Tiki-Taka showed plenty of skill as they scooped the Under-14s London Estates Cash Cup, and a well-earned £1,000, at Paddington Recreation Ground

ORGANISERS behind a free football tournament with the goal of helping youngsters learn “vital life skills” have warned that the future of the two-touch competition is in doubt unless they can find some much-needed financial support.

More than 300 players signed up to take part in the 2024 London Estates Cash Cup, competing in a series of thrilling heats across the capital throughout June.

On Sunday the finalists from four different age groups gathered at the Paddington Recreation Ground in Westminster for the chance to not only walk away with silverware, but also £1,000 in cold, hard cash.

The popular four-a-side tournament, organised by 2 Touch Rulz (2TR) Football, demands “teamwork and mental maturity” with players being restricted to just two touches. There is no goalkeeper, and parts of each goal are protected by panels – so sharpshooters have to display pinpoint accuracy when trying to find the back of the net.

Thumbs up for the players from ABS – a team of friends from Acland Burghley School in Tufnell Park – who won the Under-12s competition

Explaining how this on-field approach transcends just football, organiser Charlie Browne said: “By restricting players to two touches they quickly start to understand that they have to work together to achieve their goal.

“They learn not only the importance of supporting their teammates, but also in letting their teammates support them. You can’t think as an individual, you have to work, think and act together, as a team.

“We discuss with all the players how these are vital life skills. We want these young people to go back home into their local communities and think about, and understand, how important it is to work together and support each other, just like they would when they’re on the football pitch.”

Highgate-based Khan FC picked up £1,000 for the second tournament in a row after winning the Under-16s age group, with captain Sarib Khan describing the victory on Sunday as ‘an awesome achievement’

With such a key message at the heart of the tournament, Charlie, who lives in Holloway, Islington, said it was “a crying shame” that the London Estates Cash Cup could soon be no more. He added: “Overall it cost us about £14,000 to run the competition, £10,000 of which we received from the National Lottery Community Fund. We also had support from Active Westminster who provided the pitches for the finals for free.

“The other £4,000, which makes up the prize money, was raised through 2TR Football events. Basically we run a weekly session and we charge a player £3 to join in, and then £2 for their sibling, £1 for the next sibling and then free for any more brothers or sisters that might come along with them. It’s really not just about making money.

“Instead of paying myself a wage to run the sessions, we put any funds raised towards the prize money – so essentially it’s coming out of my own pocket. Unfortunately I just can’t afford to do that any more.

Don’t be fooled by their team name, as The Nobodys – from in and around the Dartmouth Park area – were among the grand victors as they triumphed in the Under-10s competition

“We’ve now held two tournaments and proved that the formula works. By taking this free tournament onto estates, and bringing football to their doorstep, we’ve seen first-hand how keen the young people are to engage with each other and work together.

“It has been a really positive experience. But, as it stands, we won’t be running the competition again, which is a crying shame.

“For that to change we really need help and support. We need a business or someone, maybe even a local council, to at least help us with the prize money. It doesn’t need to be one business, it could be two or three smaller, local businesses who want to get involved. Many hands make light work after all.

“We haven’t lost any of our enthusiasm or passion for running this project, and we are ready to start organising the next tournament tomorrow if the right support comes in. That would be fantastic.”

Anyone interested in saving the London Estates Cash Cup should visit www.2trfootball.com or email info@2trfootball.com

Aston award: Trophy presented in memory of much-missed coach

Errol McKenzie with the debut winner of the Aston Stewart Award at the Estates Cup, Katanga FC’s Jeremiah Ruphael

LEGENDARY sports coach Aston Stewart was remembered at the 2024 London Estates Cash Cup on Sunday when 2TR Football committee member Errol McKenzie brought along a special trophy in his honour to hand out to one of the young stars of the tournament.

Known for his trademark beaming smile, Mr Stewart worked at West Hampstead Primary School for more than 20 years, and was also a youth and community sports worker at Sidings Community Centre, also in West Hampstead.

Mr Stewart (above) died in November 2022. He wasn’t directly connected to 2TR Football, but their cup competition represented the kind of event that Mr Stewart would have loved as it saw more than 300 children and young people enjoying sport.

The debut winner of the Aston Stewart Award was Katanga FC’s Jeremiah Ruphael, who displayed a broad smile across his face despite his team missing out on a place in the final.

Mr Stewart’s close friend, Errol, said: “Aston was always there for the young people, supporting them and encouraging them to be the best versions of themselves that they could be.

In winning the award, Jeremiah had a positive attitude and showed respect, commitment and teamwork – these were all qualities that Aston stood for. We all miss him very much.”