A summer-long football project designed to keep vulnerable young people in Brent off the streets finished with a spectacular finals day that saw more than 200 young people involved.
Working with the Wembley National Stadium Trust and coaches from across Brent, former Stonebridge councillor Zaffar Van Kalwala organised the project - the Wembley Super League - which was based at the Ark Elvin Academy. He told this newspaper: "By using the power of sport, we can help turn young people away from gangs and violence.
"It's these types of projects that will help deliver real change in Brent not closing youth centres or
talking about knife crime on chicken and chips boxes."
The winning team at under 15 level were Textbook SA, who beat Harrow Stars 2-1 in the final, while Brent Schools FC beat AFC Wembley in the under 13 competition.=
Ted Smith, 13, played in goal for Brent Schools. He said it was a "great feeling" to win and he had enjoyed the project because "many young people don't have anything to do over the summer".
A girls tournament will take place next spring.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here