Thanks to support from local businesses, Brent will have two football teams competing at the London Youth Games this weekend.

Brent School’s FA chairman Chris Ampofo said: “Following recent coverage in the Times reporting that Brent council had withdrawn funding for the London Youth Games, local businesses have come to the rescue, generously making donations to ensure that talented footballers from the borough can compete at the prestigious event.

“Transport to and from the event can cost several hundred pounds and, thanks to their kind donations, this cost has now been covered.”

Willesden butcher Dennis O’Farrell was the first to come forward, followed by West London Apartments director Geoff Owen. Ampofo added: “We are delighted to be able to take part in the tournament as at one point that didn’t seem possible. O’Farrell’s is my family butcher and they support many local events.

“You cannot have an Olympic legacy and not compete in the London Youth Games. It’s the biggest tournament in Europe.

“It’s great to know that local businesses, small and large, are prepared to back the young players in Brent.”

The borough will field a boys’ team in the Under-14 age category on Saturday and a side in the mini soccer competiton on Thursday July 2. This is a mixed team comprised of boys and girls from the Brent representative teams.