In tumultuous times, when the world in many ways feels like it’s growing ever more insular, there are but a few universal “languages” that bring people together.

And on 7th of August, 2021, the Humber All Nations Alliance did exactly that.

28 teams from Hull and the wider region took part in the latest edition of the HANA Football World Cup at the University of Hull, with Romania taking the trophy after beating Poland in the final.

The Dost project conducted its first-ever outdoor engagement activity during the tournament, and, following the 2020 edition’s cancellation, got to witness first-hand the excitement that sport brought to a community keen to express itself.

“The passion was amazing to see in the players. It was a very sportive event,” HANA CEO Francis Ahiakpa told the Dost project.

“It was really good to see our partners there including the Smile Foundation.”

He added: “The only thing was that because of Covid, we didn’t get some of our referees in place. But thanks to the community, people stepped in at the last moment and helped out.”

Councillor Lynn Petrini, the Right Worshipful the Lord Mayor of Kingston upon Hull and Admiral of the Humber, was present to help kick off the tournament, alongside HANA chair Luana Smith.

The Dost project enjoyed some valuable engagement time with the players and supporters, alongside our partners from the various statutory services such as Humberside Police, Humberside Fire and Rescue, Yorkshire Ambulance Service, and the Royal Air Force.

Once the football got under way, there was no dearth of competition amongst the teams, but what was even more striking was the diverse nature of the talent.

Teams such as ‘The Peel Project’ had players from 9 different national backgrounds – England, Djibouti, Kenya, Pakistan, Somalia, Bangladesh, Angola, Syria and Ghana – and said just being part of the tournament was a win on its own.

In a post on Facebook, the group said: “Had a fantastic day at the world cup football tournament. We were proud to showcase such diversity. We didn’t win but we’re delighted we took part.”