Community World Cup 2025 unites Lincoln in celebration of culture, football and inclusion

The Lincoln City Foundation recently hosted another successful Community World Cup at the LNER Stadium.  

The event was free of charge and a celebration of football and culture, made possible by funding from the Premier League Fans Fund.  

The Community World Cup attracted over 600 people from across Lincoln and beyond, with players representing five continents, with many having the chance to play on the LNER Stadium turf for the first time. Meanwhile, spectators were able to enjoy food and entertainment. 

The tournament was delivered in collaboration with Lincoln City, City of Lincoln Council, University of Lincoln, as well as a passionate and dedicated network of local community leaders.  

Not only did the event further enhance the Foundations commitment to inclusion, unity and opportunity, but it also played a key strategic role in the Football Club’s ongoing Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) commitment, forming the club’s primary EDI project under the EFL’s Code of Practice.  

Chantelle Devine, head of people and talent development at Lincoln City, said: “Events like the Community World Cup are more than celebrations, they are powerful statements about who we are and what we stand for.  

“The club’s partnership in this work reflects our shared belief in football’s power to bring people together.” 

Children’s Tournament  

Over 100 children took part in their very own mini World Cup tournament, with players walking through the iconic tunnel and onto the pitch, an unforgettable experience for those taking part.  

Ice creams were, of course, a huge hit, while live engagement through the Foundation’s channels helped build anticipation across the city.

Women’s Showcase – A Historic First 

This year’s event also saw the addition of a women’s taster sessions, which offered local female players the opportunity to represent their communities at the LNER Stadium. In some cases, they were experiencing football for the very first time.  

The tournament was played in fantastic spirit and showcase was well received by players and spectators alike. The Foundation plans to grow this element in 2026, further supporting the visibility and participation of women in community football.  

Geanina Costea, member of the Romanian team, said:  

“We’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone involved in making this event possible, on behalf of everyone from the Romanian community team.  

“It was a great experience and I’m looking forward to participating again in the future.” 

Men’s Tournament 

The men’s tournament brought together 16 teams representing nations from across Africa, Asia, Europe and South America, including the likes of Brazil, Nigeria, Romania, East Timor and India.  

Romania Team B and Afghan Team D impressed early on in a highly competitive group stage, with Afghan D showing the most consistency to eliminate Brazil and Romania Team A before defeating fellow countrymen Afghan A 3-0 in the final.  

Izatullah, Afghan team manager, said: “Thank you to the management group, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to everyone involved in holding such a fantastic tournament with a great atmosphere.  

“Everybody thoroughly enjoyed playing a part and we could feel the sense of community throughout.”  

Danny Carter, head of sport and physical activity, added: “The Community World Cup is everything we believe in at Lincoln City Foundation,  bringing people together, breaking down barriers, and celebrating inclusion through football.  

“From the children walking out onto the pitch to the women’s showcase and the pride shown by every team, it was a day full of meaning. We’re incredibly proud of what was achieved through genuine partnership.”