Your Game 2007 trailer

By Sophie Galasinski

Football's a hard game, the streets is an easy game

It's not often you experience the smell of rotting waste with stepovers that rival Cristiano Ronaldo's finest moves to a Kanye West hip-hop opus.

But this is Your Game East London, the unique street football competition for young people from underprivileged backgrounds organised by the BBC and the Football Foundation.

The smell was courtesy of a rubbish dump situated next to the Leyton Orient Community complex, the football came from the 37 football teams from all over London, while the urban soundtrack was provided by 1Xtra finest DJs.

The idea of the tournament is to us help young people from all walks of life to realise their potential through the universal medium of football.

As one member of the Blue Hut team so bluntly said: "Football is a hard game, the streets is an easy game."

The tension mounts as HFC's keeper prepares for the women's final

But do not let the feel-good factor of this event fool you - the competition was seriously intense. And the talent on display was from the top draw.

This was a real football tournament, with real finals and only one winner - everyone wanted it. So much so that the odd spark flew during the semi-final matches.

Anywhere else the situation could have escalated out of control, but it didn't here. The tournament demonstrated area rivalries can be put aside for a few hours so everyone can enjoy a good kickabout, regardless of postcodes.

"There were a few words said, but you just have to tell them to get on with it - and they did," said referee Andy Braithwaite.

The urban soundtrack which gave the event such a unique feel was courtesy of 1Xtra DJs L Double and Cameo, who kept the tournament in a constant party atmosphere.

Beatboxer Rashad was a particular highlight, although his audience was limited as most players were more interested in showboating their football skills than listening to his incredible sounds.

Not that this bothered medical student Rashad, who said: "This is what we need, football and music; everyone just having a laugh."

Players also had the opportunity to sign up for refereeing and coaching courses, so those who were lacking in ability on the pitch still had the chance to take part in the game they clearly love.

The sumo suits provided a suitable distraction from football

What they probably weren't expecting was advice on the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases, a growing issue with young people.

Free condoms were handed out to all, much to the delight of Urban Renaissance from west London, who had reached the men's final after a tense penalty shoot-out in the semis.

However it was the women's final first up and HFC, a Kick it Out initiative from Hackney, were the hot favourites having only conceded one goal en route to the finals.

They were up against Bethwin United A, a south London-based project using football to keep young people away from anti-social behaviour.

The game was a thoroughly one-sided affair as HFC secured a 6-0 win despite the raucous support for Bethwin A.

The men's final between Coco United and Urban Renaissance was a step back to last year's World Cup in Germany.

Portugal all the way for Coco United

Coco United, the all-Portuguese outfit from Stratford, proudly displayed their national shirts aloft as they ran onto the pitch, while the English-dominated Urban Renaissance kept their approach more low key.

The game went right down to the wire as Coco hung on and recorded a dramatic 2-1 victory, celebrating in true cup winner's style - jumping on each other and chanting in front of the cameras.

Both teams qualified for the Your Game national finals, which take place in July.

They will also be joined by Brent Ladies and Lotus Sports Club, who were named Fair Play winners for playing the game in the best spirit.

The event highlights the multitude of talented footballers from the inner-city just waiting to be discovered.

But it's up to football's authorities to ensure the majority of them do not slip through the net after Your Game has packed up its pitches for another year.