Police to hold 'homeless' football tournament in Derby
- Published
A football tournament is to be held by police in Derby to highlight how they tackle homelessness and street drinking.
Police hope the event, in the city's Market Place on Tuesday, will also help to break down stereotypes.
It forms part of Operation Relentless, a six-week campaign tackling nuisance behaviour and alcohol-related crime across Derbyshire.
Most of the players in the tournament are homeless or have been in the past.
'Want to change'
The event is supported by the Homeless World Cup Organisation.
Any funds raised will go towards Derby's Make It Count campaign, which supports homeless people.
The city's Street Drinkers Reference Group, established in April 2009, aims to tackle the problem by either helping street drinkers beat their addiction or by seeking prosecutions, Asbos and injunctions where necessary.
Community Safety Sergeant Dave Simmonds said: "We want to rigorously tackle the behaviour of those who do, while supporting those people who genuinely want to change their circumstances."