Football club fighting extremism awarded

A youth football club praised by US President Barack Obama for combating extremism and internet radicalisation was among the winners at the Daily Mirror and Sport England Pride of Sport Awards.

Teaching respect, discipline and team work, Tuff FC's goal is to promote tolerance on the pitch and create a sense of unity.

Football Association-trained coaches run weekly sessions for the 10 to 17-year-olds, who are from a variety of backgrounds across east London and Bradford.

So it came as no surprise that the scheme clinched the Sport England Community Sports Initiative of the Year at the Pride of Sport Awards in London.

As well as sharpening their footballing skills, the youngsters are also equipped with the knowledge and tools to combat online propaganda.

The project, which began in Southall in August last year, has impressed so much its members have been invited to the White House to meet President Obama.
It was founded by Dr Shamender Talwar, who said "football breaks down barriers and brings people together".

After six months of training and educating, the youngsters play in the prestigious London FA Saturday youth league for the season.

Other Pride of Sport Award winners included Kaitlin Lafferty, who had a stroke at the age of nine and a second six months later, but refused to give up on her sporting dream and has been selected for the Great Britain tumbling and trampolining team.

Meanwhile, Pete Malady was named Local Hero for turning the Bengeo Tigers football team's disciplinary record around from the worst in their league to the best.

The awards, which were held for the first time last year, saw 11 winners celebrated at London's Grosvenor House.

To see the list of winners see the link below.

(Source: Image & Text - Sport England)