IT is early evening in Glasgow and children are playing football. Nothing unusual in that - except they are on a mobile artificial pitch under floodlights and the calls for the ball are being made in voices from across the globe.

IT is early evening in Glasgow and children are playing football. Nothing unusual in that - except they are on a mobile artificial pitch under floodlights and the calls for the ball are being made in voices from across the globe.

There are 21 nationalities taking part in the games, 22 if you count those who are British.

The games are part of a project to help refugees and asylum seekers settle in Scotstoun and are playing a key role in fostering friendships and understanding between the youngsters from every corner of the world.

The seven-week pilot has been a great way of getting locals and the refugee and asylum communities together.

There are 1500 asylum seeking children attending city schools and the project at Kingsway Court, funded in partnership with agencies such as Glasgow City Council, is an important part of the plan to help them integrate.

It is being led by Gillian Branch, who has filled a recently created role as asylum seeker liaison officer, based at Drumchapel police office.

Constable Branch said: "West Glasgow has one of the highest number of refugees and asylum seekers in the city.

"There are 21 different nationalities seeking asylum here and that brings its own pressures. As well as the problems and the issues in their lives, there is the added pressure of the culture shock of coming here.

"Then there is the shock and pressure for some residents who now have large communities of refugees or asylum seekers moving to their area.

"I have always been a beat cop and this is a chance to try to help integrate all these communities and get back to the basics of policing - not to arrest people but to help and assist them.

"A lot of the people have come here for traumatic reasons. Most do not want to be here, but circumstances dictated they have to. They have left a country where they have suffered abuse, having left family or friends behind, and have arrived here with no home and knowing little of our language.

"This project is about helping solve these problems and helping make communities work."

As well as the football matches at Kingsway Court, the scheme includes drop-in hubs at social clubs and community centres have been created.

But it needs people to speak to a police officer - a hurdle some have to overcome. Some people have come from countries where a person in uniform is not to be trusted.

So Constable Branch tries to break down that fear and make the uniform less intimidating.

The first few meetings or visits will be made in plain clothes. Then, once people have become familiar with her, she will wear her uniform.

She said: "I make a point of not talking about police issues or crime when I first meet people. I try to let them get to know me first.

"I have seen a few faces fall when I tell them I am a police officer, but it is important they see you as a person.

"After a while it is worthwhile me appearing in uniform. It is good to help them get used to us."

She works closely with the Scottish Refugee Council's local community groups.

Colin McGavin, community development worker with the SRC, said: "The role of the asylum liaison officer is crucial to making refugees and asylum seekers feel safe in Scotland. This is vital for people who have fled from extremely dangerous and life-threatening situations."

Strathclyde Police believe there is a major under-reporting of certain crimes.

Constable Branch said: "Things they regard as a minor irritation are what other people would see as a reasonably serious problem.

"Racist abuse on the street is not acceptable, but asylum seekers might shrug it off. We need to make it clear they should not have to suffer it.

"We feel domestic and child abuse is under-reported in these communities, but in the countries where some of these people come from women's rights are not an issue and abuse is treated as something a woman or child should expect."

Back at the football pitch, youngsters tell how they became friends.

Crispin Karikumutima, 9, is from the Congo and came to Glasgow about a year ago. He lives in Kingsway Court and is in P5 at St Paul's Primary.

He said: "I love it here. I love meeting new friends. I met my best friend Stephen McDonald when I approached him for a game of football in the park.

"I'm here with my mum and sister. We have lots of support and there are some good things to do here, especially football."

Stephen, also 9, is in P5 at Bankhead Primary in Knightswood and said: "It's good to learn about Crispin and where he came from."

Constable Branch said: "Getting everyone together is exactly what we are aiming for.

"If we can get rid of the prejudices and help people to get to know one another then some problems might solve themselves."