THERE were goal galore as Swindon's Bangladeshi community got together for a huge football tournament at Foundation Park.

Eight teams of players ranging in age from 15 to 65 – some including Swindon borough councillors – competed in the first sporting tournament the community had organised in the town. 

Water, oranges and other snacks were supplied, there were trophies for the golden boot, player of the tournament and winning team, dozens of Bangladeshi businesses contributed and each team even had their own kit, made especially for the event. 

The football itself was high-spirited, full of sportsmanship and great to watch. 

There were several tense penalty shootouts as the tournament progressed.

The event was organised to bring together the Bangladeshi community, which has been growing since 1992 – but there was another goal in mind, as councillor and deputy mayor Abdul Amin explained. 

“We wanted to engage with the younger generations to ensure they are keeping in sports and keeping themselves fit and also out of street level trouble like anti-social behaviour," said Coun Amin. "We also wanted to encourage more higher education.”

Coun Amin, who helped organise the event, was thrilled. 

“I would say it has been a fantastic event," he said. "It was so great to see the community coming together."