Football fosters good relations

Members of the Plymouth Islamic Education Trust (PIETY) and the Royal Navy have come together for a five-a-side football tournament held at HMS Raleigh.

Played on a league basis, six teams took part in the tournament - three from each group - in a contest of 15 four minute matches. 

The Royal Navy teams were made of trainee sailors and members of the establishment’s PT staff.

The PIETY Centre was narrowly piped to the title of overall winners by one of the Royal Navy teams, scoring in the last five seconds of the game.

Tournament organiser Petty Officer Daniel Card said:  “The games were really competitive and the event was well supported by spectators from both sides. 

“For the top of the table clash to decide the overall winners, the PIETY A team equalised to bring the match to 2 – 2 with 10 seconds to go, but a brief lack of concentration afterwards allowed me to score the winning goal.”

Mohamed Abu Muganzi, Director, PIETY Centre/Mosque Plymouth, said:  “The tournament was very fulfilling as it brought people together in a consensual face-to-face contact and in a social context, though human nature kicked in and games became a bit more competitive.

“The boys are looking forward to coming back to take a lead this time.

“The important thing is that equitable interpersonal co-operation and group cohesion was fostered.

“Our belief is built around fostering interpersonal interaction between diverse communities that is how we can beat suspicion and distrust.”