School children were invited to Burton Albion football club on Thursday, 16 October to take part in a football tournament for Black History Month.
The event, which was part-funded by the Staffordshire Police, Fire & Crime Commissioner’s Community Safety Fund, brought children together from schools across East Staffordshire to celebrate the month through sport, education and positive engagement.
Attendees were also given a tour of the football ground and took part in workshops to learn more about black history and culture.
The day was organised in partnership with Staffordshire Police, East Staffordshire Borough Council, Burton Albion Community Trust, Burton Amateur Boxing Club, local schools and the Staffordshire Commissioner’s Office.
Police officers from East Staffordshire Police Local Policing Team and Uniting Staffordshire Against Hate also attended to engage with the children and run one of the workshops.
Deputy Police, Fire & Rescue and Crime Commissioner Dave Evans went along on the day and presented an award to the overall winners of the tournament, Thomas Alleyne’s High School in Uttoxeter.
He said: “It’s been great to see so many children come together from across East Staffordshire to celebrate and learn more about Black History Month today.
“Importantly, the event provided an opportunity for young people to engage with their local police officers in a fun and interactive way.”
Inspector Michelle Ugwueze, of East Staffordshire LPT, who helped to organise the event, said: “This was an exciting and engaging event for both officers and children, as well as a chance to learn more about Black History Month.
“I am pleased the visit was such a success and that the children and officers were such good sports!”
