This year’s event was held at the Power League Centre in Aston, which offers excellent sports facilities both outdoors and indoors as well as function rooms.

Alas, the weather did not hold out and we had that horrible grey and wet day that only England can offer.  This did not, however, deter the enthusiastic young people playing 5 aside football matches with boundless energy.  There were ­­six teams and forty-two players in total.  The teams were competitive yet there was a friendly spirit amongst them.  The pitches were well maintained and provided an ideal platform for the youth footwork.

The runners up were “Inbetweens” from London and the winners “Mojas” of Birmingham.  Well done to the teams!  A thank you also to all the participants as without all the players the fun just couldn’t have been there.

The Lions Club of Coventry provided the catering.  The food was prepared to an excellent standard, as usual, and there was something to suit everyone’s palate, which included various salads, mogo and makai, stirfry and curry/rice etc.  Vegetarians as well as non-vegetarians were catered for The marquee provided very effective shelter from the rain and the quality of the food was appreciated as was evident from the extra helpings enjoyed by many.

There were tombola games with some superb prizes.  People waited with abated breath for the lucky numbers to be called out so that a line and even a full house can be called.  The tension and eagerness of some players resulted in the odd false call!  However the games were enjoyed by the winners as well as the unlucky who didn’t win a prize.  Never mind to those who didn’t win, maybe next time.

“The man from Africa” group provided the music.  The selection of the songs was a great hit and soon the young and old were bopping on the dance floor.  I, for one, am always impressed with the way the young Lohana lads and lasses of Birmingham are so comfortable dancing with their mums and dads and with others in the community.  Keep it up everyone!