First ever Pan-Asian and Inclusive Women's Tournament held at Hackney Marshes
On a historic weekend nestled between South Asian Heritage Month and East and Southeast Asian (ESEA) Heritage Month, the London FA, in collaboration with The Frank Soo Foundation and Hackney Council, hosted its first Pan-Asian + Inclusive Women's Rec Tournament at the Hackney Marshes.
The event celebrated women’s football and the power of sport to unite people from all backgrounds. With over 112 players across 15 teams, the day radiated energy, passion, and community spirit.
A Diverse and Exciting Tournament
The tournament featured a variety of matches across multiple categories, allowing players of different skill levels and backgrounds to participate. Congratulations are in order for our winners, who showed remarkable skill and determination:
- 🏆 Intermediate Cup: Crayford Arrows
- 🏆 Intermediate Plate: Southall Athletic FC
- 🏆 Mixed Shield: Kingsbury FC Lionesses
- 🏆 Mixed Vase: Chinese Community Centre FC
- 🏆 Beginners Cup: Dalmain Athletic Just Play
These teams embodied the spirit of the tournament, showcasing not only footballing excellence but also the values of inclusivity, teamwork, and sportsperson-ship. For many teams and players, this was their first-ever competition—an unforgettable milestone in their footballing journeys.
Captain of Chinese Community Centre FC Gabrielle said: “Great day for the community. Means a lot for me to lead and coach a bunch of players that have never received proper coaching, and to see the happy faces on my players after winning a plate is the best feeling in the world, and what inclusive community football gives us.
“We're all very grateful for the Frank Soo Foundation and London FA for hosting the event. As we all unite behind our passion for football, we are stronger together."
More Than Just Football: A Day of Inclusion and Celebration
The London FA aims to use this initiative to encourage clubs to affiliate, giving them access to vital resources, a support network, and a broader football community. This approach is essential in fostering sustainable football cultures, helping underrepresented clubs to thrive, while celebrating the rich Pan-Asian heritage.
Alan Lau, Co-Founder of The Frank Soo Foundation, said: “It was amazing to work with the London FA to host this tournament. We have been working with a few ESEA Ladies teams and to give them the opportunity to play against other groups which they would never usually play against was great. One participant remarked that this was probably one of the most diverse tournaments they had played in and when you look around the pitches and see the different groups that football has bought together - it is really inspiring!
“We hope that now we have started these interactions, this will grow and with the support of the London FA, we can create an amazing space in the grassroots women's game in London!"
While the football matches were the centrepiece, the tournament also offered a unique opportunity for players, staff, and referees to build relationships and strengthen ties within the footballing community. After the matches, everyone involved gathered at Hackney Marshes to celebrate with prepared meals and an awards ceremony. In addition to the team awards, individual players were also recognised for their outstanding contributions both on and off the pitch.
The atmosphere was one of joy and inclusivity, so much so that even the all-female referee panel couldn’t resist joining in for a friendly game with a couple of teams - underscoring the light-hearted and friendly spirit that permeated the day.
Additionally, Varsha, the founder of GirlKeepers, generously donated the Golden Glove prize, as well as leading a goalkeeper specific warm up for all goalkeepers on the day. For those interested in goalkeeper training for your clubs, you can reach out to Varsha for further information via varshaalex92@gmail.com
Generous contributions also came from Veolia, who provided bibs and bag sets for all teams, and Toca Social, who donated a free session for tournament winners.
Looking Ahead: Expanding the Initiative
The overwhelming success of this Pan-Asian + Inclusive Women’s Rec Tournament is just the beginning. The London FA and its partners are keen to build on this momentum by reaching out to more recreational teams interested in future collaborations. The goal is to host more events that celebrate diversity, inclusivity, and growth within women’s football.
For more information on how the London FA can help you or if you would be interested in taking part in our next tournament, please email Chloe.Copsey@LondonFA.com or Development@LondonFA.com
