Last weekend, a unique football tournament that showcases the best of Scottish sporting talent and spirit took place in Glasgow.
The Refugee Festival Football Tournament 2021 is the most diverse event of its kind in Scotland and unites people from different cultures, religions and countries – new Scots, people in the asylum system and those whose families have been here for generations.
The flagship event from the Scottish Unity Football League and Glasgow Afghan United works to break down barriers between communities, overcome prejudice and help people reach their potential – whatever their background.
Teams battled it out in a one-day tournament in Glasgow that took inspiration from the UEFA Euro 2020 action that took place in the city earlier this summer.
Each team was allocated a Euro 2020 country, with the Jimmy Johnstone Academy turning out as the Netherlands, Red Road FC playing as Hungary, the Dream Team as Germany and the Sudanese Community as Wales.
After a day of fierce football, Scoutable FC emerged as tournament champions after defeating runners-up Jimmy Johnstone Academy in the final round.
Tournament organiser Abdul Bostani of Glasgow Afghan United and Scottish Unity Football League said:
“The league is rich in talent and we knew it would be a fierce contest, but the standard of football on show surpassed our expectations yet again. Many congratulations to Scoutable FC, who were worthy winners.
“We’d like to thank all of our teams for taking part in what was a terrific contest, especially after a year in which much grassroots sport was curtailed by Covid. We’d also like to thank our guests, the Lord Provost and Alex Rae, and all of our sponsors.
“You can’t underestimate the power of sport to boost health and wellbeing, helping people overcome troubles and reach their potential. Quite simply, it changes lives.
“We have real stars in this league and I would be surprised if many didn’t go on to play professionally.”
Image: Robert Perry
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