A SIGNIFICANT increase in players for the AMES Multicultural Cup has raised hopes of boosting the profile and participation rate for soccer in Sunraysia.
The two-day extravaganza, at Mildura’s Aero Ovals at the weekend, is aimed at those from a migrant or refugee background to play the world game.
Football Federation Sunraysia general manager Susan Watts said about 70 per cent of players involved were new registrations for the second annual event, now allowing individuals to join the Summer 7s season as well as S-League in 2024.
A number of players also entered the tournament from outside Sunraysia, which is aiming to expand further next year.
The tournament is supported by migrant and refugee settlement agency AMES Australia, alongside Football Federation Sunraysia and Football Victoria.
“That was the original idea, to help grow the game through the multicultural community and give them a space where they can dip their toes in the water and hopefully continue on,” Watts said.
“It was really pleasing to see the knowledge of what we were doing, which means the message is getting out there.
“I had the big wigs from AMES here and they were really happy with how things went, so we’re already looking ahead to 2024.”
Planning has already begun for next year’s Cup, including the hopeful additions of women’s and junior grades to join the senior men and over-35 grades that took part this year.
Viet Nam, Burundian and Ifira Blackbird were all equal on points heading into the final round-robin games in the senior men’s competition.
The latter two sides faced each other and could only manage a 1-1 draw, while Viet Nam lucked out by facing bottom-ranked Sagarmatha to win 12-0 and take home the Cup.
It took goal difference to separate the top two sides in the over-35s as Asia and Hellas both finished on four points.
Asia took the title due to scoring one more goal in their victory over The Avengers.
“Everyone was delighted with how it all came together and there was some really good football on display,” Watts said.
“It was a bit different this year with the senior men’s teams as we didn’t have to rely on as many fill-in players. I think it’s been a really good progression from where we were last year.”
Football Federation Sunraysia moves into its Summers 7s competition this week, which has close to 50 teams involved across all grades.
Concrete footings for lighting fixtures have also been established at Soccer Park, with the hope games under lights may be available before the end of Summer 7s.
“Once the lights are going, that could be a great chance to add some night games to the Multicultural Cup to help its growth, as well as the S-League,” Watts said.
CUP RESULTS
Round 1 – Open Men
Viet Nam defeated Malay FC 3-1
Pan African defeated Burundian 3-2
Ifira Blackbird defeated Sagarmatha 7-1
Round 2 – Open Men
Burundian defeated Malay FC 3-1
Pan African defeated Sagarmatha 8-1
Viet Nam defeated Ifira Blackbird 4-1
Round 3 – Open Men
Malay FC defeated Sagarmatha 3-0
Burundian defeated Viet Nam 3-1
Ifira Blackbird defeated Pan African 3-2
Round 4 – Open Men
Burundian defeated Sagarmantha 4-0
Vietnam defeated Pan African 3-1
Ifira Blackbird defeated Malaya FC 2-1
Round 5 – Open Men
Vietnam defeated Sagarmantha 12-0
Burundian drew with Ifira Blackbird 1-1
Pan African defeated Mayala FC 3-2
Over 35 Men
Asia defeated the Avengers 8 -2
Hellas defeated the Avengers 5-0
Hellas defeated Asia 1-1
