Hosted at Firefit Youth and Community Hub, the annual bonfire safety football tournament is part of "Operation Banger", and has an educational initiative designed to use the power of football to bring together vulnerable and at-risk young people from across the city.

The collaboration, supported by the Violence Reduction Partnership (VRP), a central government-funded initiative focused on reducing violent crime through education and prevention, provides a platform for young people to engage positively with local emergency services while learning valuable life skills.

The programme is designed for young people in areas experiencing higher levels of anti-social behaviour. The programme is about education, engagement, and empowerment. By bringing young people into a safe environment, showing them the importance of safety, teamwork, and respect, while building positive relationships that benefit the whole community.

The partnership aims to reduce anti-social behaviour by providing constructive activities during school holidays and in key community periods, ensuring young people have safe spaces to learn, play, and grow.

Geoff, from Merseyside Police’s Community Engagement Team, said:

“Leading up to Halloween and bonfire night there’s an increase in anti-social behaviour, and misuse of fireworks. This initiative is about educating kids about the potential consequences of their actions and how it can affect their future, so this initiative is about us educating.”

Through initiatives like this, the LFC Foundation, Merseyside Police, and MFRS continue to demonstrate their shared commitment to creating safer, stronger communities, using sport and education as powerful tools for change.

This article was written by a work experience individual from our mentorship programme.