Callington and Afghans win Exeter City FC community trophies

Callington and Afghan United came out champions in Exeter City’s community football tournament held at the weekend (Sunday, July 3).

Callington ladies who won every match they played in beat Tedburn St Mary based Inter M’Ladies 5-1 in the final.

In the Men’s competition Afghan United became the first team to win the title three times, having previously won the tournament in 2008 and 2009. They beat Kurdish side Azad Turkan 9-1 in the final.

The 5-a-side competition was organised by Exeter City Supporters Trust’s One Game One Community Group and Exeter City’s Football in the Community team. The tournament which included more than 200 players, took place at the University of Exeter’s Streatham Sports Complex.

The tournament, now in its 12th season, encourages participation from local community teams and especially those for black and minority ethnic players. The event attracts players from many different parts of the world and this year saw Trinidad and Tobago, D R Congo, Togo, Ivory Coast and Nigeria amongst those represented.

Devon’s gay friendly team, the Devon Lions also took part.

The tournament was officially launched by Exeter’s Deputy Lord Mayor, Councillor Peter Holland. He was joined by University of Exeter Deputy Vice Chancellor Professor Mark Goodwin, Exeter City Chairman Julian Tagg, Exeter City Club Director and Supporters Trust Trustee Paul Farley and Exeter City’s One Game One Community first team ambassador Ollie Watkins.

Support for the tournament came from the University of Exeter, Devon FA, Tesco, Kick it Out, Exeter City Football Club Football in the Community and Exeter City Supporters Trust.

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.

Martin Weiler for the One Game One Community Group, said: “This was our biggest ever tournament and once again a flagship for diversity and equality”