These impromptu tributes by local young people to Ben Kinsella appeared in Bingfield Park yesterday.  Paul Converys touching comment here explains that Ben played football with CYP the local youth group. 

‘A random act of violence in the small hours of Sunday morning has shattered a family and shocked a neighbourhood.

There is a palbable sense of distress around here. Ben was a local boy. He played football for the Copenhagen Youth Project team. His desperate phone call begging for help minutes before he died was to a young man who was the CYP’s table tennis mentor. Many of us have tangible connections with this incident, it’s timing and place. ‘

‘We desperately need activities and services that help kids to understand that violence is the wrong reaction. Co-operation, self respect and respect for others has to be strengthened by giving kids the space and resource to relate to others and to find themselves. They also need to burn energy and engage in activity that is risky yet controlled. That requires massive investment in activities for young people.’

Intended or not, the only way the tag on the surface of the pitch will go is if hundreds of young people play football together on it. Normally I am tough on graffiti and on the causes of grafitti (Banksy) but i hope this stays for a while until plans for a more permanent memorial are in place.