DOWNSELL Primary School emerged triumphant in the Waltham Forest Street Wardens' Anti-Racism/Anti-Bullying mixed 5-a-side tournament for Year 6 at the Score Centre, Leyton in conjunction with Leyton Orient Community Sports Programme (LOCSP).

Continuing the successful work the wardens did with anti-bullying week last year eight schools were invited to Score to take part in the tournament which was played in mixed weather conditions.

Information and wristbands were given out from Kidscape, Kick Racism out of Football, Show Racism the Red Card and Football Unites Racism Divides to help spread the message of the day.

"The schools in Waltham Forest are a mixture of nationalities and the event today is explaining to kids at a young age that bullying and racism are unacceptable," explained Frank Charles, Street Warden, Waltham Forest.

"For every negative thing reported in the news there is a positive story that isn't reported but today is all about showing how different groups can come together and do something positive.

"Considering the weather it has been a fantastic day today. The kids have enjoyed themselves, there has been some good football played and everyone has interacted together.

"It's about showing that we can all work together and make this a better place to live."

For Frank, it is important that the Street Wardens show an approachable side to their character which sometimes is misrepresented.

"The Street Wardens are not just about law enforcement," he explained. "We are pro-active and organise events like this. We all deeply care about the local community and strive to make it a better place. We always welcome people coming up to us and we can offer our help and advice.

For Downsell Primary School pupil Darnell Thomson, 11, the day was enjoyable, especially as his team won the title.

"We won all our games and beat Davies Lane Primary School in the final on penalties," he explained. "Both teams were quite evenly matched but our goalie, Bilal, was great as he saved two of the three penalties and was definitely the man of the match.

"The secret of our success was that we were all passing to each other and it was about the team!"

Proud teacher and Leyton Orient supporter Mr. Jones was equally enthused.

"If the Leyton Orient players play next season as well as my kids have today then we will be well up there!

"I was shaking when the penalties were being taken - I was more nervous that I was when I was watching the Wimbledon Men's Final on Sunday. I think the spirit of our team can be summed up as we equalized ten seconds after going 1-0 down.

"Today is for a great cause as anti-bullying and anti-racism are two causes Downsell Primary School support fully. Our team have had a fun day and done really well - it's not about winning but that was obviously a bonus.

"It's good for the children to know that there are things like the street wardens around as it makes the kids feel safer on the streets and there are lots of positive things going on with this project, so it's good to get involved.

"Downsell Primary School have attended a lot of the LOCSP events as they are really well run and well organised. There's always a good ethos of everyone coming together and not just wanting to win and I think that is important. They do a lot of things for the community and that should be held in high regard. Talking as a fan and not just a teacher LOCSP do over and above what is expected of them and they are something us fans are proud of."

Sabir Bham, Community Development Manager, LOCSP was happy to cement the links within the local community.

"Today was a good opportunity for partnership work between us and the street wardens and for the schoolchildren to come down and play at Score and be part of an event that looks at tackling bullying and racism.

"We wanted to ensure that the purpose of the day wasn't just about football but about the issues of racism and bullying which I think we achieved.

"The message was that we are no less equal than someone else if we are a different colour or religion."

For more information about the Waltham Forest Street Wardens keep an eye on the local press or contact WF Direct on 020 8496 3000 and leave your details. For more information about LOCSP please call the office on 020 8556 5973, email enquiries@locsp.org or visit the website at www.locsp.org