COMMUNITY GROUPS and amateur football clubs in the North West came together last week to pay tribute to individuals and organisations reaching out to inner communities through sport.

The One Game Lancashire helps groups to develop their future activities using sport to engage inner city communities facing issues such as racism, gang culture, gun crime and poor health education.

Community Awards

Gordon Taylor, PFA Chief Executive and Honorary President of FIFPRO, presented Community Awards on behalf of Kick It Out, football's anti-racism group, to recognise the positive contribution being made to reach out to marginalised sections of society through sporting activities.

The event also assisted groups in football, or those who want to get involved, to access funding, make links and develop existing work being delivered in inner city communities.

The One Game Lancashire gathering took place at Blackburn Rovers Football Club, this was organised by Kick It Out with the support of the Football Foundation and Lancashire FA.

Recognition

Piara Powar, Kick It Out director, said: "This event recognised groups who have successfully been using football as a tool to promote positive messages, while reaching out to others who may wish to develop their work but need support or help in delivering their ideas.

Picture shows Gordon Taylor handing the Community Award to Prabha Halai a member of the Asian Ladies Team and Paul Maloney, Community Manager