Australian Somali National Football Championships finale

 

The cream of Australia’s refugee football talent is on display for the final stages of the 2nd annual Australian Somali Football Championships at JJ Holland Park in Kensington on 29-30 December 2011.

 

This year’s event saw the Australian Somali Football Championships grow from 8 to12 teams featuring four (4) interstate teams, seven (7) teams from across Melbourne and for the first time an international entrant in New Zealand Somalia.

 

The players are drawn from the Horn of Africa refugee communities across Australia including Somali, Ethiopian, Sudanese, Eritrean, Oromo and Kenyan.

 

Australian Somali Football Association (ASFA) president Ahmed Dini is thrilled with the growth of the event and said “The Horn of Africa communities of Australia are doing it tough and this event has brought the community a lot of joy.”

 

“It’s amazing to think we are now hosting an international tournament when 10 years ago some of us were in refugee camps without a hope.”

 

“We are down to the semifinal stage and 3 of the 4 teams are from Melbourne which will ensure big crowds for the finals who will see a high standard of football.” said Mr Dini who recently won the Victorian Local Hero section of the 2012 Australian of the Year awards.

 

City of Melbourne Lord Mayor Robert Doyle said the African community had contributed greatly to Melbourne’s rich culture and diversity. “A great part of Melbourne’s culture is our love of sport and Council is proud to again be a sponsor of this tournament and may the best team win,” Cr Doyle said.

 

Finals Schedule:

 

2011 Date Venue Time Event
Thurs Dec 29 JJ Holland Park, 67-121 Kensington Rd, Kensington 2pm 

4pm

– Semi Final 1 – Flemington/Nth Melbourne  vs Sydney- Semi Final 2 – Heidelberg vs Carlton

 

Fri Dec 30 JJ Holland Park, Kensington 4-6 pm7pm –  Final (1500 – 2000 crowd expected)-  Closing Ceremony

 

Website:www.aussiesomalifootball.com

 

Comments

  1. Went to the semis last year. Recommended.

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