The second annual 'AMES Australia Multicultural Cup', a community soccer tournament held in Mildura, was another roaring success.
The tournament saw about ten teams representing about 120 players and 150 spectators come together over two days in a celebration of sport and multiculturalism.
There were teams representing local communities, including from: Vietnam, Malaysia, Burundi, the Congo, Vanuatu, Nepal as well as pan-African and pan-Asian teams.
The major trophy was won by team Vietnam.
Now in its second year, the tournament has introduced many newcomers to the local mainstream soccer competition and it has helped to forge links between diverse communities living in Mildura.
Football Federation Sunraysia General Manager Susan Watts says the tournament has introduced newly arrived players to the local competition.
“We have had people turn up with little or no English so we are trying to get them involved in less formal ways," she said.
A local farmer has even paid the registration fees for some new arrivals to be able to play.
“Before this tournament there was really only one club, Mildura United, that was welcoming of players from diverse backgrounds but now all of the clubs see the value in attracting new comers," Susan said.
“And the Multicultural Cup tournament has played a role in that. It has brought new players into the game," she said.
Among the participants in the tournament were those studying English with AMES Australia under the Adult Migrants English Program (AMEP), offering them a valuable opportunity to actively engage with the community and forge connections crucial for their successful integration. AMEP is an Australian Government initiative funded by the Department of Home Affairs.
AMES CEO Cath Scarth, who presented the trophies, said the tournament was a great way of making newly arrived communities feel welcome.
“The tournament is a great way of building connections and social cohesion in the community," she said.