Players from different countries came together through football on Friday 22 June, as Liverpool County FA facilitated the first-ever Refugee World Cup Tournament at Jubilee Sports Centre in Kensington.

On the day, eight teams made up of players from countries around the globe, battled it out under the banner of different World Cup nations in a five-a-side competition in partnership with Asylum Link.

The competition took place during the nationwide Refugee Week, which celebrates the contribution that refugees and asylum seekers have made to the United Kingdom, and encourages a better understanding between communities.

Stuart Carrington, Football Development Officer at Liverpool County FA, said: “The first-ever Refugee World Cup Tournament in Liverpool was for asylum seekers and refugees – and we were delighted to have over 50 players take part.

“Players were placed into teams and then played under the names of countries participating in the World Cup; Spain, England, Germany, Senegal, France, Belgium, Brazil and Russia.

“The competition was fantastic, with great camaraderie on show and everybody playing in good spirit. Every player received a medal and the winners, Spain, received a World Cup trophy. We’d like to thank Asylum Link, especially Wendy, for their help running the tournament.”

For more information about opportunities to play the game in Liverpool, please email Stuart Carrington via stuart.carrington@liverpoolfa.com