South Australian organisations collaborate to deliver football tournament focussing on inclusion

A football tournament is being delivered via a collaboration between the South Australian Department of Human Services, One Culture Football, SEDA College, the Australian Federal Police community liaison team, and Adelaide United Football Club, with a focus on inclusion.

The event is to be held in the upcoming school holidays on Friday, 6th October at Futsal Park, Blair Athol.

Young people aged 12 to 25 from diverse cultures and backgrounds will come together for the community football tournament to Kick Out Hate, stand up for inclusion, and be aware of the risks of online hate and radicalisation.

One Culture Football Chief Executive Nader Ibrahim notes “One Culture Football provides opportunities for young people from new arrival, migrant, and First Nations backgrounds to build ties with their community, create interpersonal networks and engage in personal development training.

“We’re delighted to be partnering in this tournament which uses the world game to help build confidence among individuals to take control of their lives and make positive choices.”

In a true celebration of multiculturalism, the Kick Out Hate football tournament will harness the power of the world game to bring together young people, discourage anti-social behaviour and encourage harmony in the community.

All partner organisations will be represented on the day, with students from SEDA College volunteering their time to assist in running the tournament.

Young people will be able to engage directly with the Australian Federal Police community liaison team and staff members from the Department of Human Services Inclusion Support Program, which supports the national Living Safe Together initiative.

Nat Cook shared “we all just witnessed how the FIFA Women’s World Cup brought Australians from all walks of life together as the nation collectively barracked for the Matildas. This was a wonderful example of the power of sport in uniting people and communities.

“The Kick Out Hate tournament was held for the first last year and was a great success. This year’s event has been expanded to allow more young players to get involved and further spread the message about promoting diversity and inclusion through sport.

“I look forward to this year’s tournament further raising awareness about the risks of hate and discrimination, fostering cultural connection, and providing a real sense of belonging to the young people who get involved.”

Registrations for the five-a-side tournament are now open and young people are encouraged to get involved. Numbers are limited to 150 players on the day.

To find out more information and to register, go to www.oneculturefootball.org/tournaments – registrations close Friday 29th September.