MORE than 130 young people took part in a football tournament delivered by Brentford FC Community Sports Trust at Northolt High School at half-term.

The tournament, run in partnership with the Premier League’s Kicks project, involved 10 community groups from across the country in a series of six-a-side matches.

The real objective, though, was more than just about football as the Met Police launched its Operation Sceptre week of action.

Brentford FC CSTused the power of football to raise awareness of the dangers of knife crime and drugs.

Lee Doyle, its chief executive, said: “The Kicks programme builds relationships with young people through the medium of sport. As a result, trust develops between the coach and participants, which means that, when we run events like today, we receive a positive response.

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“A young person faces a number of decisions when growing up. We aim to be a positive influence in making the right choices.”

The tournament included a workshop from Paul Hannaford, a former heroin addict, who was also involved in gangs as a teenager.

He said: “Through my own experience, kids from deprived areas are more vulnerable to get involved with gangs and anti-social behaviour.

“I strongly believe that every young person deserves to be educated on the dangers of drugs and knife crime. Early intervention is so important.”

This season, Brentford FC CST has engaged with 800 young people across West London.

Arsenal’s Foundation were crowned winners of the one-day tournament.