Connecting cultures through the beautiful game

They come from incredibly diverse backgrounds but have one thing which unites them, a love for football.

Next month will see players from all over the planet come together for a two-day tournament at Neale Park.

Organiser Ahmed Osman, originally from Somalia, understands firsthand the power of sport for migrants.

“Sports in general is so important in helping new people connect with others, make friends, adapt to a new culture and learn a language.”

His Nelson FC side features players from almost every continent.

“We have got so many diverse players, our coach is from Iran, we have Kiwis, South Africans, Columbians, Indians - that’s the beautiful thing.”

He says the one thing that’s connecting them all is one round ball.

“Every Tuesday and Thursday we are here for two hours, having a kick around, laughing and just having a good time, these guys make friends for life.”

Ahmed says the aim of the tournament is to help resettle new refugees and migrants into the region.

Organisers hope to create a festival-like atmosphere which showcases the plethora of different cultures in Nelson.

The tournament finals on the Sunday will coincide with the Multicultural Festival, which will run next door at Founders, from 11am – 4pm.

The event is being organised by Nelson City Council, Sport Tasman, Community Action on Youth Alcohol and other Drugs (CAYAD Nelson Tasman), Multicultural Nelson Tasman and Nelson Bays Football.

Sport Tasman’s Lily Joiner has been involved in similar initiatives in Wellington and says she has witnessed the power that football can have on the lives of new migrants and refugees, who may feel disconnected from their new community.

Teams from across the Top of the South are invited to register for the 11 a-side, 60-minute games, and teams can be compiled in a variety of ways - whether that is by nationality, ethnicity, workplace or mixed social groups.

It is hoped that the winning team will be able to represent Nelson Tasman at the New Zealand Ethnic Football Festival later in the year.

Players need to be aged 16 years and older.

If any businesses or individuals would like to get behind the event, or to register a team, contact Jeni at Jeni.T@sporttasman.org.nz.

Multicultural Football Tournament

March 19 and 20

Neale Park

Nelson