By Afraa Kori
For African football fans and athletes, the return of African Nations Cup is good news.
Hosted by Football Empowerment, the action kicks off from noon-7pm at Keilor Park Reserve, on November 23 to December 8.
Football Empowerment founder and executive director Tom Yabio said marginalised youth should have wider exposure to sports.
“The African Nations Cup Victoria was inspired by our journey as young aspiring footballers, facing financial and systemic barriers that made pursuing our passion challenging. Our mission is to create a space where young African Australians can celebrate their heritage through football while showcasing their talents. We strive to foster unity and provide opportunities for young players, similar to the ones we wished for in our early football days,” he said.
The African Nations Cup Victoria has been running for seven years, evolving from a small community gathering into a significant cultural and sporting event.
This year’s tournament draws participants and spectators across Victoria, including regional areas like Albury Wodonga County.
With teams from all corners of the state, the competition level is expected to be high. Many talented players will be competing, making this year’s event a fantastic showcase of football skills and community spirit.
African Nations Cup creates a platform where local players can catch the attention of scouts and clubs.
“It has opened doors for young players to be scouted by professional teams, with several going on to play in the A-League,” Mr Yabio said.
“A memorable story involves a young player who participated in our tournament, caught the eye of scouts, and eventually signed with an A-League club. Witnessing players progress from our community tournaments to signing professional contracts has been a proud moment for us, showing the importance of providing the right opportunities for young talent.
“This year, we’re excited to introduce grand final performances and kids’ matches during halftime of the final games. These additions will create a lively atmosphere, engage spectators, and give young players a chance to experience the thrill of playing on a big stage. It’s a way to celebrate the talent within our community while providing an entertaining experience for everyone.”
Meanwhile the tournament has strengthened connections between the African community and the wider Victorian society.
“Football has always been a way for people to connect, and it was our way of finding belonging when we moved to Australia. The African Nations Cup Victoria uses football as a bridge to unite communities, providing a space where people can come together, support each other, and celebrate their identity,” Mr Yabio said.
It celebrates African culture through music, dance, food, and the pride of representing different African nations on the field. It’s a time when families and friends come together to celebrate their heritage, fostering a strong sense of community and unity.
“We work closely with community leaders from various African backgrounds to ensure the event reflects the diversity of the African diaspora. Each team represents a different African nation, bringing together a rich variety of cultural expressions that celebrate the breadth of African heritage,” Mr Yabio said.
“We have established strong partnerships with local councils, including Brimbank City Council, as well as with Football Victoria, the Victorian Police, Professional Footballers Australia (PFA), and community organizations like the African Youth Initiative. These collaborations are crucial for expanding our reach and ensuring the success of the African Nations Cup Victoria. They help us create more opportunities for young players across the state, providing pathways to professional development and fostering a safe, inclusive environment.”
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