Back of the net! Essex Community Goals returns this June

Charity football tournament Essex Community Goals is back this summer and there is still time for teams to sign up.

The 7-a-side competition gives 12 and 13-year-olds from a wide range of backgrounds and footballing abilities the opportunity to get active and interact with the police in a fun and informal setting.

It takes place from 8.30am on Saturday 20 June at the Essex Police Sports Association (EPSA) ground in Springfield, Chelmsford.

Last year, 180 young footballers representing 18 teams from all over the county enjoyed a day of football and sunshine.

Our organisers received great feedback from the players and coaches, with one team leader praising the ‘fantastic event’ and adding her team ‘had a brilliant time’, and that ‘the positive energy and sense of togetherness on the day were truly lovely to witness’.

The day also led to the formation of an innovative partnership between Chelmsford Muslim Society and Chelmsford City FC’s Community Foundation who connected over a shared ambition to make football more accessible.

Every player who takes part will get a medal, goody bag, and lunch provided by the brilliant Rapid Relief Team. Water and food for the goody bags has been generously donated by our community partners, Tesco.

Profits from the tournament will be donated to a local charity Flutter, which does incredible work to support people with kidney cancer.

Detective Chief Inspector Kelly Thurston leads the event for Essex Police. She said:

“Essex Community Goals is all about getting active and having fun, so if you run a community team containing the next Jude Bellingham or Michelle Agyemang, or you know a group of youngsters who’d love to take part, we’d love you to sign up.

“We’re open to single or mixed teams of boys and girls of all abilities, the atmosphere is always really friendly, and everyone will go home with a medal and a smile on their face.

“The tournament has grown every year, the feedback from children and parents has been amazing, and it’s been great to see so many young people playing in the right spirit and enjoying themselves.

“It shows how football can bring people together, promote positive relationships and build confidence in young people. It’s also a great chance for them to talk to police officers in an informal setting, learn more about what we do and understand that we are people in the community that they can trust.”

Head to essex.police.uk/communitygoals to register your interest.

There is an entry fee of £25 per team, and teams can be either single or mixed gender. Squads can contain a maximum of 10 players.

The deadline for registration is Monday 1 June, so sign up soon to avoid missing out.

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