Refurbishment and maintenance specialists Connaught Partnerships Ltd has lent its support to a massive festival of football in the south side of Glasgow aimed at delivering an anti-racism message to school pupils.

The massive tournament took place in Nethercraigs Sports Complex with hundreds of primary school children teaming up to take part in the Schools United - Festival of Football 2008.

The aim of the tournament was to deliver an anti-racism message and promote social inclusion.

The event, now in its fifth year, was the biggest so far with eighteen primary schools taking part and around 180 pupils getting the chance to show off their footballing skills. Connaught provided sponsorship on the day and staff helped with the unenviable task of refereeing the keenly contested matches and provide.

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The budding footballers were randomly allocated into teams which helped promote interaction and encourage new friendships. They then worked as a team with the aim of winning the coveted trophy which is awarded for citizenship and fair play.

Martin Morrison, Connaught area director, said: "Events like Schools United are a fantastic way to introduce kids from different backgrounds before they mix at high school. This is a really worthwhile initiative and one that Connaught is delighted to support. We even managed to persuade some of the Connaught staff members to act as referees in the matches."

The event was organised by Strathclyde Police in partnership with Glasgow Housing Association, Cardonald College, Glasgow City Council - Culture and Sport and refurbishment and maintenance specialist Connaught Partnerships Ltd.

Constable Fiona McDermid from Pollok Police office said: "Football is a great way of bringing people together; it's important for youngsters to integrate with one another and respect one another's differences.

"The festival of football is a great way of achieving integration; a lot of these children wouldn't normally play together so it's fantastic that they come along and interact with one another. Events like this really do break down barriers and promote social inclusion as very often as soon as the kids start to play together they forget about their differences."

Connaught is currently working in partnership with GHA to improve homes across the city as part of the Scottish Quality Housing Standard.

(GK/JM)