LIFT Football Team Win the Peace Cup 2023 Trophy

The annual Islington Peace Cup Football Tournament attracted more teams this year with some highly skilled and competitive football on display.

A group of young male football players with their winning medals. — “Winning Team with the Peace Cup 2023 Organisers”

The annual Islington Peace Cup Football Tournament, now the 11^th, attracted more teams this year (of young men 16-19 years) with some highly skilled and competitive football on display at the Better GLL Market Road Pitches on Sunday 24^th September. An afternoon of some incredibly tense moments with passions running high throughout, the final was played between LIFT and Paradise Park. It was really close with the final score 2-1 to LIFT.

A large group of young male football players sitting on the pitch, waiting to play. — “Football teams at the beginning of the Tournament

Many different community organisations deliver this tournament, it’s one big team effort with Islington Council’s Targeted Youth Support, Access to Sports Project, Islington Faiths Forum, Better GLL, NHS colleagues and the coordinators of the various community football teams. Big thanks to all funders and contributors: Islington Council’s Young Islington, Better GLL, Tesco Express Caledonian Road (for all their delicious food and drinks!), Arsenal in the Community (for all their support and drinks!), Mary’s Youth Club, Manor Gardens, Islington Police and Absolute Print.

Mehmet Aygun, who attended the Peace Cup on behalf of the Access to Sports Project said:

“With great thanks to all who supported this tournament, for the comradery and the many opportunities for young people to access services to support their futures. Witnessing the participation of young people from various corners of Islington, united in supporting peace within the community, is truly heartening.”

One happy young person said: “I’ve played in the Peace Cup for many years, it gives us football, food and fun!”