Tackling knife crime: how Birmingham group hopes football can help

A youth work group from Handsworth held a football match with West Midlands Police to help tackle knife crime in the community.

Forever 15 planned the match at Handsworth Leisure Centre to break down barriers and the stigma around young people and the police.

The group were also provided there equipment from Birmingham City Football Club Community for the match.

Michelle is from the group and said: "We want to try and build up that trust between the community and police.

"So, we thought what better way than having a football match. I think what worked out great was seeing the officers in their uniforms and in the goal genuinely wanting to be there.

"It helps to keep building that relationship we want."

Ricky also works as part of Forever 15, he said: "I feel like something like this has brought people together and has opened eyes and minds to see that this is possible.

"Coming from the street, people see the police as the enemy and I believe that is a stigma that has been built and created for people in poor communities to believe."

The group aren't stopping there either to reach their aim, as Michelle and Ricky along with a sergeant from Handsworth Police are taking on a mountain walking challenge this weekend.

Along with a planned rematch for the football game.