Before UK Asian Community Cup Final, a trial match took place for nine-year-olds at the Den

East London Advertiser: London Tigers players take part in a match to impress onlooking Millwall scouts (pic: London Tigers).London Tigers players take part in a match to impress onlooking Millwall scouts (pic: London Tigers). (Image: Archant)

The 13th annual UK Asian Community Cup festival took place recently and not only was a successful final held, but also exhibition matches and a trial for under-nines to secure a place with Millwall FC.

The festival took place at the Den, the League One clubs home ground in Bermondsey. Teams from across London sent in their most promising under-nines for the trial, which took place before the cup game.

East London Advertiser: FC Bengal lift the UK Asian Community Cup after beating Sporting Khalsa 3-1 in the final at Millwall (pic: London Tigers).FC Bengal lift the UK Asian Community Cup after beating Sporting Khalsa 3-1 in the final at Millwall (pic: London Tigers). (Image: Archant)

Three children have been selected for further trials with Millwall this summer, they include Tahlil Alam, of Stepney Green, Yahya Khan, of Forest Gate and Sahir Hussain, of Plaistow.

All three are nine-years-old and the UK Asian Community Cup final took place afterwards and was between newcomer FC Bengal from Middlesex and veteran in the competition, Sporting Khalsa from Walsall, with the former winning 3-1.

East London Advertiser: London Tigers players watch from the sidelines during the UK Asian Community Cup final between FC Bengal and Sporting Khalsa (pic: London Tigers).London Tigers players watch from the sidelines during the UK Asian Community Cup final between FC Bengal and Sporting Khalsa (pic: London Tigers). (Image: Archant)

Special guest Cllr Parvez Ahmed, Mayor of Brent, presented the Cup to FC Bengal, alongside sponsors Zakir Khan Head of Community Affairs at Canary Wharf Group Plc and representatives of the RAF.

28 young Tigers players from Southall also had the opportunity to walk out of the tunnel with the finalists as mascots. London Tigers veteran and junior players had the opportunity to experience playing in the professional stadium.

“It was a great event exemplifying what London Tigers is about – creating opportunities for disadvantaged communities to fulfil their dreams, “said Mesba Ahmed, CEO of London Tigers.

“The event has given the children and young people an amazing experience and put some of them on a path towards professional football.

“Thank you to Millwall for being our partner this year, to our sponsors the Royal Air Force and Canary Wharf Group Plc, to all our staff and volunteers who worked hard to make this event a success and to the parents for their support.”

The UK Asian Community Cup 2016 is a partnership between London Tigers and Millwall FC, with teams from across the UK participating.

It aims to encourage and increase participation from Asians in football and provide them a pathway to professional football and experience of playing in a professional stadium. Previous finals have been held at West Ham United FC, Chelsea FC and QPR FC.

London Tigers is an award winning charity that works across London and beyond, using sports as a tool to engage and support disadvantaged communities.

Our work covers children and young people, women’s health, employment and training, community cohesion and sports development and our mission is to create a world where every individual has the opportunity to fulfil their dreams. Find out more at www.londontigers.org.