FOOTBALL was the key to bringing together underprivileged youths when a charity tournament was held.

The People We Love charity cup saw two teams competing at Drapers Sports Ground, off Leyton High Road with the Bibs beating the Shirts 8-5.

People We Love is a charity which works with children who struggle within a school environment and the event was held to raise awareness of their condition and to help them build confidence and social skills.

Princes Trust representative Kashif Nijabat, who attended the match, said: “I think they're brilliant. It makes the young people feel wanted and keeps them off the streets. I know half those kids will normally go out and get up to no good and there's a lot of gun crime and knife crime out there.

“Everyone had a brilliant time. The feedback I got was that it was a really good event and we hope to do a lot more and make it a lot bigger. Hopefully there will be a lot of events like this either through boxing or basketball. Sports can be an outlet for many kids.”

People We Love managing director Zubair Hussain said: "These people are finding it hard and they're just going on the streets. We are making sure these guys are staying out of trouble and keeping them away from crime." For more information visit peoplewelove.org.uk.