There were thrilling finals in the 15th annual Exeter City Football Club, One Game One Community Group male and female five-a-side community diversity football tournament, when eight male and eight female teams competed for trophies and medals.
In the male final, Marcel's Allstars beat The Saints 7-1, making it the third year running that the Allstars have taken the male competition title.
In the female tournament Exeter City A were the victors against Plympton A, the result 2-1.
The tournament, which encourages participation from local community teams and especially black and minority ethnic players, was held at the University of Exeter’s Streatham Sports Complex on Sunday, July 14.
It was supported by Exeter City FC Supporters Trust, City Community Trust, Tesco, Kick it Out, Devon County Council, the University of Exeter, Devon FA and funding from Postcode Community Trust, a grant giving charity funded entirely by players of People’s Postcode Lottery.
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.
This year saw the fourth year of the women’s tournament. The tournament was launched by the Lord Mayor of Exeter, Cllr Peter Holland.
He said: "Today is much more than playing football, it is about bringing together diverse cultures. It is strengthening and developing partnerships honouring peoples different identities. It is about reaffirming Exeter as a city of being welcoming and inclusive."
Mr Holland reflected on a Citizenship Ceremony he attended the day before where people had come from Panama, Germany, Netherlands, India, USA, Spain, Bulgaria, Latvia, Philippines, Romania and Poland. He concluded: "Speak pround, speak proud, speak out."
Simon Kitchen, chairman of the Exeter City One Game One Community Group, presented the trophies and medals at the end of the tournament. He said: "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.
“There could have been no better day to hold this now well-established, successful and enjoyable international football tournament.
"Some great football was played and I would like to thank all those who helped make the event such a success, especially our partners, the referees and players tournament director Kevin Hack, Abbie Britton and Alan Quick, who helped ensure things ran smoothly.
"Events like this help Exeter City to make a difference and fly the flag for equality and diversity."
