Queenstown Lakes District Council’s (QLDC) Welcoming Communities Programme is joining forces with Radio Central/Central Otago Football League (COFL) to bring the first Multicultural Football Festival to our district this Saturday (February 25) at Wānaka Recreation Centre.

The fun day out will feature front-row football action plus fun for kids with inflatables, hunger ball and games, and features food from Argentina and Brazil, as well as ice cream and hot dog vendors.

“This sporting festival is a fantastic way to celebrate the diversity of our district through the ‘beautiful game’ and a great opportunity to bring people from many backgrounds together,” QLDC welcoming communities coordinator Silvia Dancose said.

“Sport is a recognised way of helping to create new friendships and networks especially for newcomers so I’m really excited about all the possibilities a day like this will kick start.”

Radio Central owner Shane Norton, who leads and manages COFL, has the task of organising participating teams, pulling together the draw and being the MC on the day.

“We’ll have as many of the 14 teams [from across Queenstown Lakes and Central Otago] that make up the COFL playing on Saturday as we can. Each will play a 60-minute game.

“To encourage the development of the women’s game locally there’ll be the opportunity to play in seven-a-side games for fun – women and girls can just turn up on the day and have a go,” he said.

Spectators are welcome at Wānaka Recreation Centre this Saturday (February 25) from 11am before kick-off at 12pm.

Silvia encouraged everyone to come along to cheer on the teams, sample some of the traditional food on offer, and enjoy the festival atmosphere.

The Multicultural Football Festival is part of QLDC’s Summerdaze programme of community events. Find more details and the full programme here.

PHOTO: Wānaka App