Wellington’s Team Somalia celebrated last night after winning the New Zealand Communities Football Cup for the fourth time in the tournament’s history. The score was 4-0 against Poland when the whistle blew after a fast-paced final match in sunny, hot conditions.
The weekend’s tournament saw 16 teams compete, representing many nationalities and ethnic communities from all over New Zealand, including New Zealand Police teams.
“The tournament provides a platform for diverse communities and police to positively interact and highlight key family violence messaging – very tangible outcomes,” says Inspector Rakesh Naidoo, National Strategic Ethnic Advisor.
The women’s five-a side tournament was won by New Zealand Police, who showed their strength against a spirited Dynamite Pinkies, by winning 7-1.
“It’s a fantastic tournament which has built loyalty and friendships between all cultures involved. It would not be possible without the support of our communities and sponsors,” says Mr Naidoo.
NZ Police introduced the tournament in 2008 as a way to connect diverse communities, celebrate success, recruit from ethnic communities and encourage social change.
Over 250 teams played 1,000 regional games of football in the lead-up to the tournament.
The tournament is supported by New Zealand Federation of Multicultural Councils, SportZone, UNICEF, Wellington Community Trust, New Zealand Community Trust, The Lion Foundation, NZ Football, Wellington City Council and Ethnic Media 360.
Final Results - Men
Cup winner: Somalia Wellington (Somalia 4, Poland 0)
Cup runner-up: Poland
Plate winner: England (England 2, Team International 0)
Plate runner-up: Team International
Bowl winner: Brazil (Brazil 4, New Zealand Police 3 (penalties) 1-1 after full time)
Bowl runner-up: New Zealand Police
Men’s MVP: Gurkarnvir Singh, New Zealand Police
Women’s 5 a side
Cup Winners: New Zealand Police (Police 7, Dynamite Pinkies 1)
Runners Up: Dynamite Pinkies
Team Fairplay Award: New Zealand Police
MVP: Erin Lee Riordan, New Zealand Police
ENDS
Issued by Jillian Reid, Senior Media Adviser, PNHQ Jillian.Reid@police.govt.nz
