London Bangla A Force for the community…
IT WAS football, not knives last month as Year 8 and Year 9 pupils from secondary schools in Barking & Dagenham got stock in to a football tournament organised by the Community Safety Partnership.
The event marked Knife Crime Awareness Week. The football, at the Bobby Moore Sports Hub in Parsloes Park, Dagenham, was a closely fought battle. Riverside Secondary School triumphed, for the second year running, after a penalty shoot-out against Eastbury. All players were rewarded with medals and lunch, and there were also awards for each team’s best player, top goal scorer and goal of the tournament.
After the football, the students listened to speakers who encouraged them to keep clear of knives – and knife crime.
Councillor Syed Ghani, Cabinet Member for Enforcement and Community Safety, said, “Knife crime continues to impact communities across London, which is why engaging young people is so important. Events like this tournament not only build awareness but also highlight the positive paths and support available to them.”
Knife Crime Awareness Week was launched by the Ben Kinsella Trust. Their CEO, Patrick Green, said, “Knife Crime Awareness Week is a crucial moment for all of us to come together and recognise that prevention starts with opportunity. It also brings together the police, Barking and Dagenham Council, and frontline organisations to showcase the vital work happening day in, day out to keep young people safe.
“Too many young people feel their choices are limited, but when we invest in meaningful, positive activities, such as this football tournament, we show them a different path. Whether through sport, creativity, education, or community programmes, these opportunities allow young people to discover their talents, build confidence, and see a future full of possibility.”
Chief Inspector Mo Mahmood, from the Metropolitan Police in Barking and Dagenham said, “Knife crime has devastating consequences for individuals, families, and our communities. That’s why prevention and early engagement with young people is vital. We are committed to working alongside our partners in Barking and Dagenham to reduce violence and keep our communities safe, and I’m encouraged to see so many young people taking part in such a positive and empowering event.”
●To find out more about the range of activities and opportunities for young people, go to:
Young people
●To find out more about Knife Crime Awareness Week, go to:
Knife Crime Awareness Week
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