Back of the net: Community Kicks football tournament to return bigger and better

A free community-focused football tournament designed to improve young people’s lives and build positive relationships is returning bigger and better.  

Hundreds of young people from all corners of Nottinghamshire are set take to the pitch to compete in this year’s seven-a-side Community Kicks event, organised by Nottinghamshire Police in partnership with Nottingham Forest Community Trust.   

The popular annual initiative uses football as a universal language to foster positive relationships between police officers and young people, using the power of sport to help youngsters unlock their potential – both on and off the pitch.  

Around 300 players enjoyed and benefitted from last year’s event, and this year’s tournament – due to be held at the University of Nottingham’s David Ross Sports Village on 13 July – is set to be even bigger and better.  

Last year’s event saw more than 1,000 attendees from communities across Nottinghamshire, providing them with a safe platform to engage with police and partners as well as valuable educational inputs on topics including knife crime awareness. 

As well as the feast of football action, this year’s event will once again include a range of free fun activities for all the family as well as engagement and educational activities provided by force departments and partners.  

This year’s tournament is open to boys and girls aged between 10 and 14 years, and to all teams regardless of official status. 

We will have separate leagues for girls and boys in the U11s, U12s, U13s and U14s groups. 

It’s free to take part in the tournament and food and a drink will be available to players on the day. 

If you can get a group of friends together (seven-a-side, max 10 players) who love to play football, then sign up now!  

For more information, including how to register your team, visit Community Kicks 2025  

Inspector Paul Peatfield is Nottinghamshire Police’s Prevention Hub lead for engagement.  

He said: “We received some amazing feedback from last year’s event, with some teams saying it was the best tournament they had entered.  

“Organising this event, in partnership with the Nottingham Forest Community Trust, is a real privilege and gives young people the chance to realise their potential - both on and off the pitch – as well as helping to break down barriers between the police and the community.  

“We're looking forward to building on the successes of last year's event, with a more spacious engagement area enabling us to showcase more of our policing resources. 

"We will also be working with more partners to increase activities and engagement opportunities on offer, and there will be a viewing platform for spectators to see all the action.”  

Stefan Furgala, community engagement coordinator for the Nottingham Forest Community Trust, added: "We are incredibly proud to once again support the Community Kicks tournament, which continues to make a real difference in young people’s lives. 

"Football has the unique power to unite communities, inspire positive change, and provide opportunities both on and off the pitch. 

"Through our partnership with Nottinghamshire Police, we aim to create a safe, inclusive, and enjoyable environment where young people can develop their skills, build confidence, and form positive relationships. We can’t wait to see the impact it has on all those taking part." 

Dan Tilley, The University of Nottingham's director of sport, said: "We're delighted to welcome back Nottinghamshire Police and Nottingham Forest Community Trust for their Community Kicks event here at our flagship David Ross Sports Village venue and to play a part in this fantastic community initiative.  

"The University of Nottingham is fortunate to have world-class facilities in the heart of Nottingham offering an inspirational backdrop for the talented young sportsmen and women who are competing. 

"We hope enjoying these facilities will perhaps also encourage them to consider their higher education options for the future." 

Teams will need to be registered by 31 May. Registration will close once all 48 spaces have been filled.  

Free car parking will be provided on site. 

Have any questions before signing up? Email us at [email protected]