Hockey tournament will raise money for charity in memory of murder victims James Cooper and James Kouzaris

James Cooper, aged 25, who grew up in Kenilworth, and his friend James Kouzaris, aged 24, of Northamptonshire, were shot by the 16-year-old after he tried to rob them when they mistakenly wandered into a run-down housing estate in Sarasota, Florida, in April 2011.

The charity Always a Chance seeks to change the lives of young people at risk of being involved with and attracted to violent crime in Britain.

The tournament is on Sunday, from 1pm until 6pm at Gallows Hill, Warwick, and involves teams representing Warwick School Old Boys, Stratford Hockey Club, Warwick Hockey Club and Coventry & North Warwickshire Hockey Club.

It is sponsored by commercial surveyors Reeves & Partners, which has offices in Coventry and Leamington, and organised by Rob Pomfret and Emma Clarke, who grew up playing tennis with James Cooper.

In his younger days James played at Kenilworth Tennis, Squash and Croquet Club, went to Kenilworth School, and his parents Sandra and Stanley later moved to Hampton Lucy.

Rob said: “James loved his sport so it’s fitting that we should look to hold events in his memory that reflect this passion.”

“The event will be a great opportunity to catch up with some old faces from school, many of whom I haven’t seen in years and most importantly to raise some money for a fantastic cause.

“I’m sure there will be a great atmosphere and spectators are welcome.

“Refreshments and Always A Chance merchandise will be available, alongside information about Always a Chance.”

Richard Pomfret, who is Rob’s father and managing director of Reeves & Partners, said: “The deaths touched so many people’s lives and it’s testament to the strong bonds of friendship that Always a Chance has been set up in their memory to help support young adults and steer them away from a life of violent crime.”

James was a full-time tennis coach for Inspire2coach, based at the University of Warwick.