Community groups providing popular services such as welfare advice, activities for children and sports clubs have benefited from extra funding thanks to a football tournament launched by the Mayor of Tower Hamlets. Up to 20 organisations were chosen by to receive cheques of £500 each following the success of the Mayor’s Cup – a football tournament which attracted sponsorship from local businesses. The tournament, held in April, showcased local talent with more than 70 teams taking part and over 800 players. The lucky organisations were invited to a reception hosted by the Mayor on 12th November to receive their cheques. The Mayor said: “Local groups do valuable work in the community and often with very limited funds. This is a small token of our appreciation to enable them to continue their fantastic work.” Cllr Oliur Rahman, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, added: “Last year ten groups received money raised from the Mayor’s Cup and this year I am pleased to announce that we have doubled that to 20 groups. The tournament was generously supported by businesses and as a result the community will benefit.” Stepney FC will use the money to promote health and education through sports. Akik Miah from the organisation said: “This grant will help us a great deal. We aim to not just work to improve health in our community, but also reduce anti-social behaviour and break down racial barriers through sports.” Camilla Cullen from Tower Hamlets Women’s FC added: “I am pleased that the money is going into the community. A lot of organisations including ours are going to benefit from this grant. “It will help us to pay for training facilities, pitch hire and the general running costs of the organisation.”