A FOOTBALL tournament organised by Runcorn Local Policing Unit has resulted in more than 20 players being scouted by the likes of Manchester United, Manchester City, Liverpool and Everton.

The free KOPS ‘n’ Kids event at Runcorn Linnets’ pitches in Stockham Lane, Murdishaw, saw 1,293 children having football fun and getting to know local police officers and PCSOs over two consecutive weekends in July.

Under sevens to 14s teams from Runcorn, Widnes, Ellesmere Port, Warrington and Liverpool took part in a total of 306 small-sided games, where players were also scouted by Burnley and Blackburn Rovers.

Coaches from the Liverpool FC Foundation and Everton in the Community delivered training sessions to children at the tournament.

Former professional football player and manager Brian Horton and British auto racing driver and Celebrity Gogglebox star Paul O’Neill were among those who attended to support the event and hand out trophies to the winning teams.

Chief Inspector Leeroy Moss, of Runcorn Local Policing Unit (LPU), said: “The tournament was an overwhelming success.

“The Covid-19 pandemic has severely limited the amount of football that children have been able to play in recent times.

One of the teams that were successful at the Runcorn tournament

One of the teams that were successful at the Runcorn tournament

“It was great seeing them having so much fun emulating their heroes competing at this year’s Euros.

“Football fever gripped the nation this summer as a result of the Euros, and the first community football tournament organised by Runcorn LPU for four decades certainly added to the increased passion for the sport locally.”

Runcorn police thanked Runcorn Linnets for hosting the event for free and the Steve Morgan Foundation for paying all the other costs involved with hosting a football tournament.

Mr Silky Skills arranged a good luck video including John Barnes and former Commonwealth Games 800 metres champion Diane Modahl.

Another team that won at the tournament and celebrated in style

Another team that won at the tournament and celebrated in style

Chief Inspector Moss added: “The tournament at Runcorn Linnets’ pitches in Murdishaw is one of many successful KOPS ‘n’ Kids events that have been held in Runcorn in recent years, and the scheme is now being rolled out to other areas of Cheshire.”

Police and Crime Commissioner John Dwyer said: “Building a positive relationship between local policing and communities is so important. I want to say a huge thank you to everyone who made the event a success and well done to all the teams that took part.”