Rio Ferdinand Foundation launches partnership in Derry

A number of youth clubs in the north west officially "kick off" their partnership with Ferdinand's foundation at an event on Friday

A youth football initiative in Londonderry aims to provide a "sense of worth and value", former Manchester United footballer Rio Ferdinand has said.

A number of youth clubs officially "kicked off" a partnership with the defender's foundation on Friday.

The cross-border football event took place at a GAA ground in Creggan.

The tournament brought together young people from Northern Ireland and the Republic.

The cross-border football event took place at Seán Dolan's GAC

Around 75 young people aged 15 or over from counties Derry, Donegal, Fermanagh and Leitrim attended the five-a-side tournament at Seán Dolan's GAC.

They had an opportunity to play football, but also share their hopes for the future and build new friendships at an event at St Mary's youth club.

Amy said Friday's event was "a great opportunity".

Amy Malone is from Manor in County Leitrim in the Republic of Ireland.

She said taking part was "a great opportunity".

"I've met loads of people from Derry and Fermanagh, and am really enjoying it. We are meeting people from all different parts, finding out their backgrounds."

Project coordinator Sean Thornton says the foundation wants to promote opportunity

Friday's event was a collaboration between the ex-footballer-turned-TV pundit's foundation, the International Fund for Ireland (IFI) and local network partners the North West Youth Services (NWYS) organisation.

Sean Thornton is the project coordinator.

"This is about bringing opportunity for young people," he told BBC News NI.

"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."

Calum says the project is about more than football

Calum Jordan is from the Creggan area of Derry. He said the project was about more than just football.

"Its encourages leadership skills, opportunities to meet new people," he said.

"Playing football brings people together, being kind to one another, having fun, that's the best thing about it".

The Rio Ferdinand Foundation was started back in 2012 and helps provide mentoring and employment pathways for young people, many of whom come from disadvantaged backgrounds.

The Foundation aims to improve young people's physical and mental wellbeing, the former England footballer says

Ferdinand, who won 81 England caps and made 455 appearances for Manchester United during his playing career, said it was all about trying to give young people a better life, both physically and mentally.

"Our aim is to give young people opportunities from disadvantaged backgrounds and give them a real sense of worth and value," he said.

"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."

Ferdinand said that a big reason for wanting to help children like this from across the UK and Ireland was because he was one of them growing up in a council estate in London.

Projects like the one in Derry can help tackle social issues, Ferdinand 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."

Paddy Harte, IFI chair, said: "Creating opportunities for young people from border communities to come together, learn new skills and develop lasting friendships is a vital part of this project and offers opportunities that may not otherwise be available to so many young people."