USING sport to eliminate crime this is the goal in Athlone.

Local police joined hands with Sports Against Crime South Africa and various other roleplayers to host the spectacular Under 14 Soccer Tournament that will see 15 schools participate on Saturday 25 February at the West End sports field.

Girls and boys will have an equal opportunity to enjoy the sport as the schools go head-to-head to clinch the top spot.

On the day, each game will last 10 minutes as pupils play their hearts out to be crowned the champions of the tournament.

Schools participating will be St Rapheals, Kewtown, Hazendal, Norma Road, Garlandale, Bokmakierie, Silverlea, Bridgeville, Blossom Street, Athlone North, Athlone Christian Academy, Sunnyside and Alicedale.

“This event is aimed at fighting crime at school level,” says Constable Zita Norman, Athlone police spokesperson. “We need to start with the children at a young age. We need to work together to keep our children away from alcohol, drugs and gangsterism. Our motto is a child in sport is a child out of court.”

Vincent Daniels, president of Sports Against Crime South Africa, says the organisation wants to make a difference in young lives.

“In this way, communities learn to interact socially. It allows for give-and-take on a personal level. Participants realise that most people share the same aspirations, hopes and dreams as they do.

“It started in 1998. We focused on underprivileged churches and schools to get the youth involved and off the street. This project is something good for the children and the whole community.”

Major General Robbie Roberts, the Nyanga Cluster commander, says this project will also impact on truancy at schools. “There is a lot of gang violence and drug abuse in the area, but with this project our youth will look towards the future and see that there are other alternatives for them. Sport is something that will bring the whole community together.”

Councillor Suzette Little expressed her excitement for this project and thanked all the roleplayers for coming together and planning this event. Colonel Patience Vumazonke, Athlone police station commissioner, says this project will also help the youth with development. “It will help the kids in the community and at large.”

Dale Murphy, a teacher at St Rapheals Primary School, says he is happy to be a part of the event. “It’s important for the children’s growth to be a part of this project. Our girls and boys are excited to be part of it.”

Allen Parker, a teacher at Alicedale Primary School, says it’s a good initiative. “Especially with crime in the area, this is exactly what the children need.”

Leon Carelse, a teacher at the Athlone Christian Academy says: “Sport can play a major role in the lives of students. It will help them to understand that they belong and that it could be a career for them if they choose it.”

Fatum Adams, a teacher at Silverlea Primary School says that this soccer project will keep children off the streets.

“This is something for the youth to look forward to in the community. It’s good clean fun and is something they will definitely enjoy.”

Deon Smith, a teacher at Norma Road Primary School, says that this teaches the children discipline. “Firstly we would like to thank Constable Zita Norman and SAPS for running this project. We are teaching children that there are better things out there. We are showing them the positivity of sport. All the schools are working together and this is something our pupils can learn from.”

All participants will receive medals and certificates.The winners will walk away with a trophy. Everyone is invited to the event, entry is free.