Teams celebrate Exeter community tournament

Tuesday 4 Jul 2017
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A tournament in Exeter supporting diversity amongst its participants took place last Sunday (2 July) with support from Exeter City Supporters Trust ‘One Game One Community’ group.

The tournament, held at the University of Exeter’s Streatham Sports Complex, was supported by Exeter City’s Football in the Community and saw 20 male and female five-a-side teams compete for the honours whilst promoting inclusion in the Exeter area.

The tournament, now in its thirteenth year, encourages participation from local community teams and especially black and minority ethnic players. Previous finalists have included sides representing Poland, Slovakia, Africa, Afghanistan, Lithuania and Saudi Arabia. Devon’s gay friendly team, the Devon Lions are also regular participants.

Other organisations to support the tournament included Kick It Out, University of Exeter, Devon FA, Tesco, Exeter City Football Club Football in the Community and Exeter City Supporters Trust.

The tournament was launched by Professor Mark Goodwin, Deputy Vice Chancellor, University of Exeter, who has strategic responsibility for equality and diversity across the University.

Marcel’s Allstars were the eventual victors in the men’s tournament, beating Beanskins United 1-0 in the final. Whilst Alphington LFC won the second edition of the women’s tournament, defeating Number 9 by two goals to nil.

Speaking afterwards, Goodwin said: “At the University of Exeter we work hard to create an inclusive environment where staff and students can be themselves, and where diversity is valued by all.

“We are also proud to support diversity within our local community and this is why I am so happy that we continue to support this event.”

Alan Quick, on behalf of Exeter City’s One Game One Community Group, thanked all those who took part and those who helped run the event

“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.

“Exeter City once again flew the flag for diversity at this long running community event and we were delighted to hold a women’s competition again.”

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"We have a responsibility as players to give something back and I’m really thankful to be part of this organisation because we can do a lot of good."
Jack Butland, 'Next 20' Ambassador
“A big part of my involvement with Kick It Out stems from my strong admiration for the organisation’s commitment to fairness and equality.”
Clive Tyldesley, football commentator
“It was Kick It Out that convinced the people in football that change was possible.”
Greg Dyke, former FA chairman
“I wanted to thank the campaigners at Kick It Out for their work. I know first-hand how Kick It Out can help.”
Yaya Toure, Manchester City midfielder
“It is important for me in my role as a Kick It Out ‘Next 20’ ambassador to teach young people how to handle discrimination and treat people with respect.”
Romelu Lukaku, 'Next 20' Ambassador
“It is a massive honour for me to be an ambassador for such a great organisation. I think they do great work on and off the field.”
Toni Duggan, 'Next 20' Ambassador
"It really helped me to see that other professional sports people were acknowledging their sexuality. I read about John Amaechi, Gareth Thomas and Tom Daley. They weren't footballers but the fact that they went public gave me the feeling that I was not alone."
Thomas Hitzlsperger, former Aston Villa midfielder
"There was no conflict between religion and the fact that I wanted to play football. I was brought up correctly and in the right way and my parents are very proud of the fact that I am a professional footballer."
Sadio Mané, Liverpool winger
“I think it’s important to share success stories and realise that there are women operating in the game. If it’s something you want to do, you can do it.”
Ffion Eade, Hampshire FA referee
"I've had loads of negative comments from men, especially growing up. It's just boring and old. Times have changed, and they continue to change. Women play football, and they're good at it, and have been for a number of years.”
Kelly Smith, England Women's record goalscorer
"Despite the progress, stereotypes still exist in football and until that is broken down it will be extremely difficult for a woman to manage a top level men's team."
Rachel Yankey, former Arsenal Ladies forward
"There’s no hiding that there is sexism in sport. We have a lack of women right across all levels of management, playing and coaching. It shows the closed nature of sport in general and this includes the media. It’s an indictment of sport as a whole."
Rimla Akhtar, Kick It Out trustee and Chair of the Muslim Women’s Sports Foundation
“I’m proud to be a supporter of Kick It Out and particularly the work they are doing to combat antisemitism within football.”
Joe Jacobson, Wycombe Wanderers midfielder
"With Kick It Out leading the way football is standing up and fighting against those who preach hatred and intolerance and we at Chelsea are proud to support their work."
Bruce Buck, Chelsea Football Club Chairman

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