Footballers and their supporters in Hackney enjoyed the fourth annual football tournament, supported by Sanctuary, during the Well Street Common Festival. Despite a few downpours over 1,000 people attended the event. There were 20 teams of under 14’s and under 10s from the streets and estates around Well Street Common.

Young people from Sanctuary homes were well represented with eager competitors from the Morningside Estate (three teams), Gascoyne Estate (two teams), Meynell Road and VADCH streets too.

Alex Brown from Y2K Community Sports, who organised and ran the tournament said: “We have had another successful year on the Common and there is no end to the demand for organised football activity by young people in this area – they just cannot get enough of it.”

Meg Hillier, the recently elected MP for South Hackney, attended the event with her family. She praised the work being done with young people, and added that her family had all really enjoyed them-selves. Co-ordinator Derek Smith said: “We are delighted that Sanctuary has shown interest in developing the talents of the young people in this area, and we are lucky to have some of the best open spaces in the capital on our doorstep. Let’s hope we can continue to help young people benefit from these local assets.