A PROJECT that has used football to bring together different communities in Bury is hoping to spread its message to more clubs across the region next season.

The OppO Foundation launched the Changing Perceptions project at Bury FC in summer 2015 and will be making its final appearance of the season at Gigg Lane on Sunday, when the Shakers take on Southend.

Throughout this campaign, the initiative has brought together armed services personnel, veterans, reservists, and members of youth and faith groups to enjoy the match together, in the hope they can foster new relationships and challenge misconceptions.

The project has now gained the backing of the Football League and it is hoped that it can expand beyond its Bury roots for the 2016/17 season.

Founder Kayam Iqbal, who set up the project having previously created his own company to offer employment advice to ex-military personnel, said: "Colour, religion, gender, disability, age - none of this matters and it is never more evident than when supporting your local football team. Being British, Muslim and a former soldier my duty to help others did not end when I left the services.

"It has been overwhelming to see how united our community is and how passionate the people of Bury are in support of their football team. We cannot let this project end and are determined to keep delivering and hopefully expand to the wider communities next season."

He added: "The project has had a huge range of support over the season from the MoD, Bury Council, Bury FC, Religions for Peace, AFMA, Macabi Foundation, Ivan Lewis MP and many more.

"The OppO Foundation team are planning to deliver the project across a number of North West football clubs next season, hopefully with the support from local authorities, national government and the MoD.”

For more information on the project, visit theoppofoundation.com