Children representing London's rich diversity joined former professional footballers at Upton Park on Monday, (8th June) in an event to enhance community cohesion and help increase minority participation in football.

The second "One Ball, One Game, One Community" event followed on from last year's successful day and saw 260 kids from all backgrounds: white, black, Asian, Christian, Jewish, Muslim and more, coming together to play football, learn new skills and meet police officers, community leaders, FA coaches and ambassadors, as well as former England and West Ham United legend Sir Trevor Brooking.

The event, which was organised by the Metropolitan Police Service, West Ham United FC, Canary Wharf Group PLC, the FA, London FA, National Association of Muslim Police and the Jewish Committee for the London Games drew together children from the diversity of East London, who took part in a mini tournament. They also got the chance to lift the FA Cup and participate in FA skills sessions with England youth team coaches.

The event was opened by Metropolitan Police Service Assistant Commissioner Rose Fitzpatrick. Following the mini tournament, which saw the children integrated into mixed teams, awards were presented by Sir Trevor Brooking. Afterwards, there were a series of senior matches including an exhibition game featuring community veterans; the Metropolitan Police first team against an Asian select XI, which comprised some of London's finest Asian players; and Tower Hamlets ladies played the Met police ladies team.

Supt Dal Babu of the Metropolitan Police Service said: "It was a great day and everyone had a lot of fun. The kids got the chance to meet and play with other children they wouldn't ordinarily mix with, therefore helping to unite communities in the spirit of teamwork and fair play.

"Enhancing community cohesion is a key part of our strategy to help reduce crime and disorder in the future. If young people have a purpose - something that sport can provide, as well as having a better understanding and appreciation of all the communities in London then they will make a more positive contribution to our city.

"Football is a great way of breaking down barriers and by drawing together children of all backgrounds we hope they can see what they have in common, rather than dwell on their differences.

"I'd like to thank our partners, particularly West Ham, Canary Wharf Group PLC, the Football Association and Jewish Committee for the London Games, who all gave up their time to help arrange this fantastic event"

Zakir Khan, Head of Community Affairs at Canary Wharf Group said:

"It is pleasing to see these diverse London organisations come together to help the local community. Sport is such a great way to create aspiration and inspiration, especially amongst young people. We are proud that projects like this, in concert with many other community initiatives we are involved with, will have a lasting, positive impact."

FA Equality Manager, Lucy Faulkner, added: "The FA are committed to football for all and we're delighted to support this event as it unites boys and girls from different religions and cultures under one simple banner - a love of playing football."

Images from yesterday's 'One Ball, One Game, One Community' football event at West Ham United Football Club are now available to download via the following address:

www.met.police.uk/pressbureau/oneball