5v5 tournament to stop knife crime & youth violence.

5v5 tournament to stop knife crime & youth violence.

Liverpool FC along with Everton FC organised the Joseph Lappin Memorial 5v5 football tournament, which returned for 2022 last week, using the power of football to promote anti-knife crime campaigning and tackle youth violence.

The LFC Foundation joined forces with Everton in the Community in what is already an established relationship to collaborate with the Real Men Don’t Carry Knives campaign to organise this event. The tournament took place at The Joseph Lappin Centre, which is based in Old Swan, Liverpool.

Five teams entered this competition, which was officiated by Merseyside Police representatives. Positive Futures won the Joseph Lappin Memorial, whilst Shrewsbury House claimed the Joseph Lappin Trophy. Off the pitch, educational workshops were delivered by the LFC Foundation Youth Intervention team, with Real Men Don’t Carry Knives and Merseyside Police covering the topic of stop & search.

“It’s a real privilege for us to be able to use Joseph Lappin’s name for this annual event, which not only keeps his memory alive, but also continues our commitment in raising awareness for knife crime. Football has the power to unite and bring young people together, breaking down territorial barriers and empowering them to choose positive life choices. This is a multi-agency event which demonstrates the difference we can make through football and sport to divert young people from a gang lifestyle and organised crime”.

Tony Cosgrove, LFC Foundation Football programme manager

Joseph Lappin grew up in Old Swan, attended Cardinal Heenan High School and was a 16 year old army cadet when he was killed in 2008, outside the Shrewsbury Youth Club in Everton. The Joseph Lappin Centre was established in his memory, opening in 2013.