The annual Scottish Multicultural Football Festival took place at Toryglen Football Centre recently with the aim of promoting participation from diverse community groups.
Over 140 participants took part on the day with a wide range of ethnicities represented, ranging from Scottish to Iranian, Pakistani and Egyptian and many more.
Twelve men’s teams took part in a 10-a-side tournament and there was also a girl’s football tournament with 4 teams from Ethnic Minority & Scottish backgrounds taking part - some of whom were experiencing playing in that environment for the very first time.
Paul Fitzpatrick, Scottish FA Football Equity Coordinator said: “It was great to see so many people from EM communities participating and most of all enjoying the day for what it was.
“The chance for people to come together, despite their race, religious beliefs or background and take part in a football event is what we aimed for and we will continue to use football as a tool to break down any of the barriers that people may find exists for them to play on a regular basis.”
Asif Hussain of the MYF Boys Team added: “I thought it was a fantastic opportunity for Glasgow's various communities to get to know each other and have the possibility to interact which could potentially lead to future collaborations among all the different communities in Glasgow. It was an opportunity to use and practice skills gained from the coach education courses undertaken by some of our team members courtesy of the Equity Project.”
“Also this event gave some young girls from our organisation the opportunity to take their football further with another local organisation, and more confidence and motivation to continue their weekly coaching sessions.”