Irish League club Cliftonville have launched a special seven-a-side tournament aimed at attracting participants from the black and minority ethnic background communities.
The tournament, titled ‘Seeking Solitude’, is scheduled to take place at the Irish Cup holders’ home ground of Solitude in north Belfast on Sunday, August 25.
A statement on the club website read: “Cliftonville Football Club is proud to be an inclusive and welcoming club for people of all backgrounds.
“As Ireland’s original football team, we know that the sport we love has been able to unite and bring together people of all faiths, ethnic backgrounds and nationalities.
“At this time, we want to send a message of unequivocal support and solidarity to those from other lands who have made Belfast their home and to people who have been the victims of racist abuse or who are living in fear because of the threat posed by an intolerant minority.
“All at Cliftonville Football Club are with you, and want you to know that you are welcome in our city and at our club.”
The tournament will be an eight-team event with a total of 10 players per team. The ‘Reds carpet’ is also extended to participants’ families, with bouncy castles among various aspects of entertainment planned for the day.
Anyone wishing to enter a team is asked to contact michaelhegney@cliftonvillefc.net before the closing date of Friday, August 16.
Any businesses wishing to help with sponsorship the event should contact the same email address for further information.
