FOOTBALL FESTIVAL BRINGS WIGAN COMMUNITIES TOGETHER
19 teams from different communities across the Wigan competed against each other in the Together Cup before the Latics game against West Bromwich Albion last weekend.
Organised for a second consecutive year by Wigan Athletic Community Trust, Wigan Council and Inspiring healthy lifestyles, more than 80 people took part in the event at Robin Park Arena, which aimed to bring under-represented communities across Wigan together.
Supported by Kick It Out, teams included Leigh Asylum Seeker and Refugee Support (LASARS), Support for Wigan Arrivals (SWAP), The Brick, Addaction, Football 4 Forces, Every Player Counts, Leigh Youth Voice Group, RECLAIM project, Hindley Kicks, Global Friends, Place 2 Place, Wigan Mosque, Wigan Youth Zone, Wigan Council, West Bromwich Albion Kicks and Derby County. Tom Flower, Head of Community at Wigan Athletic Community Trust said:
“The event was brilliant because not only did it bring communities together, it gave them all an opportunity to meet new people and make new friends, while also having the chance to play competitive football next to the DW Stadium.”
Participants were invited to Latics’ home fixture against the Baggies later that afternoon, a game which saw Paul Cook’s side pick up three points thanks to Josh Windass’ second half strike. Councillor Chris Ready, Portfolio Holder for Communities and Neighbourhoods at Wigan Council, said: “The tournament was all about building positive community relations through football, bringing people together and encouraging respect for each other, it was a superb event. He added:
“There were people involved who originally came from countries all over the world and everyone had smiles on their faces. October is black history month so it’s an appropriate time to provide opportunities to work together to build stronger communities across Wigan.”
Winners of the adult tournament were Leigh Asylum Seeker and Refugee Support, while successful in the junior section were Hindley Kicks.
Giulia Kelemen, 12, originally from Romania but now living in Leigh, said:
“It was hard work but really fun. We started off as strangers but made new friends because it was all about teamwork, so it showed we all have lots of similarities and should all be equal.”
For more information about Wigan Athletic Community Trust’s Community Development programmes, please email Steve Eastwood on [email protected] or call 01942 318090.
