Football Tournament For Shooting Victims

20 August 2011, 06:00

A football tournament is taking place today (Saturday August 20th) to raise money for a charity set up in memory of two British men who were shot dead whilst on holiday in Florida.

24 year old James Kouzaris, who's from Northampton, and his friend James Cooper were killed on April 16th.

Shawn Tyson, 16, who lives close to the murder scene, is being held on suspicion of double murder.

Since their deaths friends and family have got together to set up 'Always a Chance' – a charity which aims to make a difference to the lives of young people who are at risk of being involved with violent crime.

So far the charity has raised around £40,000 and that’s before its local launch week which is due to take place on October 2nd.

Today’s tournament, which has been organised by Sam Hallett, is taking place at Kettering Leisure Centre between 1pm-5pm.

Heart’s been speaking to Joe Hallet who grew up with James Kouzaris:

“The whole day is really just about getting everybody together, raising a bit of money, playing a sport that both had such a big passion for. So it’s just about getting the lads together and playing a bit of football.

“The group of Jam’s friends and Cooper’s friends – we’ve got such a bond together now. So it’s important that we get together regularly and help each other through the grieving process because it’s not an easy process when you lose your best friend, and we can all go through it together.”

For more information on the charity visit www.alwaysachance.org.uk