On December 26, 2024, the annual Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Charity Youth Football Tournament unfolded at the Jockey Club HKFA Football Training Center, uniting over 300 children from various backgrounds. Sports for Life, the NGO behind this meaningful project, created a welcoming event accompanied by a series of cultural activities, aimed to foster community integration and celebrate cultural diversity through the universal language of football.
The main organizers, Sports for Life, have long been dedicated to empowering young players from diverse backgrounds, most prominently illustrated with their All Black FC teams, and this tournament aligns perfectly with their vision to bring together individuals from different walks of life.

Cultural Awareness Activities
Beyond the excitement of the football matches, the event featured a range of cultural awareness activities that enriched the experience for participants and attendees alike. Community groups set up booths to showcase their unique traditions, allowing everyone to immerse themselves in diverse cultures.

The aroma of Southeast Asian cuisine filled the air, with delicious offerings such as Indonesian satay, Filipino lumpia, and Pakistani biryani, inviting attendees to explore new flavors and culinary delights, and students of the Jian Hua Foundation prepared freshly made hand-poured coffee. Some of the other booths offered face painting and traditional garments from Pakistan.

Celebrating Friendship and Collaboration
The tournament featured youth teams ranging from ages 5 to 14, involving young players from local districts and ethnic minority communities, who came together to showcase their skills while forging lasting friendships. Families played a vital role in supporting their children’s passion throughout the event. A spokesperson of Sports for Life remarked, “We are delighted to see so many families come together. This occasion is not solely about football; it’s about fostering a stronger, more inclusive community where everyone feels welcome.”

Uplifting All Communities
The recent Sports for Life event was not only a celebration of football, but also a vibrant display of cultural diversity in Hong Kong. The mother of Daniel, a dedicated member of the All Black FC U14 team, has been a supporter of the DEI Cup since the previous competition. She expresses immense joy in being able to celebrate her Indonesian heritage while also contributing to the event with the sharing of her home-made cuisine. Having been an active player for some years, Daniel has not only discovered his passion for sports but has also built valuable connections within a supportive community. His mother is deeply appreciative of the positive influence football has had on her son, providing him with a safe and nurturing environment to engage in healthy activities during his leisure time after school.

Some of the new rising stars are Mamba and Chelsea, a pair of siblings currently playing for the Sports for Life U6 team. Following each exhilarating match at the DEI Cup, the parents of the children gather to share delicious food with all attendees, especially the many young players, fostering a special sense of multicultural community and celebration of diversity.
Apart from food and beverages, Samereen and her family showcased traditional Pakistani clothing and accessories. From exquisite hats to stylish bags and fashionable items, the family’s offerings added a touch of cultural richness to the event.

Samereen’s son Ibrahim is also an active player in the U12 team. With heartwarming generosity, Samereen’s family not only share culinary delights of their culture, but also welcomed everyone to try on the beautiful Pakistani attire, spreading joy and cultural appreciation.
Recognizing Sport for Life’s commitment to providing a welcoming environment for children to embrace physical activity and cultural diversity, Samereen highlighted the transformative impact of sports in uniting communities and breaking down barriers, witnessing the power of football in bridging cultural divides and fostering friendships among Chinese and ethnic minority children, she
Looking Ahead
Despite all the challenges in making such an event possible, the success of the Sports For Life Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Charity Youth Football Tournament has become the biggest motivation to keep the project running. Organizers are already planning additional events to continue fostering community integration and cultural appreciation in 2025.
This event served as a powerful reminder of the role sports play in bridging divides and building community. Through football, children from diverse backgrounds learned the values of friendship, respect, and unity, reinforcing the idea that together, we can create a brighter future.
The event was supported by the Hong Kong Football Association, which generously provided the football pitches at the Jockey Club Training Centre in Tseung Kwan O, Siemens Energy, Kick For All, Great Cypress Group, C4C, Jian Hua Foundation, Roundtable Church, Captain Football Shop +852, Indulge Spices, and offside.hk.
Sports for Life also extends special thanks to all the participating clubs, including their coaches, parents, and players, that made all of this possible with their open-minded and supportive attitude: HKFA women’s teams, Yuen Long, Sham Shui Po, Southern District, Kwun Tong, Wong Tai Sin, Play Together, Legacy Soccer, Legends Sports Academy, Happy Football Club, Little Football Club, Team Dragon, Arsenal Football Development, Chelsea Soccer School, and the All Black FC teams.
Text: Summer Kwong, Lea Zheng
