US President Barrack Obama has invited a Southall junior football team to the White House in recognition of their efforts to combat Islamic State recruiters.

Tuff FC (The Unity of Faiths) is the football team of a foundation that aims to keep young Muslims from joining IS in Syria and has already prevented 10 teenagers flying out.

In a letter to Tuff FC, the US President praised the club for “trying to make positive changes” and for putting “a smile on all the citizens of this world”.

He also commended founders Dr Shamender Talwar and Anna Prior.

“It will be a pleasure to meet you all at The White House in the near future,” he added.

“We were shocked when we received the email,” said Dr Talwar, a psychologist. “It was completely out of the blue. We did not realise that our work was having such a global impact.”

President Barack Obama was impressed by the work of TUFF FC

Dr Talwar has seen hard evidence of extremists targeting youngsters ‘on the whole question of identity’, which is what drove him to found Tuff FC.

He spoke of the doubt that they try to spread in their minds and splitting loyalty.

“At Tuff FC we remove the doubt. We make it clear their identity is British. Football is a great way of doing this.

“It breaks down barriers, brings people together and is a fantastic way to learn about British history and culture. What could be more British than playing football?”

Former Arsenal and Tottenham defender Sol Campbell recently visited the club, while Manchester City stars Samir Nasri and YaYa Toure have also pledged their support.

Around 30-40 boys and girls aged 13-18 play each week, with teens from disadvantaged backgrounds also welcome.