EMSONI – Ethnic Minority Sports Organisation NI are gratified with the 2nd hosting of Northern Ireland Confederation Cup 2021. This annually held intercommunity social development 11 aside football tournament will stretch over eight active weeks and will take place at both the Olympia Park and Ulidia Playing Fields in Belfast. It starts on the July 4, 2021, and the final fixture cum community fiesta will be held at the Ulidia Playing Fields, on Saturday, August 28, 2021.
NICC – Northern Ireland Confederation Cup, an initiative first introduced in 2019, encourages social inter-community interaction through football. In addition, it creates opportunity for people with varied skillset, socio-economic and political background to participate in grassroot football, boosting performance and discovering hidden talents within our community!
This year, Northern Ireland Confederation Cup 2021, is proudly funded by Belfast City Council, Community Foundation Northern Ireland, The Housing Executive, Belfast Harbour and The Ireland Funds and to be supported by Rosario YFC.
The draw ceremony was held today – June 26, 2021, at Ulidia Playing Fields, Belfast which was facilitated by Danny Treacy, the Chairman of Rosario YFC. The 15 registered communities were grouped into three groups of five as follows:
Group A
Romanian Community NI
Nigerian Community NI
Homeless Community NI
Timorese Community
International Community NI
Group B
Portuguese Community NI
Limestone Community NI
Eritrea Community NI
South Belfast Asia NI
Zimbabwean Community NI
Group C
Ghanaian Community NI
Syrian Community NI
Polish Community NI
Sudanese Community NI
North African Community NI
Adekanmi Abayomi, Founder & Chair of EMSONI, said, “We decided to host this year Northern Ireland Confederation Cup in honour of Noah Donohoe to keep the legacy of that brilliant sport young man alive and to amplify the importance of a safe neighbourhood. The lasting legacy of our Northern Ireland Confederation Cup is that it gives the grassroots what to look up to every summer as a place where humanity is being celebrated. It is a project that bestows community and social responsibility on both the participants and beneficiaries with the aim of giving birth to active and socially accountable citizens that behave ethically with sensitivity toward social and cultural problems. Our Northern Ireland Confederation Cup does not only embody cooperation, respect, and participation but it also inspires people to work towards common beliefs concerning shared interests in life”.
Faisal Kadiri (EMSONI’s Public Relations Officer) said “We are extremely happy and excited to host the tournament this year as we could not host the Northern Ireland Confederation Cup (NICC) in 2020 due to the pandemic. This year we have 15 communities as compared to 12 communities in 2019 and we only hope for it to increase! We remain grateful to the participants, our sponsors, funders, partners, supporters, and volunteers for their continuous support that has led this initiative to fulfil its mission. Come join us to celebrate these games as they unfold providing opportunity for community wide cohesion, collaboration, good and community relations, peace building and promoting equality, diversity, integration, and social inclusion!
Housing Executive Race Relations Officer Sylwia McAvoy said, “We’re delighted to provide funding for this very positive sporting event, and we commend the organisers for their efforts.”
“Belfast is a changing city and initiatives such as are vital to promote good relations and build stronger community cohesion.”
Stephen Haughey (Rosario YFC Community Outreach & Well-being Officer) said “Rosario YFC are proud to support EMSONI – Ethnic Minority Sports Organisation in hosting the Northern Ireland Confederation Cup 2021. We are looking forward to supporting EMSONI and playing our part in demonstrating the Club’s commitment to inclusion and diversity in our city”
by EMSONI 
by EMSONI