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The Everton Foundation has backed Liverpool Community College's annual football tournament in memory of Anthony Walker.

Anthony was 18 years of age when he was murdered in a racist attack in Huyton, Merseyside in July 2005. He was a student at the college and students and staff wanted to start an annual event that focused on bringing different groups of youngsters together for positive causes.

The teams who participated in May's tournament were from all different learning centres of the College. Those from the Duke Street Centre were studying on ESOL (English for Speakers of another Language) Courses. The ESOL Department teaches students who are new to this country, mostly asylum seekers and refugees. Another team came from one of the outreach drop in Study Centres at Parklands, Speke and another was from the Vauxhall Road Centre in the City Centre. The players were aged between 16 and 19 years.

The charity CALM (campaign against living miserably) was at the venue on the day with their 'chill out zone'. This organisation offers advice and guidance to young men on mental health issues including how to handle stress and other serious issues.

Mike Mills, Community Engagement Officer from the Everton Foundation attended and opened the tournament by showing a viewing of the Show Racism the Red Card film to this very diverse group of participants. The film harnesses the role model status of professional footballers to educate people about the dangers of racism. It also explains how to deal with racism and how we can all help to eradicate it from our communities.

Mike said: "The film actually touches upon the tragic death of Anthony and it was moving to hear the spontaneous applause as the film concluded. This clearly demonstrated that the messages within had been well received by all present."

The football tournament was played at the Peter Lloyd Sports Centre, Tuebrook. Whilst it was competitive, it was also played in the right spirit with each player showing respect for their team-mates, opposition and the referees.

The two semi finals of the tournament were contested between Young Guns vs. Kick Back and Orme FC vs. Refugee All Stars. Orme FC from the Vauxhall Road Centre beat Young Guns from the Clarence Street Centre in the final.

Mike added: "Everton Football Club are pleased to offer our support to Liverpool Community College and such events, if we all work together and learn to understand and respect each other, racism can become a thing of the past."