Football unites communities

Football unites communities

Wakefield Park will be buzzing this weekend as 240 passionate football players from around the country meet to contest the 2013 New Zealand Communities Football Cup (NZCFC).

The cup was introduced by the New Zealand Police in 2008, as a way to connect diverse communities, celebrate success and encourage positive social change. The tournament supports the White Ribbon Campaign and all players will be taking the White Ribbon pledge.

Each of the 12 teams in this weekend tournament represents an ethnic community and region, and many have been playing all year to secure their place.

The popularity of the contest grows each year and New Zealand Police Strategic Ethnic Advisor, Inspector Rakesh Naidoo, is expecting a huge crowd, “It is the United Nations of football, both for locals and those that have made New Zealand their home. We encourage everyone to come out and support the teams”.

The tournament commences with an opening ceremony at 9am on Saturday with Judge Peter Boshier, Wellington City Councillor Paul Eagle and Superintendent Wallace Haumaha.

This year, Wellington is represented by teams from Cape Verde, Somalia and a team from the Oromo ethnic community which spans parts of Somalia, Kenya and Ethiopia. Winners of the inaugural competition and defending champions – the Wellington Somalis are the team to beat.

Sunday the NZCFC will also host a street football tournament where female teams from the Wellington region will compete against one another.

This tournament will also be a fun festival for families with Ethnic Food available and face painting for the kids.

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