Devon Lions win community Futsal tournament

The Devon Lions, especially set up as a gay-friendly team, won Exeter City Football Club’s One Game One Community Futsal tournament yesterday (Sunday 29 March).

The Lions, inspired by some outstanding goalkeeping, edged out the Open Space International Legends, who included several Afghan players, 2-0 in the final.

The tournament, organised by Exeter City Football in the Community, attracted a diverse range of community teams from the local YMCA to a group of University of Exeter students from Hong Kong. Many countries were represented including players from Nigeria, Cameroon and Kuwait.

After an initial group stage the semi finals saw the Hong Kong students lose 6-1 to Open Space and local side OJFC defeated 4-0 by the Lions.

The event, under the umbrella of Exeter City Supporters Trust and its One Game One Community Group, was supported by the University of Exeter who provided the use of their Sports Hall and Devon FA whose officials refereed the games.

Exeter City’s One Game One Community Group support the aims of the national equality and diversity Kick it Out campaign which works to address all types of discrimination in football including race, disability, gender, age, religion and sexual orientation.

“This was another excellent tournament which provided opportunities to participate to a wide variety of local community teams.  There was a brilliant mix of players and the games were played in a friendly and positive manner” said Martin Weiler for the Exeter City One Game One Community Group.