May 30, 2001 11:54: Football, as they say, is a universal language. And on Sunday next week an Edgware sports centre will play host to a scheme aimed at bridging the gap between Muslim and Jewish children.
The Maimonides Foundation charity has teamed up with Arsenal FC for the project which will use football to encourage friendship between youngsters from the communities.
Over the course of three Sunday mornings around 60 Jewish and Muslim nine to 12 year olds, from mosques, synagogues, schools, youth clubs and football clubs in the borough will gather at the Edson Sports Centre in Pavilion Way.
They will receive expert training from Alan Sefton, Arsenal's head of football in the community. The course will culminate on July 1 when recruits will take part in a tournament at Arsenal's Highbury stadium.
Steven Fine, executive director of the Westminster-based Maimonides Foundation, which promotes Jewish-Muslim unity, said: "Football is a common language across all cultural divides in the UK.
"This project is only the start of a full programme of activities to enable dialogue and co-operation between Muslims and Jews in this country. With the increased hostility in the Middle East it is vital to encourage the voices of moderation over here and focus on the things that can unite us"
There will also be training for around 20 people aged 16 to 20 who will then take on the responsibility of coaching the children.
Mr Sefton said: "An important part of the programme is to train young coaches and boost the game within their own communities as well."
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