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Saturday 17th November 2007 saw the second Leeds Together 4 Peace Festival football tournament hosted by Republica Internationale FC, holders of the 2006 Anti-racist world cup. Over 200 players took part in a tournament to celebrate the social and cultural diversity of Leeds. There were children's, women's and men's matches to enjoy, and players and spectators were also treated to an African drumming circle and workshop courtesy of Daftasadrum, which kept everyone warm!
The Kurdish Community Kids were the winners of the children's tournament, playing against teams from Hunslet Moor, Gypsy United and the Children's Society - many of whom having never played together before. In the Men's tournament the Kurdish Community were also triumphant, winning a close fought final with the Somalian Youth Club Team. The women's tournament went all the way to a penalty shoot out with the host team, Republica Women, eventually out-shooting the team from Leeds University.
The aim of the tournament was to foster understanding and respect between differing communities, as well as playing football and having fun. Every one of the18 teams that took part received a trophy to recognise their contribution to the success of the day. The children's teams also got a Stop Hate UK football who were sponsors of the event. Generous donations from the West Riding County FA, local Labour councillors, Leeds Gypsy and Traveller Exchange, Stop Hate UK, Mosaic Arts & Crafts Market, Ilkley Quakers, Costco, and Emmerdale ensured that the event was completely free to all the community teams.
At the end of the presentation ceremony a special award was announced - the Leeds Together 4 Peace Trophy. This award was presented to the Refugee Council FC as the team who received the most fair play points and therefore embodied the spirit of the festival.
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