Ian Hendon, Barnet's Assistant Manager conducted a training session with a difference at Underhill last week.

The youngsters who were put through their paces were from the two winning teams from the 84 young people who took part in the final of a competition organised by the Coppets Safer Neighbourhood team last November.

The youngsters came from different cultures and backgrounds ... 'BG Boys' were an all-Bulgarian side, 'FBS Girls' were all-female, there were two teams from the local Somali Bravenese Centre and the 'All Stars' consisted of young people from South America, Cyprus and Bangladesh.

Partners on the day were Barnet FC, Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal, Power League and Sports World, all of whom presented prizes for the youngster. Spurs offered a stadium tour and Arsenal signed player photos.

The Bees offered the experienced Hendon sharing his know-how, a stadium tour and free tickets for the home game against Bury last weekend. The youngsters saw behind the scenes at a professional club and then enjoyed watching the Bees record a resounding 3-0 victory.

Janet Matthewson, Barnet FC's Football in the Community Manager said "It was a great day, and it just shows what can be done within our community to engage our young people. By working together so much more can be achieved."

As to the future Janet added, "We will continue to work with the police and other agencies in partnership to support community initiatives and this is a great example of a partnership that works for the common good of the community."

Sandro Da Silva of the Safer Neighbourhood team in Coppetts Wood said, "It was a great way of rewarding the participants, they have really enjoyed themselves today, thanks to Ian and the FitC staff for organising it."

David Bloomfield