The New Zealand Communities Football Cup (NZCFC) is celebrating 10 years this weekend in Mangere, Auckland.

The NZCFC, which was developed by the New Zealand Police in 2008, uses people’s passion for football to connect diverse communities, celebrate success and encourage positive social change. It is supported and endorsed by key regional and government agencies.

The NZCFC is a culmination of over 1,000 regional football matches. This year’s diverse line-up includes teams representing Fiji, Argentina, Somalia, Poland, Myanmar, Tonga and the Solomon Islands.

There will be 15 men’s teams (Saturday and Sunday) and six women’s teams (Sunday) competing for the national title on 24 and 25 November at Centre Park in Mangere.

One of the teams in the women’s draw is comprised of ladies from the Refugees as Survivors community who fundraised for their playing gear and for many enter their first football tournament.

The Tournament Director Tayo Agunlejika, who is the Executive Director of Multicultural New Zealand, said the NZCFC was established in 1988 to help develop the regional ethnic football tournaments. 

“More importantly, to support the NZ Police and Migration New Zealand work in the refugees and migrants integration and settlement in the regions,” said Agunlejika.

“The kaupapa is more relevant and imperative now with the NZF work around Diversity and Inclusion to make Football accessible and enjoyable for all. We express our appreciation to Auckland Council, New Zealand Community Trust, Lion Foundation, Four Winds Trust, New Zealand Football, New Zealand Police and Multicultural New Zealand for continuing to fund and support NZCFC every year.”

Elizabeth Young, the Ethnic Development Officer for the NZ Police, is one of many tournament co-ordinators who make the event happen each year.

“This tournament has been going for 10 years and in that time we’ve seen so many different ethnicities involved, truly connecting through football,” said Young. “It’s wonderful to have supported ethnic football through our partnership for so long and we’re looking forward to continuing.” 

Jamie Milne, the Community Development Manager, said NZ Football want to welcome everyone in the community to come on down to Centre Park in Mangere and check out the football action.

“We are proud to partner the other organising groups – Multicultural New Zealand, NZ Police and local club Manukau United – in bringing about the latest iteration of the NZCFC, and thank these partners for their contribution,” he said.

Milne said the tournament would not be possible without the support of Auckland Council with the provision of fields, and Auckland Football Federation facilitating referees. 

“We welcome all teams especially those travelling from out of town, we hope they have a positive experience, look after themselves on and off the field and score plenty of goals,” he said. “It is exciting to see the depth and breadth across diverse communities across the female and male competitions and great to see how this tournament has grown in the past 10 years.”

Friday afternoon will see a free football festival event for 5 – 13 years olds hosted by Manukau United – all in the community are welcome to attend for fun activities and prizes from 4pm to 5.30pm at Manukau City AFC clubrooms in Massey Road, Mangere East.

There is further excitement around the NZCFC following the inaugural and historical test between the Australian First Nations people Football (AFNF) with a Māori Football representative team in February. Three teams have been entered in the women’s tournament and one in the men’s this year as Māori Football NZ ramp up their fantastic work promoting football amongst Māori communities.

History was made when the male and female Māori Football Te Ikaroa teams took on the Australian First Nations Mariya teams in Auckland in February. It was an important milestone in growing the relations between the two cultures. New Zealand Football supported Māori Football NZ to deliver the event that was covered nationally (Radio NZ) and globally (BBC).

NZ Communities Football Cup Fact Box
What: The tournament uses people’s passion for football to connect diverse communities, celebrate success and encourage positive social change.
When: 24 - 25 November
Where: Centre Park, Mangere, Auckland
For fixtures and more information: Click here

Article added: Thursday 22 November 2018