ECFC celebrate community diversity

Exeter City Football Club will once again celebrate diversity in the local community by holding an international football tournament this Sunday (26 July).

The 6 a side competition has been organised by Exeter City Supporters Trust’s One Game One Community Group and Exeter City’s Football in the Community team. It will take place at the University of Exeter’s Streatham Sports Complex.

The tournament, now in its 11th year, encourages participation from local community teams and especially black and minority ethnic players. The event attracts players from many different parts of the world. Past finalists have included sides representing Poland, Slovakia, Africa, Afghanistan, Lithuania and Saudi Arabia. Devon’s gay friendly team, the Devon Lions are also signed up to play.

Support for the tournament has come from the University of Exeter, Exeter City Council, Devon FA, Tesco, Kick it Out, Exeter City Football Club Football in the Community and Exeter City Supporters Trust.

The tournament will be launched at 10.45am by Exeter’s Lord Mayor, Councillor Olwen Foggin. Exeter City players and officials will also be attending the launch.

Exeter City’s One Game One Community Group is part of the national Kick It Out campaign which aims to address all types of discrimination in football including race, disability, gender, age, religion and sexual orientation.

The Club’s One Game One Community ambassador, first team player Ollie Watkins has welcomed the day. “It is great that this diverse community event is taking place yet again. As I saw for myself last year this is a very popular and enjoyable tournament” said Ollie.