World Cup Dream Brought to West Yorkshire

A grassroots football tournament brought the magic of the World Cup directly to Leeds children. The event united local families and diverse cultural groups through a shared passion for the beautiful game.

Organised by Abracadabra Media and Fives Football, the World Cup Tournament Games26 took place on Saturday at Fives Football Centre in Leeds. The community fundraiser supported the Pele Foundation and focused heavily on children from underprivileged backgrounds.

Project manager Taib Meer designed the event in honour of a personal meeting he shared with the late football legend Pele.

“We wanted to bring the World Cup in the back garden in West Yorkshire to Leeds, and that’s what we did,” Taib said, adding: “A key objective of the tournament is to strengthen community cohesion by bringing together young people, families, schools, and community groups from different cultures and backgrounds.

“We are also supporting the Pele Foundation and making Pele’s vision come true by promoting Brazilian & African football by inviting players from all over UK to take part in the tournament.

The under-13 competition featured 15 teams and 108 players, culminating in a final showcase match between Brazil and the Rest of the World. Batley FC were the ultimate winners and were gifted the World Cup trophy. Coach Mohamed said: “Our team dont belong to a club as currently seeking funding, but engage the kids in various tournaments all over the country as as way of keeping them off the streets. We are privileged to be a part of this tournament.” Dignitaries watched the action unfold, with the event hosting the Lord Mayor of Leeds Councillor Stephen Holroyd, alongside Miss Uganda UK Vanessa Tendo Naddamba and former NCL chairman James Adesanlu as guests of honour.

Fives Football manager Scott Smith capped the teams to ensure quality game time.

“Football brings people of all that together in one spot,” Smith said. “It promotes confidence in teammates and yourself. This exclusive tournament is a positive contribution to the community, highlighting Abracadabra Media’s role in encouraging youth participation, fostering cultural understanding, and creating opportunities for young people to develop confidence, discipline, and lasting friendships through sport. We at Fives are honoured to be hosting the tournament.”

Former Lord Mayor Councillor Abigail Marshall Katung praised the celebration of the city’s diverse culture.

“Diversity is a fact, and inclusion is a choice,” Katung said. “Bringing that diversity of our great city of Leeds in one place, for me, that is what I call the spirit of community.”

Another special guest in attendance was Temitope Ademosu, Director of Communities, Housing & Environment at Leeds City Council, who came to support the event.

She said that the event helped unite communities from different backgrounds, adding: “Football is more than a game, and this is a great opportunity to bring people together who might not ordinarily meet each other or know each other. It ensures that people can connect, come together for a common purpose, and really enjoy themselves.”

The tournament went beyond standard matches by replicating the electrifying atmosphere of a live Brazilian stadium. The opening ceremony saw pupils from 12 schools march onto the pitch carrying the flags of competing nations. Flag bearers led a parade ceremony with 40 flags provided by Wetherby High School, which supported the event from the beginning, while African drummers and Brazilian samba music entertained the families. The World Cup trophy stood proudly on a custom-built stand created by Dave and Jordan, complete with WCT26 signage produced by Amori Makers.

The Brazil under-13 team narrowly missed out on the knockout stages. Zaki Meer, their young ambassador and captain remained optimistic despite the disappointment.

“I think we’re all extremely saddened because I believe the team had a good and got to 4th place. We deserved to get to the knock-out round with a one goal difference and played more in attack mode.

“When you experience a moment like this, we must continue to work, improve, and find new ideas. I believe this defeat is not an end, but the beginning of a new cycle.”

The tournament also changed how local commerce integrates with community festivals. Operations manager Dave Singh actively rejected the standard, hands-off approach to commercial pitch rentals.

“A lot of the galas, you know, they’re just there selling the stuff, then they go, and that’s it,” Singh noted. “But that’s not how it’s done here. It’s more interactive and every stallholder brings something different to the table.”

The business integration extended to Brazilian entrepreneur Michaela Severini of Amori Makers, who used 3D printing to design custom trophies and memorabilia.

“Having the connection, being there, being part of something bigger, something that you can offer to the community as well, it makes you feel important and special,” Severini said.

At the closing ceremony, Miss Uganda & Manchester UK 2022/23 Vanessa Tendo Naddamba presented awards and certificates to the winners and runners-up.

“These types of events ensure that children and young people, regardless of their financial circumstances, can access sporting opportunities and benefit from positive recreational activities,” she said.

Spectator entry was free, with funds raised through interactive games, raffles, and £2 trophy selfies for the charity.