Patchwork World Cup 2010!!

On Sunday 17th October 2010, Ruskin Park held host to the first ever 'Patchwork World Cup'. An all day 5-a-side football extravaganza built around the simple philosophy of good football, good people, good food, good music, and good weather. The preparations had been somewhat hindered by the last minute cancellation of WIN's (Women's interfaith Network) 'Party in the Park', and thus it became a real challenge to secure any one part of that vision.

Approximately two weeks before the date, we had to make the big decision as to whether we should push ahead with the tournament, despite a lack of venue, caterer, and sufficient teams, as well as a budget spiraling madly out of control. Eventually we decided that we could still make it happen, and a grant of £350 from 'FARE' (Football Against Racism Europe), gave us the little encouragement we needed to press ahead.

Entering the park at 7am on Sunday morning, it was soon clear that God was indeed a football fan, and somehow October 17th 2010, had turned into a final farewell to the English Summer. We had purchased six Samba Goals from 'Net World Sports', and this was the first part of the setting up process. We then had to measure and mark out the pitches, put up the gazebo, set up the PA system, and display the FARE 'Action Week' posters, before attempting somehow to register the individuals and teams arriving in drips and drabs from their various Saturday night hangovers. At this point, I'll confess, I was worried. I rushed back home to collect trophies, medals, and extension cables, and tried to work out how the day was going to progress. I would like to say a massive thank you at this point to my Mum, Dad, Amal, Phil, Kam, and Pete, who really helped to hold things together.

On my return, me and Kam (the referee), quickly put a plan into action, and within ten minutes had eight teams registered in two leagues of four. We decided that each team would play each other once to achieve their seedings for the quarter finals, and then first would play fourth, second, third, etc. We began with 12 minute games, and at a delayed time of 11.15, we finally kicked off what was to be a fantastic tournament, with teams representing Egypt, Malawi, Croatia, Zimbabwe, Jordan, Ethiopia, Sudan, and Botswana.

The games began at a fast pace, as was often pointed out by our pitch-side analyst Ashwin Bolar, and soon it was clear that the dusty surface, and warm winter sun, was indeed a recipe for fatigue. The teams, however all battled through, and after an hour an a half of football, the group stages were complete in perfect time for lunch. Egypt and Botswana had set the early pace, and topped the groups. Each team, however, was proving themselves to be capable enough to push for the trophy, and the all girls team, representing Sudan, were causing a bit of a stir, with their sound tactics, and physical presence on the ball.

Lunch came courtesy of local Carribean Cuisine 'Good2Go', and it was indeed good to eat. We had chicken, goat, rice and pea, salad, vegetable stew, and many other delights. The timing could not have been more perfect, and soon the food had completely disappeared, The teams hunger for football had resurfaced however, and soon we were pressing on with the quarter final stages.

The intensity had gone up a notch, and now it was clear that with it being the knockout stages, teams were determined to progress. The first two quarters saw Jordan and Botswana progress at the cost of Ethiopia and Sudan respectively, and we were sad to have lost the only girls team of the day. They had certainly given their all, and were a fine example of what the event was all about. The second round of quarters saw Malawi and Egpyt progress, as Croatia and Zimbabwe headed for the exit doors, and soon the semi-finals had rushed up on us.

The first semi-final saw myself make the unsuccessful transition from referee to player, and Botswana battled through to a tightly contested 1-0 victory over Jordan, where they would be joined in the final by Egpyt, overcoming a determined Malawi team. After the always slightly pointless occasion of the third place play-off, where Malawi defeated Jordan to take bronze position, it was time for the Patchwork World Cup 2010 final between Egypt and Botswana.

Now, I have to confess that at this point, my own fatigue had got to the stage where I was no longer jotting down each goal, and paying a huge amount of attention to the score. I will say, however, that the two best teams on the day contested the final, and in the end Egypt's pace, and strength in depth got the better of Botswana's steely defensive qualities, and counter attacking. The final was played with the level of sportsmanship, which had been clear throughout the day, and I would like to thank each and every player for this.

We ended the day with a quick awards ceremony, where trophies and medals were presented to both the winners and runners up. Here Egypt were also presented with the winning prize of £250, which they immediately, and without hesitation donated back to 'Patchwork World'. It was the perfect ending to the perfect day, and I would like to thank Sang and his team for such a generous and appreciated gesture.

As the dust literally settled on the day, we were left to clear away everything which we had set up only hours earlier. The goal posts returned to their boxes, and the PA system back to Len (NeedleandThread), who we would like to thank massively for his help. We bundled the generator and tables back into the cars, and soon left the park as we had found it 12 hours earlier, happy with what had been a hugely successful day.

We are already working on ideas of how to make next years tournament even better, and with the extra planning time we will give ourselves, are confidant we will achieve this. The day didn't end up making a huge amount of profit, but did, we feel do credit to what is a very young organisation, and we see it as a real platform to grow from.

I would like to thank again; my Mum and Dad, Amal, Ashwin (Excellent analysis), Len, Jamie (5aside.org), Kam (for all your refereeing needs), Troy, Phil, Net World Sports, FARE (Football Against Racism Europe), Pete, HSS (50% charity discount), Leon, Pikey, Good2Go, and everyone who played and made it such a great event!!