Fullback Destiny Udogie supported the Godwin Lawson Foundation event at Tottenham Hotspur Training Centre

Tottenham Hotspur Foundation hosted an under-12s tournament at Hotspur Way in memory of an Enfield teenager and promising footballer stabbed to death in 2010.

Yvonne Lawson established the Godwin Lawson Foundation to commemorate the life of her son Godwin and educate young people about the consequences of knife crime and, for the past twelve years, Tottenham Hotspur Foundation has worked in partnership with the charity to convey anti-knife crime messages using the power of football.

Young people from across London take part in the annual tournament and, for the first time, the tournament was hosted at Tottenham Hotspur Training Centre in Bullsmoor. The event on Thursday (17th) saw over 160 children representing 18 clubs take part in the seven-a-side tournament, which was also attended by Spurs left-back Destiny Udogie.

The Italian under-21 international was able to offer advice and words of encouragement, taking part in the team talks with the teams before their games, as well as being on hand for photos and autographs with the young players.

As part of the day, the young players also took part in a workshop with the Met Police to discuss ways to reduce youth violence and how to make the local area safer.

Speaking at the tournament, Destiny said: “For me personally, this is the first time since joining the club that I have been able to go out and meet young people from the community which means a lot to me. It’s important we educate young people about the dangers of knife crime and provide a safe space to play sport.”

Yvonne Lawson added: “Today has been very humbling. To be able to have today’s tournament in Godwin’s name is extremely comforting. To know that young people from all walks of life are here today at Tottenham Hotspur to learn about the consequences of knife crime and hopefully make the right decisions on how to keep safe, is incredible.

“Thank you to Spurs again for their invaluable support.”

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