A COMMUNITY football team, part of a project working to break down barriers and bolster interest in sport and activities, romped home to victory in the Duncan Edwards Peace Field Football Festival at The Dell Stadium, Brierley Hill.

Benson Community Project represented late football great Sir Stanley Matthews with an under 16 boys’ team in the prestigious football festival on Sunday May 21 and won the community team play off 9 – 1.

The project, founded in 2013, has become embedded within the Smethwick area of Sandwell as a trusted volunteer organisation with an open door approach, welcoming people of all backgrounds.

Jim Cadman, chairperson of Duncan Edwards United, said: “Benson Community Project work with a truly diverse group of young people at the very heart of grass roots football and this was their first appearance at a football festival.

“Sir Stanley Matthews would have been very proud of them and the way in which they conducted themselves throughout the day.

“It was a pleasure to watch these young players from the very base of grass roots football enjoying being involved in the games - regardless of the result.”

Every player and official who participated in the festival received a Duncan Edwards medal in a presentation case.