Spain Victorious in Carnival World Cup

Spanish Headington 6-a-side football team defeated Albania in the final of The Baron Bar Carnival Mini World Cup.

The Mini World Cup took place on Sunday, organised by Bushi Xhetan, owner of The Baron Bar on the Cowley Road with Oxford’s Charity Football League and Cowley Road Works to raise money for Cowley Road Works, the organisers of the Cowley Carnival, and Jacari, an Oxford-based education charity.

18 sides took part in the contest, including teams from many countries including Brazil, Romania, Venezuela and Syria as well as Spain and Albania. They battled it out in the baking hot sun on the 3G pitch at Oxford Academy, Sandy Lane, Cowley.

The competition was won by Spanish Headington, defeating Albania, the holders (from the previous tournament) 2-0 in the final.

Brian Trotman, chair of Cowley Road Works said: “It was a great day, good football, played competitively and in great spirit. The weather was very hot, but it didn’t deter the teams or their supports and there was a great atmosphere, which was enhanced with a Brazilian “Carnival” BBQ provide by the Tucano restaurant from Cowley Road.

“Thanks too to Brian Kirk and Trevor Pitson, our stalwart referees, who all did a fantastic job working throughout the 6 hour competition in such exhausting conditions.”

Bushi Xhetan owner of The Baron Bar said: “The tournament was a great success, attracting teams and people around the world, Football is all about bringing people together and I’m glad to be part of it, I also want to congratulate the winners of the tournament Spain for winning this year’s Baron Carnival -up.”

Alex Whitton of the Charity Football League said: “The tournament was organised to raise money for two Oxford-based charities: Cowley Road Works, the organisers of the annual Cowley Road Carnival, and Jacari, which provides home tutoring for children aged 4-16 who don’t speak English as their first language to better integrate students into society.

“The Charity Football League was set up in 2012 to raise money for Jacari by running a competitive league for Oxford locals in a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. For the Charity Football League, the tournament was a fantastic opportunity to benefit two charities who work to help bring Oxford’s diverse community together. We are hoping to have raised around £1000 from the day.”

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