TRANMERE Rovers have joined forces with their fellow Merseyside football clubs for a County Lines prevention event. 

Everton, Liverpool, Marine and Tranmere all came together at Marine FC's ground  to stage their third football tournament and County Lines prevention event. 

The tournament was for teams of boys and girls from Year 7 who represented each of the four football clubs on Merseyside who are part of Crimestoppers Four Clubs One Goal initiative. 

The round robin football tournament was interspersed with short sessions on how young people are being groomed and exploited and how to report these issues via Crimestoppers anonymously. 
 
The teams who represented each club won their place in the finals after competing in tournaments held by each club over the preceding week.  
 
The goal of the day was to deliver a powerful message that County Lines destroys lives. It highlighted that young people can take part in the wide range of activities that each club provides to help and support them throughout the year, through the work of their Community Foundations. 
 
Liverpool Legend Chris Kirkland and Everton legend and club Ambassador Ian Snodin presented the medals to all those who took part, and trophies to the winners of the boys’ and girls’ events. 

Nigel Adkins, Tranmere Rovers manager, said: “It’s encouraging to see the four clubs, Tranmere with Everton, Liverpool and Marine, collaborating for good in this way and to educate children about the signs of crime at an age where they can then use the skills and experience they have gained as they go into their teenage years. This is a project which shows the power of sport as a vehicle for societal change, and that clubs can unite and work together to bring that change.” 

 Liverpool FC legend, David Fairclough, who is also a Crimestoppers volunteer , added: “It was a fantastic day with some very competitive matches, but all played in a great spirit. Football is a great way to engage with young people and if what the young people heard during the day stops one young person getting involved in County Lines, then we have been successful in our aim of reducing crime on Merseyside. 
 
“Tragically, young people often think they have no choice, but there is help and support available and young people have an simple way through Crimestoppers and Fearless to report those who are targeting them.”