Foundation hosts Godwin Lawson memorial tournament

Tottenham Hotspur Foundation was proud to host its annual tournament dedicated to keeping alive the memory of a promising young footballer who tragically lost his life to knife crime in 2010.

The Foundation has been working with the Godwin Lawson Foundation – set up by Godwin’s mum, Yvonne, to commemorate her son’s life and convey anti-knife crime messages – for the past 14 years.

Every summer, a tournament has taken place as part of the Foundation’s programme of activities to keep local young people engaged through the school holidays. Players from other football club community organisations are also invited, with the event serving as an important opportunity for education around the consequences of knife crime.

Today, boys’ and girls’ U14 teams competed at our Training Centre in Enfield. They were joined by Club ambassador Ledley King, who offered words of advice and encouragement on the sidelines.

Ledley said: “It’s always a privilege to attend this tournament and it’s fantastic to see how the Foundation continues working with the Godwin Lawson Foundation to provide this educational opportunity for so many young people.

“Football is a powerful awareness-raising tool and the Club strives to give local youth a positive outlet through the Foundation. Events like this can change lives and I’m proud to support that.”

Harry, 14, is a regular participant in Premier League Kicks sessions delivered by the Foundation and captained a team playing in Spurs kit.

He said: “It’s been a great opportunity to wear the kit and represent the Club today. The Premier League Kicks sessions are both challenging and fun. They make you a better player, but you can also have a laugh.

“I like what the people from Godwin Lawson Foundation are doing in the community and how they’re raising awareness of knife crime. I appreciate that and I’m sure everyone else here does. It’s something new and interesting to have done in the school holidays and I’ve enjoyed the opportunity to learn.”

Premier League Kicks, funded through the Premier League Charitable Fund, uses the power of football and sport to inspire young people to reach their potential, in some of the most high-need areas in England and Wales.

Daisy, 12, has been part of the Foundation Football Centre since it was set up for local girls excelling at football and took part in the girls’ tournament today.

She said: “The sessions teach us how to build our confidence. We learn tactical and technical skills, and we play fun games.

“Today, at workshops in between our games, we’ve learnt helpful survival skills and what to do in emergency situations. It’s been really nice to have a chance to play here.”

The Foundation Football Centre runs at Douglas Eyre Sports Centre, in Walthamstow, between 5.30pm and 7pm on Fridays.