The Burton Albion Community Trust’s Street Stadia football tournament has been heralded a success.
BACT's Albion2Engage programme operates weekly evening sessions funded by East Staffordshire Grant Aid in Winshill, Anglesey, Stapenhill, Shobnall and Eton Park, delivering diversionary activities to young people and the Trust - in partnership with Staffordshire Fire Service - decided to reward regular participants with a Street Stadia football tournament at the Pirelli Stadium on Sunday, 2nd June.
Supported by Councillors Ron Clarke and Peter Davies, the event saw 35 youngsters aged predominantly between 11 to 15 years-old take part in the tournament.
The structure saw all teams play each other twice in a mini league with three points for a win, two for a draw and one for a defeat as Stapenhill came out on top ahead of Anglesey Wreck.
The tournament was followed by participants enjoying the Brazil v England match in the Education Room at the Pirelli Stadium with food and drink also served.
Burton Albion Community Trust Manager Andy Taylor commented: ‘We are working very hard with partners to deliver a joined up approach to youth engagement and this event was to reward those who have engaged over a period of time.
‘It was great to work closely with the Staffordshire Fire Service to reward those involved and given how well received the day was it is something we’ll certainly be looking to repeat in the future.’
Staffordshire Fire Service Street Stadia Lead Phil Mulligan said 'The day went brilliantly, beyond my expectations. It was great to see different wards interacting using the Street Stadia as a vehicle to engage'
The Albion2Engage arm of the Trust looks to promote social inclusion and community cohesion whilst reducing anti-social behaviour across East Staffordshire. For more information on this and all aspects of the Trust, visit www.burtonalbioncommunitytrust.co.uk.