Our youngsters had a great afternoon and finished as tournament runners up narrowly losing 0-1 to Giveback FC who were crowned champions for a fourth consecutive year, but the event now in it’s fifth year is about more than just football.

Forming part of ‘Refugee Week’, the world’s largest arts & culture festival celebrating the contributions, creativity and resilience of refugees and people seeking sanctuary. The Reading Community Cup is a tournament that brings together Berkshire’s oldest refugee football team, Sanctuary Strikers FC, and guest teams with the aim of promoting unity and integration through the international language of football.

Ryan Sheehan, Our Media, Communications & Community Engagement Executive and Berks & Bucks FA Inclusion Advisory Group Member had this to say:

“Last season we launched a new club identity titled ‘The Pride of Reading’ where we pledged to be a force for good within the Community so to be invited to participate in this tournament is a huge honour for everyone connected with Reading City Football Club.

 

The event carried a message of ‘Unity is Power’ which resonates with all of us here at Reading City Football Club as we work hard each and every day to strengthen the connection between the club and the wider community of Reading, as together we are stronger.

 

We were very proud to play our part in celebrating the resilience of refugees who are living in Reading by participating in this tournament, here at Reading City Football Club we’re proud to provide an environment that is safe, fun and inclusive for everyone involved and we therefore welcome everyone irrespective of their gender, sexuality, ethnicity, ability or disability, faith or age.”