Police kept up a 13-year tradition by fielding a team in the Upper Hutt Ethnic Football Tournament.
The competition has run for 13 years – with the top trophy donated by what was then Lower Hutt Police in year one - and a Police team has taken part every time.
This year the Hutt Valley Police team – resplendent in a new Police Sport-funded strip – lost out in the quarter finals of the main competition to finalists Somalia but went on to win the B final and lift the Plate. A Police women’s team also competed, taking the women's title with a penalties win over the only other women's team, Miami Hawt Mamacitas.
The competition features teams from many of Wellington’s ethnic communities. The winners are invited to take part in the New Zealand Communities Football Cup, which is due to be held in Mangere in November.
The Police team was wrangled by Detective Senior Sergeant Anthony Tebbutt, who drafted a few guests to play alongside Police members.
“Our presence, like always, was well received,” says Anthony. “It helps show a side of policing that many ethnic communities would never experience in their home countries.”
Results – Police vs…
- Colombia – lost 1-0
- St Pats – won 3-0
- Laos – won 2-1
Quarter final:
- Somalia – lost 2-0
Plate semi-final:
- Aayo Gorkhali – won on penalties
Plate final:
- Kerala Blasters - won 2-0
Main competition final:
- Colombia 4-0 Somalia