ORGANISERS of a football tournament aimed to bring together people living in Oxford from across the World hope the event will return bigger and better next year.

The Community Cohesion Cup saw teams of international amateur footballers play against each other in a bid to promote integration across the city's neighbourhoods.

The teams made up of people from Nigeria to Kurdistan came together after Oxford City councillors and charities donated money to fund the competition.

Hassan Sabrie, chairman of East Oxford United, organised the event with Abdullahi Omar and Hassan Abdullahi from the football club, with support from Rob Jeffs of the city council.

Mr Sabrie said the event on Sunday [Aug 27] proved a 'great success' and added plans were developing for next year to expand the tournament.

He added: "The Community Cohesion Cup was designed to bring members of different communities together, to promote diversity and build relationships."

A total of 10 teams entered the eight-a-side tournament, with footballers coming together to play at Oxford University's Iffley Road Sports Complex.

Players represented the countries of their heritage, which included Poland, Romania, Syria, Nigeria, Pakistan, Eritrea, Portugal, Kurdistan and Algeria.

Mr Sabrie said the teams were split into two groups and played each other once in 20-minute games.

Pakistan and Eritrea progressed from Group A after the latter won a deciding penalty shootout, due to a tie on points with Syria.

Group B saw Kurdistan top the group with Romania runners up.

Pakistan and Kurdistan won the semi-finals and after playing out a 2-2 draw in the final, with Kurdistan winning on sudden death penalties.

The tournament was supported with donations of water and snacks by Tesco.

Financial donations were made by Oxford City councillors Christine Simm, David Thomas, Tom Hayes and Jamiila Azad, which helped towards the running costs of the tournament.

Mr Sabrie thanked Asylum Welcome, Oxford City Council, Oxford University and Tesco for their helping in making the event happen.

To register your interest in entering a team for next year's competition, email Mr Sabrie on east.oxford@yahoo.co.uk