Community World Cup held at LNER Stadium
Players representing five continents took part in the Community World Cup hosted by Lincoln City Foundation at the LNER Stadium.
The free event was a celebration of football and culture and made possible with support from the Premier League Fans Fund.
It attracted more than 600 people from across Lincoln with many having the chance to play on the LNER turf for the first time while spectators were able to enjoy the stadium’s facilities.
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.”
The tournament was delivered in collaboration with Lincoln City FC, City of Lincoln Council and University of Lincoln, as well as a dedicated network of local community leaders.
“Not only did the event further enhance the Foundation's commitment to inclusion, unity and opportunity, but it also played a key strategic role in the club’s ongoing equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) commitment, forming the club’s primary EDI project under the EFL’s Code of Practice.”
Children’s tournament
More than 100 children took part in their very own mini World Cup with players walking through the iconic tunnel and onto the pitch, an unforgettable experience for those taking part.
Women’s showcase
This year’s event also saw the addition of a women’s taster sessions so local female players could represent their communities at the LNER Stadium - some were experiencing football for the very first time.
Chantelle explained: “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, a member of the Romanian team, added: “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
Sixteen teams representing nations from across Africa, Asia, Europe and South America took part in the men’s tournament, including 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 at the Foundation, 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.”