Colchester: football for health tournament event a 'success'

Bernard Nana Adu Gyebi, from Colchester, helped organise the football for health tournament last Saturday which took place at the Corporal Budd VC Gymnasium in Berechurch Road.

The tournament was held to honour Black History Month and to bring football players, families, refugees and supporters from “diverse backgrounds” together.

It was organised by the Essex Sports Culture & Art Foundation (ESCAF), African Families in the UK (AFIUK), Colchester Diversity Football Group, Essex Police, and the NHS.

Representing - the Nigeria team (Image: Bernard Nana Adu Gyebi) The event was supported by Colchester Councillors Lee Scordis, David King, and Yvonne Cook.

Three teams participated in the tournament represented Ghana, Nigeria, and a diversity team which featured refugees from different backgrounds.

According to Mr Gyebi, who is the lead Art and Sports Officer at AFIUK, founder of ESCAF, seasoned football business executive, and founder of the Colchester Stars Football Club, about 80 players aged 25 to 60 and older turned out.

Family members, friends and spectators also came out to cheer on the teams.

Showing his support - Bernard Nana Adu Gyebi (Image: Bernard Nana Adu Gyebi) He said: “It was a resounding success.

“It drew a spirited crowd and created an atmosphere filled with camaraderie, sportsmanship, and community pride.

“The competition was exciting and engaging, with each match marked by skilful plays, and plenty of thrilling moments.

“Beyond the games, the event fostered a positive environment for networking and social engagement, with participants and spectators enjoying the opportunity to connect and celebrate Black History Month together.

Footballers - the diversity team members (Image: Bernard Nana Adu Gyebi) “We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to all contributors for their invaluable support in making this inaugural event a success, marking Colchester Black History Month with purpose and pride.”

Mr Gyebi wanted to organise the tournament as a way to “spotlight black achievements and excellence within sports”.

As a resident of Colchester for more than 15 years, he thought the city was the “ideal location” to host the tournament.

He is also aware as a football fan how the sport has an “influential role in bringing communities together”.

In the first matches, the diversity team played against Nigeria and then Ghana, suffering a 3-0 loss in both games.

Win - the trophy (Image: Bernard Nana Adu Gyebi) The final match between Nigeria and Ghana saw Ghana winning 1-0 and taking home the tournament trophy.

At the closing ceremony, all participants, including volunteers, were honoured with medals in recognition of their contributions and participation.

For more information or to get involved in future events, contact the ESCAF Administration and Committee at events@escaf.co.uk or admin@escaf.co.uk.

You can view more photos from the tournament below.

Warming up - the Nigeria team (Image: Bernard Nana Adu Gyebi) Winning team - Ghana player Abdul Rashid Haruna  (Image: Bernard Nana Adu Gyebi)
Happy - (left to right) Bernard Nana Adu Gyebi,  David Walton, and Rachel Walton, co-founder of AFIUK (Image: Bernard Nana Adu Gyebi)

Community spirit - different team members after the tournament (Image: Bernard Nana Adu Gyebi)