Cup International 2024

THE (THIRD) FUTSAL TOURNAMENT “WÜRZBURGER CUP INTERNATIONAL 2024” OF THE AFRICA INITIATIVE WÜRZBURG

    – A CELEBRATION OF SPORT AND COMMUNITY –

On Saturday, September 21, 2024, it was that time again: The registered association Initiative Africa Würzburg (IAW e.V.) hosted its third annual futsal tournament. Over recent years, this event has become an integral part of the sports calendar within the Global Würzburg (GLOW) series and attracts not only futsal fans but also people from various cultural backgrounds. With dedicated teams (including Futsal Nassr, Bereitschaftspolizei Würzburg, Bad Boys, Mrija UA, Balkan United, IAW, …) and around 100 spectators watching the tournament, the event’s goal of bringing Würzburg’s residents together—regardless of origin, language, or social background through sporting and partly cultural events, and promoting exchanges between different communities, was achieved. A special highlight of this year’s tournament was the opportunity for athletes and spectators to follow the event digitally at https://www.tournify.de/live/ci24.

Futsal at the Highest Level – Exciting Games and Strong Emotions

Early in the morning, the participating teams gathered in the gym of Wolffskeel Realschule to compete for this year’s title. The teams represented a range of groups, from amateur squads to circles of friends who joined simply for the love of the game.

Despite the friendly nature of the tournament, the competitive spirit on the field was palpable. The preliminary matches were intense, with spectators witnessing fast-paced and emotional encounters, where every rally was fiercely contested. Here, it was all about fighting for a spot in the knockout stage.

The quarterfinals and semifinals were particularly thrilling, as each qualifying team had to muster all their strength and focus to secure a spot in the final. The intense atmosphere in the gym made every goal and save cheered loudly by the crowd. At the end of the day, the top three teams were determined and were awarded medals and trophies for their outstanding performances.

Awards and Fair Play – More Than Just Goals Matter

In addition to the athletic achievements of the top teams, namely Futsal Nassr, individual performances were also specially recognized.

The top scorer of the tournament, Gregor from Futsal Nassr, was honored for his outstanding performance on the field. With his tireless effort and accuracy, he played a crucial role in his team’s success and thrilled the spectators with his goals. This award was presented by the chairman of IAW e.V., Mr. Regis Kpokpoya.

A special focus was also placed on the concept of fair play. The fairest team of the tournament, BEPO Würzburg, was also honored – a reminder that competitive sports and respect on the field should go hand in hand. The organizers emphasized the importance of fair and respectful interactions between players and referees, highlighting that this was a core value of the event. This award demonstrates that not only athletic excellence but also the interpersonal conduct on the field are of great significance. The award was presented by Mr. Johannes Schrenker, the managing director of the Foreigners and Integration Advisory Council of the City of Würzburg.

He also presented the bronze medals for third place to the Komela Kajin team: the youngest team, made up of participants from diverse backgrounds.

Nevertheless, the runners-up of the final, the team Bad Boys, received the silver medals and an impressive silver trophy for their second-place finish. This was presented by the Chief Commissioner of the Bereitschaftspolizei in Würzburg, Mr. Neubauer.

In recognition of their unwavering determination and high-quality play, the team Futsal Nassr was rightly crowned at the top of the competition. They were awarded the gold medals and the prestigious golden trophy by Mr. Hupp, the Vice President of the Würzburg Police Headquarters.

More Than Just a Tournament – A Day Full of Community and Entertainment

The tournament was not only a success on the field, but also off of it, as attendees and participants were treated to a variety of offers. Throughout the event, there was an ample supply of drinks, snacks, and meals, providing a culinary journey through different cuisines. The diverse food selection, ranging from predominantly African to European dishes, reflected the cultural diversity represented by the event.

A special feature of the event was the childcare service, ensuring that even the youngest guests had a great time. The children had the opportunity to play and be creative in a specially designated area while their parents enjoyed the tournament. This family-friendly atmosphere made the tournament a true family event, with something for everyone. The approximately 100 spectators were thrilled by the lively and warm atmosphere in the gym. “The tournament is a highlight every year. You can feel the energy and joy of everyone involved. The food and childcare services make the event a fantastic experience for the whole family,” said an enthusiastic visitor.

Acknowledgments – An Honorable Commitment

This success would not have been possible without the contributions of everyone involved, and at this point, the organizers (IAW e.V.) would like to sincerely thank all the service providers, including the paramedics from Johanniter, the DJ, and the volunteer referees, who ensured the smooth running of the event.

A big thank you also goes to the Foreigners and Integration Advisory Council of the City of Würzburg, not only for their trust but also for their financial contributions and close collaboration. We would also like to extend our heartfelt thanks to our sponsors, Sparkasse Mainfranken Würzburg and Flyeralarm Sports, as their support made this event possible on such a scale.

Last but not least, we would like to extend a special thank you to everyone who contributed to the presentation of the trophies and medals.

Additional images can be found here in the gallery.