15th annual All Africa Soccer Tournament and Festival

Page 1


All Africa Soccer Tournament and Festival

The15thannualAllAfricaSoccerTournamentandFestivalishere!AfricaCentre isproudtopresentforanotheryearthehighlyanticipatedsoccertournament, whichbringstogetherteamsfromacrosstheprovincerepresentingvarious Africancountries Thisyear,theeventwilltakeplacefromJune28to30,2024

ThesoccertournamentisoneofAfricaCentre'shallmarkeventsthatisfreeand opentoallagesandcommunities.Itisanopportunityforsoccerenthusiasts fromourcommunitytocomeandcompete,forvendorstoshowandselltheir products,forfamiliestoenjoythefestivities,andfortheAfricandescent communityintheareatocelebratetheCanadaDaylongweekend

Throughthisevent,weaimtobuildastrongersenseofbelongingbycreatinga family-friendlyfunenvironment,whileincreasingourcommunityimpact, providingexposuretobusinesses,offeringvolunteeropportunitiestocommunity membersandincreasingawarenessofAfricaCentre’sprogramsandservices. Therewillbevariousactivitiesandgamesforeveryonetoenjoy

Aboutus

TheCouncilforAdvancementofAfricanCanadiansinAlberta(CAAC), operatingasAfricaCentre,wasincorporatedin2006 Wearethelargestpan Africannon-profitorganizationinwesternCanada,servingasacommunityhub thatprovidesprogramsandservicesfromaplaceofculturalawarenessand competencytothefamiliesinourdiversecommunity Weacknowledgethe diversityofourculturalbackgroundasasourceofthestrengththatbrings capacityandcompetenciestoshapeathrivingcommunityinAlberta Wehave astrongAfricanindigenousculturalfoundationincorporatedacrossour programsandservices

Mission

CreateopportunitiesforaccessandfullparticipationoftheAfricandescent communityinAlberta

Vision

Astrong,relevantandengagedAfricandescentcommunityinAlberta

LandAcknowledgement

AfricaCentrerespectfullyacknowledgesthatwearelocatedonTreaty6 territory,atraditionalgatheringplacefordiverseIndigenouspeoplesincluding theCree,Blackfoot,Métis,NakotaSioux,Iroquois,Dene,Ojibway/ Saulteaux/Anishinaabe,Inuit,andmanyotherswhosehistories,languages,and culturescontinuetoinfluenceourvibrantcommunity AsAfricansettlersonthis landweappreciatetheprivilegewehavebeengiventoliveonthisland.We aremindfulofbrokencovenantsandstrivetomakethingsright,withtheland andwitheachother.

MessagefromHisWorship

MayorAmarjeetSohi

On behalf of City Council and the people of Edmonton, welcome to the 15thAnnualAllAfricaSoccerTournamentandFestival! Manycountriesworldwidesharealoveofsoccer,uniting Edmontoniansofallbackgrounds Thistournamentensuresplayersof allagesandabilitiescanstayactiveandparticipateinfriendly competition It’salsoanopportunitytocelebrateEdmonton’sdiverse Africancommunitiesandraiseawarenessofthepastandpresent legacythatthoseofAfricandescenthaveonourcity. TheCityofEdmonton’sLiveActivestrategyisacelebrationof recreationandsport Acrosseveryseason,itsupportsandencourages Edmontonianstomakebeingphysicallyactivetheeasychoiceintheir everydaylives.Andit’scommunitypartnersliketheAfricaCentre whohelpmakethispossible

IthanktheAfricaCentreforhostingthiseventandspearheadingvital worktoadvanceequityandhealthylivinginEdmonton AndI’m gratefultoallthespectatorsforsupportingthistournamentand makingitamemorableweekend Bestoflucktoalltheteams!

Message from Board Chair

Welcome to the 15th Annual Soccer Tournament and Festival! This year, we are thrilled to host 27 teams representing various countries in Africa. These teams will engage in friendly matches, celebrate our diverse cultures, and strengthen our sense of community

We are excited to announce several exciting updates this year:

Increased Prize Money: We have boosted the prize money for men ’ s, women ’ s, and master’s teams.

Women’s Teams Are Back: We are delighted to have women's teams participating again this year

Introducing the Soccer Tournament Festival: This new addition will make the event even more special with a range of activities for families, individuals, and the community. Enjoy our beer garden, vibrant performances, and a variety of fun-filled activities for everyone.

We encourage you to connect with community members, local businesses, entertainers, City councillors, your local MLAs and members of parliament. . Take the opportunity to meet the dedicated staff of Africa Centre and support local vendors while enjoying the games!

A heartfelt thank you to our organizing committee, Africa Centre staff, and volunteers, whose dedication and hard work have made this event possible

Best of luck to all the teams and may the best team win!

It gives me immense pleasure to welcome you to the 15th Annual Soccer Tournament and Games Day! The tournament began to nurture community collaboration through friendly games of soccer

Soccer is more than just a sport; it allows us to connect, celebrate our culture, and create a sense of belonging. We are committed as an organization to further investing in and recreating sporting events aimed at bringing Edmontonians together

Africa Centre has seen an expansion in the programming and services we offer for the Black, African, and Caribbean communities. Our mission to create opportunities for access and full participation can be seen through our low-barrier programming aimed at advancing and empowering the community

I would like to take this opportunity to thank our funders and partners for making this event a success, as well as our dedicated volunteers, staff, and organizing committee. Without their help and support, this event would not be possible

Messages from last year ’ s winners

Men’s champions

Liberia

We look forward to the upcoming sporting events, we are confident that Liberia will once again showcase its talent and skill on the stage. With such a strong track record of success, there is no doubt that Liberia is yet to see any country that will match their skills and talents.

We eagerly await the moment when Liberia will once again lift the trophy and prove to the world that they are a force to be reckoned with in the world of sports.

Master’s champions

Ghana

Ghana Black Stars is honoured to reflect on our victory in last year ' s tournament. Winning was a testament to the hard work and dedication of our players. As defending champions, we carry the pride of representing the best of our community on the soccer field. Last year ' s tournament was filled with unforgettable memories and inspiring performances.

The Ghana Black Stars showcased teamwork and sportsmanship in every match As defending champions, we approach the upcoming tournament with humility and determination, knowing each match will test our skill and character. We are grateful for the opportunity to again showcase the talent and spirit of our community soccer team. Together, as a united team and community, we are ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities ahead.

Friday,June28

4p.m.to11p.m.

5:00p.m.-5:30p.m:Welcome,LandAcknowledgementandBlessing,CandianNationalAnthem

5:30p m -6:00p m:Paradeand DJYungJah

6:00p m -6:30p m:Sekani musicalperformance

6:30p.m.-8:30p.m:SoccerMatches

8:30p.m:DJYungJaah

Saturday,June29

9a.m.to11p.m.

9a.m.to9:30p.m:Men’sandMaster’sgames(ongoingthroughouttheday)

10:00a.m.- 3:00p.m: Kidsgames/kidsactivities,bouncycastle,lawngames, vendormarket(until8p m )

3:00p m -4:00p m:Kids Soccerawards

4:00p.m.to4:30p.m.DJYungJaah

4:30p.m.-5:00p.m:Melafriquemusicalperformance

5:00p.m.-6:00p.m: DJYungJaah

6:00p.m.-6:30p.m:Melafriquemusicalperformance

6:30p m -7:00p m DNKSteel

7:00p m -9:00p m: DJYungJaah

Sunday,June30

10a.m.to7p.m.

9a.m.to 10:30 a.m:Men’sandMaster’ssemifinals

11:00a.m.-4:00p.m:Kidsgames/kidsactivities,bouncycastle,lawngames,vendormarket vendormarket(openuntil6p.m.)

11:30a.m:Women'smatches

12:30p.m:Women'sawardsceremony

1p.m.to2:45p.m:Master’sfinal

3p.m.to5p.m: Men’sfinal

5:15p.m: TrophypresentationMen’sandMaster’s 5:45p.m.to7p.m:Entertainment

Friday,June28

GroupA

6:30p.m.

Nigeria vs. Eritrea

8:15 p.m.

South Sudan vs Ethiopia

Saturday,June29

GroupA 9a.m.

GroupB

6:30p.m.

Senegal vs. Namibia

8:15 p.m.

Kenya vs. DR Congo

Ethiopia vs. Eritrea GroupB

10:30 a.m.

Nigeria vs. South Sudan

2:30 p.m.

Eritrea vs. South Sudan

Ethiopia vs Nigeria

Sunday,June30

GroupC 6:30p.m.

8:15 p.m.

Sudan vs. Gambia Liberia vs. Cameroon

a.m.

GamesSchedule:Masters(35yearsandup

Friday,June28

GroupA

6:30p.m.

Eritrea vs Kenya

Saturday,June29

GroupA

10:30a.m.

Eritrea vs Liberia

2:30 p.m.

Sudan vs. Eritrea

4 p.m.

Kenya vs. Liberia

8:30 p.m.

Sudan vs. Kenya

Sunday,June30

Semifinals

9a.m.

Finals

1p.m.

GroupB

6:30p.m.

Liberia vs Sudan

Games Schedule: KIDS

Saturday,June29

U9

10:30a.m.

Liberia vs. Eritrea

1:30 p.m.

Eretria vs. Egypt

4 p.m.

Egypt vs Liberia

Sunday,June30

U13

10:00a.m.

Liberia vs. Eritrea

12:15 p.m.

Eritrea vs. Egypt

2:15 p.m.

Egypt vs. Liberia

U11

12p.m.

Eritrea vs Liberia

2:45 p.m.

Liberia vs. Egypt

Egypt vs Eritrea

Presenting Sponsor

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the City of Edmonton, our presenting sponsor, for their generous support of the 15th Annual All Africa Soccer Tournament and Festival Your support has been crucial in making this event a success. Thank you for helping us celebrate our community and promote unity through sports

With appreciation,

The All Africa Soccer Tournament and Festival Organizing Committee

Sponsors

Sliver sponsor

Acknowledgement:

A special thanks and appreciation to our hardworking and dedicated organizers whose unmatched commitment have made this event a possibility.

Every year, this tournament is organized by a few dedicated individuals who are passionate about soccer and building community.

A special thanks to our committee members:

Amandla Ngwenya

Denis Wandji

Dominic Sithole

Lambert Suglo

Nokuthula Sithole

Rodrigue Temfack

Thomas Bumbeh

This tournament would not be possible without the financial support of generous funders and partners, Africa Centre staff, and volunteers

Bravo to all

Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.