Held over the weekend, the community-led tournament brought together players from 6 years old through to adults, with boys, girls and families all taking part in what has grown into one of the largest annual Bangladeshi community events in the town.
Organiser Mheran Chowdhury said football had become the perfect way to unite people from across Swindon.
“We usually play once a week just for fun, and we thought football could be a very good medium to involve everyone and create a bond within the community,”
He explained that the event began six years ago and is open exclusively to Bangladeshi residents living in Swindon, with participants ranging from primary school children to adults.
“Everyone comes here and participates from all genders and all ages. Whoever plays, plays, and those who don’t play come and support us as an audience.”
The tournament is funded by local businesses, such as Khaiber, Curry Cottage and Jewel in the Crown, with sponsorship banners lining the venue.
“We can bring every single corner of our community under one umbrella,” he said. “Football is such a unique and wonderful way to bring everyone together because it’s something that most people enjoy.”
He added that the event also provides an important, beneficial outlet for young people.
“This is the right and positive way to keep youngsters on the right track.”
According to organisers, more than 300 players took part throughout the day while the event attracted well over 1,000 spectators.
Fellow organiser Walid Miah, known locally as Helal, said planning begins many months in advance and relies heavily on volunteers and community fundraising.
“This is our sixth season. It takes a lot of planning, almost six months managing the teams and getting the players involved. Collectively it’s a huge effort.”
He thanked the many local businesses that financially supported the tournament.
“Without their help and contribution, this wouldn’t be easy.”
Looking ahead, organisers hope to build on this year’s success by encouraging even more girls and young people to get involved.
“We’d like to see more kids involved and more ladies taking part. We’ve already started that with our young girls’ event, and we’d like to see even more next year.”
The event was also attended by Swindon’s Mayor, who praised both the sporting and community benefits of the day.
“I think it’s fantastic. Anything that gets people out playing sport and being physically active is so important.”
He added that he would like to see similar events expanded across different communities in Swindon.
“I’d love to see more communities involved in this type of competition and perhaps see teams playing across communities.”
The tournament also left a lasting impression on its youngest participants.
Eleven-year-old Tehan, whose team won, described the day as “really good”, joking that the only improvement would have been if “the drinks could be free.”
Nine-year-old Aleena, who doesn’t usually play organised football, said the event had encouraged everyone to get involved.
“It was really fun. Football’s for anyone. Anyone can do football, anyone can do anything.”
Now in its sixth year, the tournament continues to grow, with organisers hoping it will remain a fixture in Swindon’s sporting calendar while strengthening community ties through the world’s most popular game.
