THE international language of football was used to unite communities when a football tournament and fun day was held in Wisbech. It was at Thomas Clarkson Community College on Saturday and provided an opportunity for people from different backgrounds to

THE international language of football was used to unite communities when a football tournament and fun day was held in Wisbech.

It was at Thomas Clarkson Community College on Saturday and provided an opportunity for people from different backgrounds to meet.

Natalie Smith, neighbourhood community development officer for Waterlees helped to organise the event.

She said: "The main purpose of this day was to mix migrant schoolchildren and adults together with local people.

"It was an excellent day and despite the cold weather a lot of people came along."

Football tournaments were played in three different age groups, with North End Juniors winning the 12-14s category, The Best winning the 15-17s section and The White Eagle winning in the adult's group.

There was also a barbecue, various children's entertainment and a climbing wall.

People from Roddons Housing Association, career advice service Connexions and Search and Rescue all attended.

Mrs Smith said: "It went incredibly well. At the end a group of migrant children and locals decided to get together to play a friendly football match without any prompting. That's exactly the sort of thing we were trying to achieve."

The main organisers were the Fenland Links Neighbourhood Pathfinder Programme.

Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue service also helped with the organisation but fire-fighters were not able to attend until the end because they were kept so busy throughout the day.

Helen Turner, programme manager for Fenland Links, said: "We would like to thank Del Monte for providing fruit throughout the day, the Rosmini Centre and Fenland District Council for their support and Thomas Clarkson Community College for allowing us to use their premises.