tony Gay.

by Tim Lamden Thursday, September 6, 2012
6:45 PM

Police and young people from across Haringey teamed up last Saturday at an annual football tournament aimed at uniting the borough.

Volunteers with pizzas from tournament sponsors Pizza GoGo. Picture: Tony Gay.

Over 50 volunteers, including plain-clothed PCSOs, community members and youth workers, braved the early start for this year’s HYPE Unity Cup at New River Sports Centre, in White Hart Lane, Wood Green.

Officers helped to referee the tournament, organised by youth group Haringey Young People Empowered (HYPE), as well as carry water and provide coaching to the five-a-side teams on the day.

A team from HYPE were ultimately crowned champions after the group selected a side comprised of players from rival areas across Haringey.

HYPE chairman Erika Lopez said: “The winning team had some guys from Tottenham, Wood Green, Green Lanes - we had people from all over Haringey - which is great because it shows that we are able to build bridges between rival postcodes.

“The PCSOs really wanted to be there and get involved as well. They were running around getting water for the young people. There were no barriers whatsoever - it was amazing.”

In addition to the football, there were performances from a number of young rappers and singers on the day, as well as advice from legal volunteer group Urban Lawyers.

Tournament sponsors Pizza GoGo, which has branches in Tottenham and Crouch End, provided 75 pizzas and 75 slices of garlic bread to volunteers and players on the day.