Blowing the whistle on knife crime

The challenge was won by young people from the Premier League Kicks flagship community football programme, who welcomed the chance to pitch their skills on the Premier League club’s turf.

Cut It Out championed the goals of the council’s Choose Your Future campaign – to unite Croydon against serious youth violence and support young people to make positive choices.

The BME Forum led event was supported by Croydon Council, Croydon Police, Palace for Life Foundation and community groups.

Councillor Hamida Ali, cabinet member for safer Croydon and communities, said: “Councillors were keen to add their support to this event as it took a clear stand against knife crime, and encouraged everyone attending to meet people they may not have met before. Whether this was through football, competitions, workshops, or the wide range of support services and clubs that attended.”

Palace for Life Deputy CEO Donald Forde added: “We were delighted to host this truly inspiring event at Selhurst Park and join our partners to help raise awareness of youth violence in south London. Football can be a powerful tool to unite and we hope the young people who took part had a positive and memorable day.”

The young people’s team, who play weekly with Palace for Life Foundation, pitched their skills against Croydon Police, with other teams including All Inclusive Football Team, Croydon All Stars, Croydon councillors, Croydon Female All Stars, City Hall staff, the Fathers Forum, Lions Society, London Road Businesses, Neighbourhood Safety Officers, and Selhurst Community Team.