A FOOTBALL tournament organised by Community Justice Ayrshire is set to see 16 teams battle it out to be crowned winners.

The sides are all involved in community justice across Ayrshire and they will be kicking off the #JustFootball 5-a-side charity football tournament on Sunday, September 30.

The tournament will take place at the Powerleague, Kilmarnock and teams taking part include Justice Social Work Services, Police Scotland, recovery groups and a host of other voluntary organisations.

They are coming together to raise at least £1,500 for Howard League Scotland, a charitable organisation which campaigns for improvements and reforms to our justice system.

Howard League Scotland campaigns tirelessly for the rights of those involved in the Criminal Justice System. However, it is principally staffed by volunteers, and is an independent charitable organisation that does not receive government funding.

The organisers of the #JustFootball tournament are PING: People’s Involvement Networking Group (South Ayrshire); MAD: Making A Difference (North Ayrshire); CVN: Community Voices Network (East Ayrshire) all of whom are supported by Community Justice Ayrshire. PING, CVN and MAD comprise service users and a range of professional partners involved with Community Justice Services across Ayrshire.

Allan Weaver, Team Manager, Justice Services, North Ayrshire said: “Football, and sport in general, promotes participation, provides structure and discipline, enhances mental and physical well-being, and can support personal change.”

The event will have free activities for children and a light buffet. Readers can donate at https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/justfootball