Tackling knife crime – tournament held in memory of budding young footballer

Our Foundation hosted an under-15’s football tournament today at the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London (CONEL) in memory of local teenager Godwin Lawson, a promising footballer who was fatally stabbed in 2010.

Following his death, Godwin’s mother Yvonne established the Godwin Lawson Foundation to commemorate the life of her son. For the past 11 years, our Foundation has worked in partnership with the Godwin Lawson Foundation to organise football tournaments for teenagers in memory of Godwin and to educate young people about the consequences of knife crime.

Over 120 children representing 16 clubs from across London took part in the seven-a-side tournament today (Tuesday 4 April) which was attended by Club Ambassador Jermain Defoe.

Jermain, who is sixth on our all-time record goal scorers list and now coaches in the Club’s Academy, was on hand to offer advice and words of encouragement to teams taking part.

Jermain said: “We are incredibly proud to support the Godwin Lawson tournament. Today’s event is an important reminder how through the power of sport, we can bring people together. It’s vital that we continue to organise these events to educate youngsters about the dangers of street violence, so they themselves can help contribute to a safer community.”