A cross-border football tournament backed by the Rio Ferdinand Foundation kicked off in Derry on Friday, with several youth clubs taking part.
The ‘Beyond the Ball’ project was hosted at Séan Dolans GAC, with the aim of uniting young people from different communities.
About 75 young people over the age of 15 travelled to take part from counties Derry, Donegal, Leitrim and Fermanagh.
Another component to the event was networking and sharing experiences.
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Sean Thornton from North West Youth Services (NWYS) is coordinating the project.
"This is about bringing opportunity for young people," he told the BBC.
"It brings them together to play football, there's that social aspect but we look at the education side of things as well and sports leadership, development and leadership skills."
Also taking part was Calum Jordan from the Creggan area of Derry.
"Playing football brings people together, being kind to one another, having fun, that's the best thing about it," he said.
Ferdinand said his own experiences growing up on a London council estate had encouraged him to start the foundation in 2012, with the hope of bringing hope to children from disadvantaged communities.
"Some of these children come from communities where they think there is a dead-end in the road and not really bright prospects ahead and those are the kids we go after," he said.
"It's about trying to help others be able to see the best of side of themselves," he said.
"My mum was a big community person, so was my dad, and I think they are the inspirational figures as to why I am doing this now."
