Tulsa Police, FC Tulsa Host FIFA Tournament for Middle, High School Students

The Tulsa Police Department and the FC Tulsa professional soccer team are working together to make a difference in the lives of at-risk youth and they’re doing it through technology.

TPD and FC Tulsa are holding a FIFA video game tournament for middle school and high school students through their Project Engage Program.

The tournament is not until October, but registration opened Thursday at Woodland Hills Mall. Registration continues Friday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. where kids will get to meet some of the FC Tulsa players and Tulsa Police officers. They’ll also have the opportunity to win prizes and practice the video game.

Project Engage is a program that operates year-round. Officer Sean Terrell said TPD wanted to find a different want to use technology to reach youth.

“So we asked the question, 'What do you like to do?' And the answer was videos games, so we said, 'Hey, let's use video games as a way to connect with the youth in our city,’” Terrell said.

Terrell said so far it is really helping officers build relationships with kids in the community.

“I think there's a lot of kids that may be a little apprehensive walking up to a police officer, so when they see the video games, ya know, it kind of catches their attention. It just opens up the door for us to have a conversation,” said Terrell.

The Project Engage Program FIFA tournament is for kids 10 to 17 years old.

The final two players will get to play on the jumbotron at ONEOK Field before an FC Tulsa Game. They will also win a $250 gift card and an FC Tulsa Jersey.