White Ribbon Charity Football Tournament celebrates another year of success
The White Ribbon campaign to end violence against girls and women was once again supported by a football tournament at Gosling Sports Park, Welwyn Garden City on Tuesday 28 November.
The event, which was organised by Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council in partnership with Stevenage Football club foundation, saw around 100 participants forming 16 teams from various sectors and communities including Hertfordshire Constabulary, the Get Golfing charity, Stevenage Borough Council, and local football clubs. The Mayor of Welwyn Hatfield, Councillor Pankit Shah, Cabinet members and officers, were among the attendees who cheered on the players and showed their solidarity with the cause.
The teams competed in friendly but hard-fought matches, with the final winners being Lemsford FC for the men’s category and Larkspur for the ladies’ category. The tournament was also a celebration of the diversity and unity of the local community, with everyone wearing white ribbons and pledging to never use, excuse, or remain silent about men’s violence against women.
The White Ribbon initiative kicked off on 25 November on ‘White Ribbon Day’, which also marks the start of 16 Days of Action Against Gender-Based Violence, a global campaign. The council works to raise awareness and educate staff and residents on how to prevent and respond to all forms of violence against women, through awareness events like this, and internal training.
Stevenage football club foundation said:
“We were delighted to work with Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council again and support with the delivery of the annual White Ribbon Tournament, which raises awareness and supports an incredibly important cause. We urge anyone to sign the white ribbon promise and help end violence against women and girls. The link can be found here.”
“Finally, a huge thank you all the teams that took part with fantastic spirits throughout a successful evening”.
Councillor Max Holloway, Executive Member, Community and Leisure, said:
“It was inspiring to see so many people coming together on a chilly autumn evening to support the White Ribbon campaign. This is an important issue that affects millions of girls and women around the world, and we all have a role to play in ending it. Partnering with Stevenage Football Foundation has been a great way to spread this message and we’re very proud of the enthusiasm and commitment of everyone who participated and helped to make the tournament such a success.”