Held on 2 November at the Corporal Budd VC Gymnasium, this event honoured the rich heritage and lasting contributions of Black history in sports, bringing together local communities, families, and supporters for a day of football, community connection, and health-focused activities.
Funded by the Colchester City Council Locality Budget and organised in partnership with the Essex Sports Culture & Art Foundation (ESCAF), African Families in the UK (AFIUK), Colchester Diversity Football Group, Essex Police and the NHS, the football tournament created a welcoming and secure environment where community members could celebrate Black history while promoting unity, physical health, and mental well-being.
Three teams – Ghana, Nigeria, and Diversity – competed in the tournament, with Diversity facing Nigeria and Ghana in the round-robin matches, both ending in 3-0 losses. This secured Ghana’s spot in the final against Nigeria. The championship match was intense, with Ghana scoring the only goal at the 35-minute mark. Despite Nigeria's push for an equalizer, Ghana held strong under coach Nick Donkor’s leadership, winning 1-0 and lifting the trophy.
Along with the exciting competition, there was a big focus on health and mental well-being. There were also NHS health checks available on-site, offering helpful support and reminding everyone how important it is to look after their health and well-being.
At the closing ceremony, all participants and volunteers were honoured with medals in recognition of their dedication and contribution to the tournament.
Cllr Natalie Sommers, Portfolio Holder for Communities, Heritage, and Public Protection said: “This meaningful celebration not only paid tribute to the rich legacy of Black history but also highlighted the importance of health, unity, and resilience within the community. It reflects our commitment to fostering these values, and I couldn’t be prouder of Colchester’s dedication to inclusivity and collaboration.”
Page last reviewed: 11 November 2024