Luton uni wins Luton Regeneration
football tournament
Released: 28.06.06

 

The Luton University football team were the winners of a two-day tournament that was organised by UCKG, one of the town's most progressive and people-oriented churches. They beat Dunstable Juniors FC by a convincing four goals to one at Creasey Park, Dunstable Town Football Club's 3,500 capacity stadium, in an exciting final on May 28.

The fight for third place was an intense game between Dunstable College and Luton VYG, which is the youth group from Luton's new UCKG HelpCentre. This was a very intense game that went to penalties. The Luton VYG goalkeeper proved his worth with a stunning save, while one of the Dunstable College players missed a vital penalty.

Trophies were presented to the winners and runners up by local and national celebrities. Councillor Julian Wates, Mayor of Luton, handed the winners' trophy whilst Councillor Cynthia Gresham, Mayor of Dunstable gave gold medals to the team members. Former England and Chelsea striker Kerry Dixon presented silver medals to the runners up from Dunstable Juniors FC.

“All four finalist teams showed exceptional skills on the pitch, having had to battle hard for their places in the final,” said Pastor Alex who heads the VYG in Luton. “This was particularly fitting as the youth football tournament was part of an ongoing campaign to improve facilities and services for young people in the Luton area that we're calling the Luton Regeneration Project.”

The project uses sport, drama, music, and other popular activities to motivate the town's youth out of trouble and into education, or work training schemes. It seeks to encourage young people to makes something of their lives and to aim high, whatever career path they have chosen.

The next task for the project is to create a Study Support Centre that will give users free access to qualified training and support. All the activities provided by the UCKG Help Centre are free to young people in Luton and Dunstable, and the church needs help in funding this project in order to deliver results that will benefit both individuals and the town of Luton.

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Note to editors: The Luton UCKG HelpCentre extends its thanks to the following sponsors of the football tournament:

McDonald's
- Luton VYG's football kit
- 50,000 leaflets for advertising the tournament
- Water and fruit bags
- McDonald's meal for the players of the winning team

Marks & Spencer
- Buffet for the VIP area
- Water

Vauxhall Leisure Centre
- Use of Astro turf pitches for VYG's weekly football training sessions

Snappy Snaps
- Professional photographer for both days
- Posters for advertising event

Av2hire.com
- Projector equipment used for advertising event 

The Victory Youth Group was set up in 1996 by the UCKG HelpCentre, a Christian church and registered charity, and currently has a regular weekly church-wide attendance of over 1000 youngsters aged 14-24. It provides stimulating, constructive activities including football and basketball competitions, cinema trips and musical events.

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If you require any further information regarding the UCKG, please submit your enquiry or telephone Francessca Lewis on 0207 686 6033.