No Knives Better Lives tournament

Doon Academy was the venue for a 'No Knives Better Lives' football tournament involving pupils from four East Ayrshire secondary schools recently.

No Knives Better Lives is a successful campaign, led by the Scottish Government, which highlights the dangers of violent crime, helping to divert young people away from antisocial behaviour.

The action-packed event, which was a partnership between East Ayrshire Council and Police Scotland, welcomed 70 pupils from Doon, St Joseph's, Kilmarnock, Auchinleck and Cumnock Academies.

The pupils were joined by teachers from their schools and their campus officers PC Ballie, PC McPike and local communities policing Inspector Colin Shearer. Also helping with the event were East Ayrshire Council’s active schools co-ordinators and NKBL co-ordinator Jane Dailly.

The focus of the tournament isn't just about football.  Off the pitch it is about peer education and encouraging young  people to make positive lifestyle choices. The prizes on the day were presented by Doon Academy's head teacher Kenny Reilly with the overall winner being Cumnock Academy, who received a plaque as recognition.

Campus officer for Doon Academy, PC Kennedy said: “This was a brilliant event. The young people really got behind the tournament, training hard in the weeks leading up to the competition. No Knives Better Lives is a worthwhile campaign which has a significant impact on young people. The tournament was great fun for everyone involved but there was serious message which we got across really well to our pupils. 

“I am incredibly proud of all the young people who participated on the day. They showed determination and played with great spirit."

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