Based on the concept of “friendship through football”, the emphasis had always been more on participation than competition, although rivalry for the cup, bowl and plate honours had grown strong. The new format, including a new Fair Play Award, involved the six-a-side teams from more than 40 different nationalities playing multiple 30-minute matches during the day without knock-outs. “The Ethkick symbolises all that is great about our diverse community,” Flynn said. “Every team celebrates both where they came from to be here, and a shared experience of where we are today. “As a city and region we hope to grow old together celebrating the wonderful community we call our home now and into the future.”