THE CHAMPIONS of a football tournament which united asylum seekers, refugees and migrants in Oxford will be presented with the winner’s cup at the Kassam Stadium.

Hundreds of spectators watched teams of people who have fled famine, poverty and war in countries across the world play in the first ever United Oxford Cup.

And after a successful competition at Iffley Road Sports Ground last Sunday, organisers have said they hope to run the tournament next year.

The eight-a-side teams were made up of refugees, asylum seekers and migrants from East Timor, Algeria, Nigeria, Eritrea, Sudan, Somalia and Kurdistan.

But it was East Timor who managed to get their names etched into the trophy after beating Kurdistan on penalties in the final.

Ben McFadyean, from Headington, who was a key driving force behind the tournament said he was ‘delighted’ with the turnout of 10 teams.

He added: “It was wonderful to see so many from the East Timor community in the final.

“Special mention for the Syrian community team, the country have been through so much in recent years and to me they are all heroes.

“In terms of skills and speed I was incredibly impressed, I actually think there were a couple for Oxford United to look at.”

Former Oxford East MP Andrew Smith, who attended the tournament, said: “It was wonderful to see everyone having such a great time at the tournament, with some very good football.

“Huge credit to all who brought this day together. We have to make this an annual event.”

The East Timor squad will be presented with the United Oxford Cup at an Oxford United home fixture next season.

Mr McFadyean added he was grateful to partners Oxfordshire Mind, Asylum Welcome, Refugee Resource and East Oxford United Football Club  for the ‘hard work’ they had carried out to make the tournament a success.

East Oxford United organised all the teams together.

As well as bringing people from all over the world together, the tournament raised cash to send a junior team from East Oxford United to play at an event in the city’s Russian twin town Perm.

The new FA-affiliated club was invited to compete in a summer camp tournament in Perm and needs to raise funds for the children to be able to get travel visas.

The tournament raised £350.

Dan Knowles, chief executive of Oxfordshire Mind, said: “Oxfordshire Mind were delighted to be a part of the inclusive and innovative United Oxford Cup.

“The event was a great success for all of the partner organisations and sponsors involved.

“We are looking forward to supporting this lively event again in Oxford next year.”