Posh guest for city youngsters

YOUNG footballers in Peterborough were treated to a visit from Posh star Craig Alcock during their special tournament.

More than 100 city children welcomed the Peterborough United defender to St John Fisher Catholic High School, in Park Lane, Eastfield, as part of a competition held in April.

The event was organised through the city’s Friday Night Football scheme – a joint project between Cambridgeshire police, local Youth Offending Service and Peterborough United Football Club, which aims to get youngsters occupied and inter- ested in playing football.

The Championship player spent time talking to youngsters as well as signing programmes for them.

Nick Sheppard, Posh’s Football In The Community officer, said: “We are delighted to be continuing the partnership with youth offending services and the police with this project. Craig Alcock visiting topped off a great afternoon for the young people in attendance and we are thankful as ever for him coming down in his own time to make the day even more memorable.”

Two tournaments were played on the day, one for under 14s and one for those aged 14 and above. Posh tickets and trophies were presented to winners while runners-up took home medals.

Wayne Stainsby sports officer from the Youth Offending Service, said: “I think it was brilliant that Craig Alcock came down to support a really successful tournament which was jointly run between us, the local police and Posh.

“All the young people were really excited about Craig being there and it was fantastic he had time to have a chat with them and sign autographs.”