Ctrl.Alt.STRIKE Newcastle - Match Report

Local rapper, Ferzand Khan kicked off the Newcastle tournament with an expressive rap about South Africa, where he volunteered with Platform2 for ten weeks. As footballers laced up their boots, Ferzand reminded us all of the harsh reality of our world today, where 1.2 billion people live in poverty.

But the message of the day was not doom or gloom but empowerment; we have the power to change the world and throughout the day, hundreds of Strike.Out.Poverty action cards [1] were signed - a small action that collectively will challenge the structures that keep people poor, notably the tax system.

On the pitch, 11 teams competed in the 5-a-side football tournament for the ultimate Ctrl.Alt.Shift trophy and prizes of Fairtrade footballs, vuvuzelas and Ctrl.Alt.Shift magazines.

The lively atmosphere, beautiful sunshine, and high team spirits made it an awesome day, not to mention the South African beats and tunes played over the concourse. Representing the Platform2 [2] team were fellow returnees from India, Ghana and South Africa. Sadly we came bottom of the league as the competition was tough, but Katy Robinson made a fantastic captain and kept the team morale high.

After the winners of the tournament and quiz were announced, players enjoyed some scrumptious post-match grub.

Thanks to everyone who came down to Complete Football Newcastle and helped Stike.Out.Poverty. And although World Cup 2010 has come to a close (congrats Spain!), why not check out www.whoshouldicheerfor.com [3] and see how the participating teams rank on global justice issues...

Words and photos: Lizzie Spencer