BUSINESS leaders from across north London took to the football field to raise money for a charity helping underprivileged young people.

A seven-a-side tournament held at the Walker Cricket Ground, in Southgate, raised more than £15,000 for charity Chance UK.

The tournament, on Friday, June 24, culminated in a crunch match between Tottenham and Arsenal, including a smattering each club's legends.

David Burrowes, MP for Enfield Southgate, who helped organise the event and captained the Arsenal side, said the money raised would go to a project helping children and young people in Enfield.

He said: “We have got to start a lot earlier to divert young people away from crime, because the latest figures put Enfield in the top five for youth crime.

“Chance UK deliver a positive programme of diversion with mentors helping to establish boundaries and raise aspirations.”

The charity provides mentors for children aged five to 11 who have behavioural difficulties, and is currently trying to set up schemes along the Edmonton and Haringey border.

The aim is to help steer young people at an early age away from crime and stop them joining gangs.

Mr Burrowes added: “Money is tight at the moment, but the plan is to get this project going to link up with a number of schools around Edmonton.

“Today's event was part of the fundraising effort, to give these young kids a chance instead of going into gangs and either dying at the hands of knife or ending up in prison.”

Michael Yianni, managing director of Belleveue Mortlakes, which has its head office in Gladbeck Way, Enfield, spearheaded efforts to organise the football tournament.

He said: “I wanted to give something back to help people less fortunate than me.

“I came from an underprivileged background, and I am trying to help those people who are no doubt worse off than I was.”

Further meetings are taking place this week to help establish a programme in Enfield, with hopes it can begin in September at the start of term.