Al-Aqsa Charity Cup football tournament to raise awareness

On Saturday, 11 August, Interpal launched the Al-Aqsa Charity Cup football tournament in London. The aim of this unique tournament was to raise both awareness amongst the UK youth, of the thousands of suffering children in Palestine, and to raise money that can go towards improving the lives of children and orphans in Palestine. The tournament spokesman Ibrahim Dar said it is important to raise awareness and grab the attention of the youth, ‘by getting them involved in healthy activities that they will enjoy’.

 

Interpal teamed up with The South London Football League, and set up a two-stage, five-a-side tournament featuring 65 teams, from four regional leagues across London. The qualifying stage kicked off with 32 teams, from each league, playing seven matches, with the eventual top four qualifying. The next round moved onto an exciting knock-out stage, where the last 16 teams battle it out to reach the finals.

 

The 20 minute final will be held at Wembley on 2 September. The winners will receive a £400 prize and the other top three teams will receive trophies and medals. This is a charity event, and Interpal hope to raise as much as £6,000 for Palestinian orphans and deprived children.

 

The winners were; Liberties from South London, runners up Mujahidoon from North London and, in third place, the Gold Team from Slough.