The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) has given £1,500-worth of funding to a one-day international football tournament organised by charity Justice First.
The aim of the event on 17 June 2023 is to promote community cohesion, reduce fear of crime/fear of the authorities and improve integration between the various social and cultural groups living in Cleveland.
Based on previous events, it is anticipated that there will be 20 teams of eight players from diverse communities. In total that means about 200 players and supporters will attend. It is also hoped that Cleveland Police will actively participate in the tournament.
Various service providers such as Red Cross, Cleveland Police and health services will engage in the event.
They will take part to raise awareness of their services and interact with various refugee and asylum-seeking groups.
Their presence helps refugees and people seeking asylum to better understand how to access statutory services. It also boosts their confidence to contact services including police when they need to report a crime.
Funding comes from the Police Property Act Fund (PPAF.)
Decision 2023/24 – 004 – funding for Justice First football tournament (application, 167kB)