BT BACKING SOCIAL COHESION IN LONDON WITH BOROUGH CUP

The BT-sponsored 32 Borough Cup returns this Sunday 11 July, bringing together 32 youth teams from across London in a one-day tournament aimed at ending gang rivalries.

 This year’s tournament is sponsored by BT as part of its Hope United initiative, which aims to tackle online hate and educate the nation on how to be good digital citizens. Hope United launched ahead of the UEFA European Championships with players such as Marcus Rashford, Gareth Bale and Lucy Bronze, aiming to tackle online hate.

As part of the tournament BT Sport will be running workshops designed to inspire and highlight opportunities within sports broadcasting, with expertise shared around the areas of creative, digital, compliance and production. Following the tournament BT plans to reach across London with social media training linked to Hope United to provide participants with the digital skills they need to tackle hate online.

The 32 Borough Cup, launched in 2019 by Hackney Wick FC club founder Bobby Kasangna, also aims to highlight togetherness among youth in London, working to combat the increase in youth violence while showcasing the talent of young Londoners and creating opportunities for them.

Bobby Kasanga commented: “The 32 Borough Cup aims to be a symbol of anti-youth violence activism in London. Our objective is to get kids off the streets to kick ball instead and realise their potential. BT has been doing some great work this year with their campaigns against online hate and their commitment to supporting the next generation is really aligned with our mission so we are thrilled to have them supporting this year’s tournament.”

Jamie Hindhaugh, chief operating officer, BT Sport, said:  “Through our Hope United initiative BT will build on Sunday’s inspiring 32 Borough Cup to highlight the positive potential of social media to bring communities together. Meanwhile Sunday’s BT Sport workshops will enhance our existing work with communities in London, such as BT Sport Takeover which gives Londoners a taste of sports broadcasting.”