Refugees and Police compete in Communities Football Cup

Wellington City will come alive this weekend as Somalia Wellington defends its title at the 2015 New Zealand Communities Football Cup (NZCFC).

The field of teams this year includes Lions FC Auckland, Refugee Youth Action Network (RYAN) Auckland, Myanmar and Somalia Wellington. Many from these teams are settling in New Zealand as former refugees and the event builds unity and community spirit through the love of the game.

The tournament’s theme of Creating Positive Influence in Communities extends to a youth forum and football skills clinic which opens the tournament’s activities. Team members, Police officers and Junior All-Whites footballer Noah Billingsley will speak with young former refugees at the forum to inspire and encourage them to continue to seek success in their lives.

New Zealand Police National Strategic Ethnic Advisor, Inspector Rakesh Naidoo, says, “Sporting initiatives such as this are a great way to support the inclusion of all communities in New Zealand. Many of these talented players have come from diverse backgrounds and have a lot to contribute to New Zealand and communities as a whole.”

Twelve men’s teams and six women’s teams, representing places as diverse as Brazil, Zimbabwe and Poland, will travel from all parts of New Zealand to compete. A New Zealand Police team will also play.

The tournament kicks off this Saturday at 9.45am, with Wellington City Councillor Paul Eagle on behalf of the Mayor and Deputy Chief Executive NZ Police, Superintendent Wallace Haumaha opening the event.

Wellington Mayor Celia Wade-Brown will officiate at the afternoon prize giving on Sunday.

The tournament also supports and promotes the White Ribbon campaign to end men’s violence towards women. All players will be taking the White Ribbon pledge at the opening ceremony.

For further information, visit www.nzcfc.org.nz, the tournament facebook page https://www.facebook.com/WellingtonDistrictPolice/ or www.ethnicmedia360.com.

ENDS

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