International students gather for a Sunday football match (2025)
On the football field, jerseys and flags may differ, but the spirit of the game speaks one universal language. In Mangalore, international students from various universities are discovering that football matches are not just about competition but about connection. Every Sunday, young men and women from different parts of the world come together, forming teams on the spot and creating an atmosphere filled with energy, laughter, and camaraderie. For many, football provides a welcome break from academics and homesickness, offering a space where cultural boundaries dissolve and friendships naturally take root.
What begins as a casual game often extends far beyond the pitch into conversations about home, shared meals, and lasting bonds that make life in a foreign country less lonely. The football ground becomes more than just a playing field; it transforms into a meeting point for stories, traditions, and mutual support. Over time, these interactions have built a small but vibrant community that celebrates diversity while reminding every player that they belong. For these students, football is more than a sport but it is a bridge across borders and a way of creating a home away from home.
Friendship, Diversity, and Belonging: The Spirit of Football Among International Students
Allwell Ebube, joined football in 2024 days after arriving to Mangalore University, said that apart from his love for football, it helped him meet and get to know the other people from different countries in Africa and Asia who are not only the play-mates but also became close to him and treating them like a family.
He was asked how playing together on the same team help overcome cultural or language differences and he responded: “Playing together on the same team helps overcome cultural differences because the game provides a common ground where everyone feels included. Normally, students from different countries bring their unique styles and traditions, yet they unite through teamwork and a shared love for the sport. English is the main language of communication, but much of the understanding comes through the game itself, like passing, signaling, and celebrating together. That’s what matters most.”
Umed was welcomed by his friends said that the love for football was inspired by watching international football matches, and to him the football personally mean tolerance and self-control.
He added that, football has a special power to unite people because one team made by five to six players, who have one direction and goal which is to score.
He further spoke that while playing football, by accepting any decision by referees and other football body’s and also accepting the defeat when you lose a math, bring the respect, teamwork, and fair play on the pitch which help in building long-term friendship
Prince Ellongima Tucker, said that, during football game is the moment of being together and sharing the ideas and thoughts which brings joy and laughter.
“During football Game is the moment of being together and sharing the ideas and thoughts which brings joy and laughter. Though we meet once a week, our interaction does not stop there on the ground, but we have a group WhatsApp where we raise other queries of everyday life and get help. Also, we plan other activities, where we meet, converse and foster our friendship. So, it is a good opportunity that apart from studies, we have those people you share life with.” He spoke.
He added that playing together with different set of Nationality means that there is no room for racism.
Friendlies Over Official Tournaments
International Students celebrate the winners in football tournament organized by FIZA-Mangalore (2023).
Though they do not play for a league or any official tournament, from time to time, they take part in tournaments sometimes arranged among teams representing different continents, or organized by the Federation of International Students Association of Mangalore.
Sayed Anwar, A President of Federation International Students Association of Mangalore sharing his thoughts on the tournaments.
“Sharing my thoughts, I, Sayed Anwar, found the tournament to be more than just a competition. It was a celebration of unity, teamwork, and cultural exchange. Watching students from 12 countries play together on one field reminded me that sports have the power to connect people beyond nationality, language, or background. For me, this event is not only about who lifts the trophy but about the friendships built, the lessons of teamwork learned, and the joy of seeing diversity come together in harmony.” He noted.
Griffins: A Field of Diversity
The international students gather every Sunday at Griffins Playground in Natekal. Teams are formed on the spot, based on convenience, and the game usually lasts for an hour. There is no formal committee to manage the group or oversee responsibilities; everything runs on mutual understanding. The players come from different university in Mangalore including, Mangalore University (konaje), Mangalore University College City campus, Yenepoya University campus Nitte University and a wide range of countries, including Nigeria, Bhutan, Sierra Leone, Tajikistan, Botswana, Afghanistan, Kenya, Yemen and others of African and Asian continents, bringing together a vibrant mix of cultures on the same field.