Newham pupils staged their own World Cup in Stratford for a special tournament promoting peace.
Youngsters from across the borough assembled at Chomham Academy on Friday, hoping to tackle, save and score their way to ending conflicts.
The three-hour tournament kicked off at 11am with six schools competing: Chobham, Eastlea, Forest Gate, Lister Community School, Little Ilford and Oasis Academy Silvertown.
Guests in Cheering Lane included Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia, a London-born member of the country’s former ruling family.
A cousin of the Queen who runs pricey etiquette classes in Blenheim Palace and The Ritz Hotel, the princess popped by one of the capital’s most deprived boroughs to present players with a “diplomas in conflict resolution and equality” after the games.
Two years ago organisers wheeled out the president of Indonesian, Joko Widodo, for the kickabout.
The day was run by Football for Peace Global, which aims to use sport to bring together young people from a different cultures, faiths and backgrounds.
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