Soccer friendly crosses cultural divide

IT is called the beautiful game, but soccer is also regarded as being a universal sport that crosses all boundaries as the two matches played locally between Mansfield and Shepparton displayed in volumes on Saturday. The pre-season “friendlies” played at Mansfield’s College Park was a collaboration between the Mansfield branch of RAR (Rural Australians for Refugees) and the Mansfield Soccer Club. RAR’s Marie Sellstrom and social soccer club member Bryn Jones worked together to make this what they hope to be an annual event happen on the weekend after a hiatus from before COVID. The day kicked off literally with two matches, the first at 11.30pm being the women’s competition and the men’s game at 1.30pm. The players included individuals from the Shepparton refugee community, including a large contingent from Afghanistan. Mansfield is home to the Rezayee family also from Afghanistan with one member playing in the women’s and the other in the men’s for the hometown host. Afghanistan is considered a strong contender in World Cup soccer and this passion was replicated on the field on the weekend. Saturday’s matches attracted 70 away players and their supporters to Mansfield. Despite the summer heat for what is generally a winter sport there was spirited competition and good humour on display. Bryn was also among the on-field action describing it as “a great game” for the Mansfield men’s side, “with a few of us finding the back of the net and having them at five to two,” he said. “Unfortunately, Shepparton fought back, and they beat us six goals to our five. “Stand out performance from our men’s team was goalkeeper William Wettenhall. “All our girls played really well as a new team and had great fun but went down nine goals to two.” According to Bryn there are already discussions about taking two teams to Shepparton in September for a post season match. For Bryn, an advocate for the social side of the local soccer club it is about being accessible to all players of any fitness and skill levels. Hosting friendly games like this continues to build community and have massive mental and physical health benefits he said. Between the matches the hard working Mansfield Apex Club provided a sizzling barbecue of halal sausages with salad for lunch to add to the multicultural feel of the day. Both RAR and the Mansfield Soccer Club wanted to thank Apex for their generous contribution to the success of the day. Bryn and Marie confirmed plans for the friendly competition to be an annual event with Shepparton to host next year’s matches as a warmup prior to the start of the official season. “We ran a similar event more than three years ago and the players from Shepparton were really excited to be here today,” said Marie. “It is also a cultural exchange, getting to know other rural areas and meeting different ethnic groups in Mansfield. “Sport is a great leveller and it is great for Shepparton and Mansfield to have this opportunity, and I hope this goes from strength to strength. “RAR is appreciative to the Mansfield Soccer Club for providing family friendly activities between both centres."

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