A FOOTBALL day run by Essex Police has been hailed a huge success.

Following on from the success of a previous event in April, the force held its second 999 football tournament.

The event differed from the previous one, as it was an all-girls event, which featured 88 Year 8 girls from seven schools across the district.

Halstead Gazette:

Halstead Gazette:

Halstead Gazette:

That was an increase on about 50 pupils from five secondary schools who took part in the event last time.

Domestic violence charity Next Chapter was at the event, as well as the community safety partnership which spoke with the participants about staying safe and healthy relationships.

Halstead Gazette:

Halstead Gazette:

Essex Police also invited coaches from Colchester United's Girls Development Centre to do some training drills and skills demos with girls on the day.

Tesco workers were also on-hand with water and fruit for everyone involved.

Halstead Gazette:

Halstead Gazette:

Community Policing Inspector Jenna Mirrington-French said: “Events like these are important engagements for us to break down some of the barriers between police and young people and part of our approach to tackle violence against women and girls.

“It also creates an opportunity for us and our partners, like Next Chapter, to speak directly to the young teens.

“These girls may be starting new relationships, and this was a chance to talk to them about what is and isn’t healthy when dating”