Events

Ipswich Town: World of Football at Portman Road

10 September 2007

Sunday 2^nd September saw the first ever One Community Cup football tournament take place at Portman Road.

Ten teams representing countries from around the world competed for the very first 'One Community Cup'. The competition is part of the football club and Trust's strong stance against racism and efforts to bring local communities together.

The adult 5-a-side tournament had teams representing Bulgaria, Bangladesh, Kurdistan, England, Czech Republic, Iraq, Poland, Zimbabwe and the United Nations. All of the teams represented some of the many different nationalities who call Suffolk their home.

The day saw an array of great football and passion as the teams battled for the honour of their countries. After the hard fought league rounds between the 10 teams the eventual final was played out between Bangladesh Green team and Poland, with Bangladesh wining the tournament after an eventual 2-1 defeat of Poland.

The runner up places were taken by Bulgaria in 3^rd, Kurdistan 4^th, Czech Republic 5^th and Iraq 6^th.

The day was organised in partnership by Ipswich Town Community Trust, Suffolk Constabulary, CSV Media, ISCRE, Suffolk FA and Suffolk County Council.

Carolyn Shaw, Active Projects Manager for Ipswich Town Community Trust said, "The day was a fantastic success with wonderful support from the communities themselves with drums playing and singing from the sidelines. The day had a truly international carnival feel with communities coming together through the power of football."

Martin Sheeran, Suffolk Constabulary's Hate Crime Officer stated, "What better way is there of uniting the communities of multi-cultural Suffolk. There was a great competitive edge but the overall winner was football and the way it bridges any divides that may have existed between varying communities.

Becky Marley from CSV Media agrees:"It is something to be proud of that Suffolk has such a range of international communities that we can host our own "world cup", where people from all backgrounds come together for the love of a great game. A bit of healthy competition and a lot of fun was had by all involved."

Jane Basham the Director of the Ipswich and Suffolk Council for Racial Equality says, "it is important that football is played and enjoyed equally by everyone. ISCRE is please to support this event as it involves our black and minority ethnic communities in recreation linked to our local club."

The tournament was funded by local councillors, Suffolk Police, Suffolk FA and Ipswich Town Community Trust.