CHRISTMAS FUN WITH THE ARMY

Just before Christmas SCORE was the home for the Leyton Orient Community Sports Programme (LOCSP) Community 6-a-Side Football Tournament in association with the British Army.

With LOCSP continuing to work with the British Army on a number of levels through a variety of initiatives, this Army-funded day celebrated this partnership and LOCSP's engagement with young people throughout 2009.

The tournament featured over 120 participants from Tower Hamlets, Waltham Forest, Barking and Dagenham, Redbridge and Hackney from a wide mix of ethnicities, religions and postcodes. Many of the youngsters had never played in an organised tournament, let alone on a full-size Astroturf.

The day saw two 6-a-side competitions for boys and girls, one at U12 level and one at U16. Alongside these tournaments Army Officers were on hand to offer advice and support as well as guiding youngsters through the special Army ‘Reaction Station’ – a device which involves hitting different lit-up pads to test reflexes over 45 seconds with points given for accuracy.

Prizes were on offer for winners and runners-up in both age group competitions, points winners in the Reaction Station, MVP awards for players who showed good sportsmanship. In addition, Army t-shirts, key rings and water bottles were given out to each participant.

The U12 final saw the North London Muslim Community Centre team (NLMCC) from Hackney beat Noor-ul-Islam from Waltham Forest and the U16s tournament saw NLMCC beat Kelmscott from Waltham Forest whilst U12 participant Abdal Khan won the reaction competition.

Participant Hafis Ahmed, 10, from Waltham Forest said:

“I never played a tournament before and we got into the finals on my first time, even though I lost it was the best day I had playing football'.

Shamajul Motin, LOCSP Community Development Manager said:

“The Army’s support has not only helped to aid us to deliver such a competition but I also felt it helped break down the perceived barriers that young people have to their understanding of what the British Army is all about - which can be negative at times.

“Throughout the day young people were talking to Army Officers and having good banter with them.

“Today was a great day out for everyone and we welcome anyone who wishes to supports us like the British Army have done today in providing tournaments like this.”