Money seized from criminals has boosted West Kirby United Football Club.
Operation Payback is a partnership between Merseyside Police and Liverpool Crown Court that turns confiscated cash from drug dealers into funding for local charities and voluntary groups – supporting communities and improving lives.
Merseyside Police presented the club with a cheque for £2,297.95 after it was chosen as December’s featured charity.
The donation from Operation Payback will help the club replace equipment and continue delivering high-quality services to its young members. In addition, Cheshire Constabulary will provide a further £885.50 to support the club’s work.
Sgt Paul Doran, who presented members of the football club with the cheque, said: “The club is a brilliant example of local people working together to help young people develop essential skills.
“Their growing girls’ team is fantastic—it challenges gender stereotypes, promotes equality, and creates visible female role models.
“I’ve no doubt this club has transformed lives, and so this funding will hopefully set many young people on a pathway to success.”
Paul Wood, Club Leader, West Kirby United, said: “I believe that sport transforms lives, it helps to build stronger, more resilient communities, it teaches discipline, teamwork and communication skills, all of which are essential to get on in the world.
“The ongoing work of this club and its success is a testament to the hard work of everyone involved, and it shows the positive impact local initiatives can have, creating opportunities, promoting health, and nurturing the leaders of tomorrow.
“We are extremely thankful to Operation Payback for the money we have received, it will be put to good use replacing old equipment and will help us to continue providing the best quality service to the young members of our club.”
The presentation coincides with Merseyside Police and partners’ involvement in Winter of Action – a major policing campaign running from 1 December to 31 January 2026 aimed at tackling crime, reassuring communities and promoting public safety across the region.
Pictured top are the West Kirby United girls’ football team with Sergeant Paul Doran and Paul Wood, Club Leader, West Kirby United