Annual Godwin Lawson Foundation event combines football with raising awareness of the dangers of knives, drugs and gangs in memory of an Enfield teen stabbed to death in 2010

An Enfield charity founded by the parents of a young footballer murdered 15 years ago held its latest annual tournament for talented kids at the Tottenham Hotspur Training Centre yesterday (Thursday 14^th).

Tottenham Hotspur Foundation again teamed up to host the event at the Bulls Cross venue alongside the Godwin Lawson Foundation, which is dedicated to keeping alive the memory of 17-year-old Godwin, stabbed to death in March 2010 while trying to break up a fight.

The tournament is part of the foundation’s programme of activities to keep local young people engaged through the school holidays but players from several other football club community organisations are also invited, with the event serving as an “important opportunity for education around the consequences of knife crime”.

Speaking to the Dispatch during the event, Godwin’s father Calvin Lawson expressed his fears over the rising dangers for young people online and elsewhere.

“At the time Godwin died, we didn’t think things would escalate like they have,” said Calvin. “I blame the law because it should be tougher than what it is.

“If you kill someone and you come out of jail after a few years, what message does it send? The government is also still allowing people to sell knives online, it is easy for them. It is becoming more dangerous [for kids].”

Godwin Lawson Foundation works closely with schools in Enfield and Haringey to run workshops and talks during term time, on everything from knives to gangs, drugs and safety online. There were also people on hand at yesterday’s event to speak to some of the young footballers in attendance in-between their scheduled matches.

At the end of the day, the kids were also asked to pledge that they would never carry a knife, while the captains of each team also helped release a number of red balloons, with each one symbolising the life of a young person lost to knife crime in London this year.

Watching on from the sidelines as the under-14s football tournament took place was Tottenham Hotspur club ambassador Ledley King, who said: “It’s always a privilege to attend this tournament and it’s fantastic to see how the foundation continues working with the Godwin Lawson Foundation to provide this educational opportunity for so many young people.

“Football is a powerful awareness-raising tool and the club strives to give local youth a positive outlet through the foundation. Events like this can change lives and I’m proud to support that.”

Harry, aged 14, is a regular participant in the Premier League Kicks sessions delivered by the foundation and captained a team representing Spurs during the tournament. Scoring 13 goals himself, Harry nearly won the trophy for his side but they just came up short, losing 4-3 in the final.

Harry told the Dispatch: “It’s inspiring what they [Godwin Lawson Foundation] are doing in the community to help kids stay away from drugs and knives and it was really good to talk to them about it.”

Premier League Kicks, funded through the Premier League Charitable Fund, uses the power of football and sport to inspire young people to reach their potential, particularly in “high need” areas. of England and Wales.

Daisy, aged twelve, has been part of the Foundation Football Centre since it was set up for local girls excelling at football and took part in the girls’ tournament yesterday. She said: “The sessions teach us how to build our confidence. We learn tactical and technical skills, and we play fun games.

“Today, at workshops in between our games, we’ve learnt helpful survival skills and what to do in emergency situations. It’s been really nice to have a chance to play here.”

The Foundation Football Centre operates out of Douglas Eyre Sports Centre, in Walthamstow, between 5.30pm and 7pm on Fridays.

At the end of the day Yvonne Lawson MBE gave an emotional speech as she talked about the impact of losing Godwin 15 years ago and why the work of her charity continued to be so important, having so far helped 5,000 young people since being launched.

“Football does help to break down barriers and it shows we are stronger together than we are divided,” Yvonne said.

“We talk about why it is important not to carry a knife – and because of Godwin’s story you are not going to carry a knife. You are part of something bigger, you are proving that football is not just a game but a bridge between people. Godwin’s name lives on in every smile and every goal.”

Philip Rudling, Tottenham Hotspur Foundation’s head of programmes, added: “We’re always proud to help run this tournament in memory of Godwin and today was made even more special by this being our latest opportunity to give members of the local community access to the world-class facilities at Hotspur Way.

“By engaging young people through sport and meaningful experiences, we aim to inspire positive choices and create safer, stronger communities.”

No news is bad news 

Independent news outlets like ours – reporting for the community without rich backers – are under threat of closure, turning British towns into news deserts. 

The audiences they serve know less, understand less, and can do less. 

If our coverage has helped you understand our community a little bit better, please consider supporting us with a monthly, yearly or one-off donation. 

Choose the news. Don’t lose the news.

Monthly direct debit 

Annual direct debit

£5 per month supporters get a digital copy of each month’s paper before anyone else, £10 per month supporters get a digital copy of each month’s paper before anyone else and a print copy posted to them each month. £50 annual supporters get a digital copy of each month's paper before anyone else.  

More information on supporting us monthly or yearly 

More Information about donations