A FOOTIE team put together from youth club members who do not specialise in the game took the prize for sportsmanship on Sunday.

Teams from across the county took part in the tournament at Melksham Football Club organised by Wiltshire Police and KickOff@3.

Youth leader Steve Dewar said: "Potterne Youth Club was the only non-football focused youth club taking part and although they did not win the trophy, they did come 4th in the 13/14 age category. They received participation medals and more importantly the team won the Sportsmanship Award for fair play and positive attitude.

"The Potterne team was made up of young people that attend the Friday Night Drop In at Potterne Youth Centre. The Potterne team had no subs available so they had to play all the matches which was tough going against some fresher opposition.

"The players were a mixed group from Devizes and Lavington School. They were also playing against some of their friends in other more established teams so it was a little competitive. These young people did a great job giving 100 per cent."

On Sunday 19th May, youth football team from across the county took part in a football tournament held at Melksham Football Club. The competition was in partnership with Wiltshire Police and KickOff@3. Football teams from across the county aged 13/14 and 15/16 entered with most being established teams, Potterne Youth Club entered as the only non-football focused youth club taking part and although they did not win the trophy, they did come 4th in the 13/14 age category. ( and received participation medals) and more importantly the team won the “Sportsmanship Award” for fair play and positive attitude. Presentations were made to all players by Police Chief Constable Kier Pritchard. The Potterne team was made up of young people that attend the Friday Night Drop In at Potterne Youth Centre. Team Organiser and Wiltshire Youth Worker Steve Dewar said “ The PYFC team had no subs available so they had to play all the matches which was tough going against some fresher opposition. The players were a mixed group from Devizes and Lavington School. They were also playing against some of their friends in other more established teams so it was a little competitive. These young people did a great job giving 100%”.

Following a recent FAKE presentation by Steve Dewar by front line armed Police officers Potterne Youth Club on the issue of knife crime and the impact it can have, this tournament set to give positive Hope in words and actions, on and off the pitch.