AN annual five-a-side tournament for refugees and asylum seekers has returned with a tribute to one of the region’s best loved football commentators.
Teams from across the region took part in the tournament organised by Justice First, which this year saw players compete for the Ali Brownlee Trophy.
The ‘voice of the Boro’ and former BBC Tees commentator passed away in February last year after a short battle with cancer, and his wife, Wendy and daughter Emily, attended the tournament, now in its sixth year, on Saturday to present the winners with the trophy.
The tournament, which was held at Goals Soccer Centre in Middlesbrough, was won by JFC United, who beat a team made up of staff from Cleveland Police 2-0 in the final.
Former Middlesbrough defender and patron of Justice First Curtis Fleming was present at the event, which saw a record 21 teams take part.
“We are growing every year and it is great to see – we have got players from Syria and Nigeria and many other places.
“Next year we are hoping to have 25 teams, and we want people to come along just for the fun – it is great to see so much interaction.”
Barbara Hungin, chair of trustees at Justice First, said: “It is a really good opportunity to celebrate different cultures.
“The atmosphere today has been tremendous – sport is a great way of bringing people together."
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