Football tournament promotes unity in the community

2009-11-11 13:19:37 - Young people from across the region have kicked social problems into touch by taking part in a special football tournament.

Over 200 footballers aged 11 to 18-years-old took part in the second annual Unity Cup, held at the Alan Higgs Centre, in Allard Way.
The event aimed to break down social barriers in an attempt to reduce incidents of anti-social behaviour. It is hoped the tournament will also help increase understanding and community cohesion amongst the participants as well as the

spectators.
It was organised by the Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership for the 2012 Games, West Midlands Police, Positive Activities for Young People, Coventry Cathedral, the Football Foundation and Whitefriars Housing Group.
The tournament was played under the Kick Racism Out of Football banner and forms part of the Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership 2012 Games’ Peace and Reconciliation Project.
The project is one of six major flagship schemes the partnership are undertaking to maximise the opportunities for the region surrounding the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Tom Clift, manager of the Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership for the 2012 Games, said: “The tournament was organised to illustrate the power of sport when it comes to bridging social divisions.
“Seeing so many people from across the city participating in this successful event proves that sport can unite and influence young people to work together and build cohesive communities.
“Working with other local partners we aim to use the values of Olympism to develop a sporting and cultural legacy the region can be proud of up to 2012 and beyond.”
ENDS
Picture caption:
Last 8 standing: Last 8 Standing - winners of the 16 -18 age group.

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