Culture Kicks

Unity Football 5-A-Side Tournament
McEwan Park, Petone — Match Report

McEwan Park delivered sunshine, slick passing, and a touch of drama today as the annual Unity Football Round Robin 5-a-Side Tournament brought local organisations together for a fast, friendly, but fiercely contested afternoon of football.

The tournament was briefly halted after a Hutt City Council player suffered a badly broken arm, requiring immediate hospital treatment. Play resumed once the player was safely given painkillers and taken by a colleague to hospital. Teams rallied to finish the day with renewed spirit and solidarity — a fitting reflection of the tournament’s kaupapa of community unity.

Group A — Final Standings
Team P W D L GD Pts
Hutt City Council 2 2 0 0 +9 6
Wellington Diplomatic Corps 2 1 0 1 -1 3
Hutt Multicultural Council 2 0 0 2 -8 0
Match Results
Round 1
Wellington Diplomatic Corps 0 – 3 Hutt City Council

A statement opening performance from HCC, who set the tone with sharp finishing and relentless pressure.

Round 2
Hutt Multicultural Council 2 – 4 Wellington Diplomatic Corps

The Diplomats bounced back strong, showing composure in front of goal to secure their only win of the campaign.

Round 3
Hutt Multicultural Council 1 – 7 Hutt City Council

HCC closed the tournament in emphatic fashion, firing in goals from all angles to cement top spot.

Champions: Hutt City Council
For the first time in tournament history, Hutt City Council have lifted the Unity Football trophy.
Led by new Mayor Ken Laban, the side combined physical presence, slick interplay, and ruthless finishing to dominate Group A and finish with a perfect record.

Laban, who was a commanding presence on and off the pitch, praised the spirit of the event:

A Day of Football That Lived Up to Its Name
Despite the brief stoppage and unfortunate injury, the Unity Football Tournament once again proved its value — bringing together councils, cultural groups, and diplomatic representatives for competition, connection, and plenty of goals.

Hutt City Council’s breakthrough win will go down as one of the standout stories of the event — and with Mayor Laban at the helm, they’ll be the team to beat next year.

Hutt City Council Upper Hutt Multicultural Council Multicultural New Zealand: Federation of Multicultural Councils Porirua City Council

‼️ 5 Days Left To Register ‼️

Lock in your team today via the form in bio.

‼️ LAST CHANCE TO REGISTER ‼️

Complete the form in our bio to secure your team a spot at Culture Kicks 2025. Don’t miss a unmissable day of Football and Fun!

‼️ LAST CHANCE TO REGISTER ‼️

Complete the form in our bio to secure your team a spot at Culture Kicks 2025. Don’t miss a unmissable day of Football and Fun!

WE ARE BACK!

Mark your calendars for Saturday, 22nd February 2025 and join us at Wakefield Park for an unforgettable day of football, community, and culture. This tournament is open to all, celebrating diversity and bringing people together through the beautiful game.

💰 Prizes Up for Grabs:
🥇 1st Place: $1000
🥈 2nd Place: $400
🥉 3rd Place: $250
🎁 Plus, exciting giveaway vouchers!

💲 Entry Fee: $250 per team
📍 Location: Wakefield Park

Get your team together and enjoy an unforgettable day of football and fun. Spaces are limited, so register now!

Scan the QR code on the poster and complete the registration form to secure your team spot.

⬇️ Register Your Team Below! ⬇️
https://forms.gle/ofddo2YJTdsKTGyeA

Hi Team!

Unfortunately due to unforeseen circumstances, the Culture Kicks 5-a-side tournament scheduled for this Saturday, December 14th at Wakefield Park has been postponed.

We understand that this may cause inconvenience, and we sincerely apologise for any disruptions to your plans.

We hope to confirm a new date soon and get everyone back on the field. Stay tuned for more info to follow!

If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us!