Afghans win inaugural Exeter City OGOC Futsal trophy

Exeter based Afghani United were clear winners in Exeter City’s first ever One Game One Community five a side Futsal tournament which was held on Sunday (30 March).

The Afghans won every match to lift the inaugural trophy.

Players from local black and minority ethnic communities had been especially invited to participate at the event which was held in the University of Exeter Sports Hall.

Runners up were Plymouth Hope representing a local charity which offers football opportunities to the wider community including under represented ethnic groups and asylum seekers.

Devon Lions, Devon’s gay friendly football team, took third place and Maiwand, another Afghan side from Exeter, won the fair play award.

The event was organised by the Exeter City Supporters Trust backed One Game One Community (Kick it Out) Group. The Group aims to promote equality and diversity through football related initiatives. A regular outdoor summer tournament is held but this is the first time an indoor competition has been organised.

The competition was supported by Exeter City Football in the Community, Devon FA, University of Exeter and the National Citizen Service (NCS).

The referees and administration were provided by the Devon FA and students on Exeter City’s Football in the Community B Tech course.  They volunteered to work at the tournament as part of a social action project for their NCS qualification.

Exeter City has close links with Brazilian football having been Brazil’s first ever opponents in 1914. It is fitting therefore that a Futsal tournament has been organised as this indoor version of the game was developed in Brazil in the 1930s. Its name comes from the Portuguese ‘Futebol de salao’ – ‘hall football’.

“Yet again Exeter City has held a successful community event and helped widen participation in the beautiful game” said Martin Weiler, Co-ordinator of the Exeter City One Game One Community Group.