United by football (From Stroud News and Journal)

United by football

STRATFORD Park saw a celebration of diversity and friendship this weekend.

More than 100 soccer fans took part in a football tournament in support of Refugee Week and the Kick Racism Out of Football campaign.

Ten squads from all over Gloucestershire competed in the blazing sunshine on Saturday.

Home side the Stroud Strollers put forward two teams - Stroll On and Stroll Off, and the other squads were the Demon Headmasters, who teach at schools across the county, Woodruff's, from Woodruff's Cafe in Stroud, Team Randwick, Victoria Celtic from The Queen Vic pub in Stroud, Bourneside Rovers from Cheltenham, the Old Trouts and the Woodpeckers from Ruskin Mill, and GARAS - an international team co-ordinated by Gloucestershire Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers.

GARAS player Mikey Paris, who is from the Democratic Republic of Congo and now lives in Gloucester, said his team-mates were born all over the world, adding: "The only thing we've got in common is football.

"We play in Gloucester Park. Most weekends we go out clubbing and that's how we got to know each other."

Organiser Jagdish Patel, from the Polden Puckham Charitable Foundation, said: "It was an excellent turnout. We've got 100 players and probably 75 supporters so it's not a bad kick off for Refugee Week.

"The whole point is to use it to raise awareness of the whole situation of asylum seekers and refugees."

Stroll On, who all live in Stroud, went head to head in the final with Team Randwick, emerging victorious with a goal by social worker Ollie Sandall in the first half.

The tournament was so successful organisers have decided to make it an annual event.

Mr Patel, who played on the winning side, said: "We have organised it and incredibly got through to the final and won. We haven't fixed it, honestly!" Captain Gary Fagg said: "We are very pleased.

"I thought there was a good atmosphere and sportsmanship with all the teams. This is what the beautiful game is about - fair play and inclusiveness."