HEAVY rainfall last Thursday (13 August) did not stop over 50 young people attending Thurrock’s third ‘World Cup Football Tournament’ hosted by Thurrock Councils youth services team.
Youth workers played officials and refs whilst the young people, aged between 11 – 18, bent it like Beckham at the Gateway academy leading to a climatic penalty shootout final between Aveley and Tilbury with the final score sitting at 5 – 3 to Aveley.
Newly appointed portfolio holder for communities, Cllr Jane Pothercary said: “What a fantastic, creative way to bring young people together.
“The tournament was played in good spirit with youth workers emphasising the importance of fair play and team work.
“We don’t always realise it, but events like these can help provide young people a stable environment allowing them to develop personal and social skills.
“If a game of football can bring teens from all over, together, with just grass and a football then let’s put more energy into providing more opportunities like this.”
For more information about other youth work events see the website at thurrock.gov.uk/youth
