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On Sunday 6^th June 2010, faith leaders joined together to take part in a World Cup Interfaith Football tournament at Judgemeadow Community College with Leicestershire Constabulary beating the Faith Leaders by 6-0!

The recipe of sport and interfaith has been pioneered by St Philip’s Centre, the Community Football Academy (CFA) and their partners who on the fifth anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks held an Imams Vs Clergy Cricket match at Grace Road, home of Leicestershire County Cricket Club, to show how faith can be a force for unity and shared understanding. Alongside Cricket, St Philip’s Centre, the CFA and their partners have staged annual interfaith football matches.

In addition to St Philip’s Centre, the CFA and Leicestershire Constabulary, this year’s partners include Leicestershire County Council, Leicester City Council, Leicestershire & Rutland County Football Association and the Football Foundation.

Canon Dr. John Hall, Director of the St. Philip’s Centre said, “St Philip’s Centre and our partners have shown that sport and interfaith go hand in hand. This year’s tournament is a continuation of our hard work each year in building bridges across communities and promoting stronger ties amongst faith groups and other agencies. Alongside sport we provide corporate training, leadership for young people and workshops where people can learn about matters of faith”.

David Parsons, Leader of Leicestershire County Council, said: “Leicestershire County Council is keen to support this annual event, which is an opportunity for people of different faiths and beliefs to come together and celebrate the rich multi-cultural diversity of Leicester and Leicestershire.

 “The event also gives people of different faith communities the chance to demonstrate their commitment to interfaith understanding and acceptance, as well as strengthening the ongoing, positive interfaith relations between our different community groups.”

 Ahmed Maravia from the CFA added, “Whether we run interfaith football or cricket matches, every year so much excitement is generated particularly among the children who are so keen on taking part. It is vital that faith representatives and indeed parents play their part in supporting our work of enhancing good community relations”