Cup International 2023

At the end of September, the calendar heralds the beginning of autumn. This season, characterized by unpredictable and cool weather, is, however, energized by the diverse activities and celebrations of GLOW (GLObal Würzburg), organized under the auspices of the Ausländer- und Intergrationbeirat (A.I.W.) of the city of Würzburg. The commencement of this series of events is marked by a very special sports event: the CUP INTERNATIONAL. With this football festival, the city of Würzburg celebrates the integration and diversity of the various communities that make up its population.

This year’s event took place on September 23, 2023, in the triple sports hall of the secondary school in the Heuchelhof district. The Initiative Africa Würzburg felt honored to once again have been the main organizer of this competition.

The official start of the tournament at 9 a.m. was initiated with an approximately 20-minute delay, marked by the opening speech from Eva-Maria Barkling-Schwander, the representative of the Ausländer- und Intergrationbeirat of the city. Prior to the commencement of the event, teams, their families, and fans were able to enjoy an extensive selection of cakes and pastries for breakfast, fostering conversations and creating a familial atmosphere among the guests.

The opening match was played between the defending champions Alfurat and the impressive team “Bepo Würzburg” (Bereitschaftspolizei Würzburg), who were invited as honored guests. As three out of the twelve teams (see below: List of Teams) withdrew their participation at short notice, the organizing committee had to reconfigure the competition schedule accordingly. In the first round, each team faced an average of five other teams, with the following teams qualifying for the semifinals: “IAW-Sport,” “Futsaal Nassr,” “Tabka,” and “Bepo Würzburg.”

Nr.	Teams	Status
1	Welcome Cafe Team	Cancelation
2	Tabka Sport	Participation
3	Futsal Nassr	Participation
4	Waldhaus	Participation
5	Somalische Gesellschaft	Cancelation
6	Fairplay e.V.	Participation
7	Union Würzburg	Participation
8	Alfurat	Participation
9	IAW e.V.	Participation
10	Bepo Würzburg	Participation
11	FC Dary	Participation
12	Würzburg-Allstar	Cancelation

This year, the focus was also on the youngest participants. Thanks to the Quartiermanagement of Heuchelhof, which took full responsibility for organization, providing staff, and equipment, a variety of game activities were made possible. The setup took place at 10 a.m., with a particular emphasis on outdoor activities where children could freely engage and have fun.

At the end of the first half of the tournament, a 30-minute break was taken, providing a breather for the various participants of the event and giving players the opportunity to recharge with energy from the lunch buffet for the upcoming challenges. This was made possible thanks to the semi-professional services of IAW-Gastro, which highlighted culinary and cultural diversity through exceptional flavors, much to the delight of all involved.

After a more than turbulent semi-final, during which fans expressed their enthusiasm with full-throated cheers, the team “BEPO Würzburg” secured the 3rd place in the rankings, winning the bronze medals awarded by Dr. Kim (board member of the A.I.W.). “Futsaal Nassr” claimed the second spot, receiving silver medals, numerous vouchers, and the fabulous silver trophy. Mr. Neubauer from the Bereitschaftspolizei presented the silver trophy. In the end, it was “IAW e.V.” that, with its fighting spirit and the unwavering presence of its fan club, fought its way to the top of this competition, receiving gold medals, vouchers, and the prestigious golden trophy handed over by Mr. Hupp, the deputy president of the Würzburg city police.

The “Waldhaus” team distinguished itself with exceptional behavior on and off the field, earning the title of the fairest team of the tournament. They received the Fair Play Award in the form of vouchers, presented by the president of “IAW e.V.,” Mr. Brice Kamneng Kwam.

The top scorer of the tournament, with 7 goals, was also honored by Mr. Hupp with a trophy the Golden Boot. This outstanding player is Noe from Futsaal Nassr.

And thus, the CUP INTERNATIONAL 2023 tournament concluded successfully with the support of the Official Sponsor A.I.W., Quartiersmanagement Heuchelhof, Sparkasse Mainfranken, and Flyeralarm Sports. The organizing committee would like to express sincere thanks for their assistance. Additionally, gratitude is extended to the medical service RKT for ensuring the well-being of the participants and to DJ Max Koffi for providing entertaining music throughout the tournament.

Additional images can be found here in the gallery