On June 6, 2025, Geneta sports field and the area around St Afrem’s Church came alive with joy, energy, and community spirit as Syrianska FC hosted the second edition of St Afrems Cup, while a major National Day celebration took place in collaboration with St Afrem’s Church, SOKU, SAUF Södertälje, and the Syriac Association. It was a memorable day for children and families alike – filled with football, festivities, and cultural pride.
A Growing Football Cup – 32 Teams and 400 Children Participated
St Afrems Cup, an initiative organized solely by Syrianska FC, continues to grow in both size and popularity. This year, the tournament brought together 32 teams and around 400 children in age groups from U7 to U11. Matches were played in 5-a-side and 7-a-side formats on Geneta’s artificial turf, with each team guaranteed at least three matches and the option to choose between intermediate or advanced levels.
The goal was clear: to offer a joyful and developmental football experience in a safe and positive environment. For many young players, this was their first taste of competitive football – and the excitement was evident both on and off the pitch.
Organizers are already looking forward to next year, with ambitions to expand the tournament even further – something that both the response and the potential clearly support.
National Day for the Whole Family – Free Activities for All
Right next to the football fields, a free activity area welcomed families with bouncy castles, face painting, grilled food, music, and more, all located near St Afrem’s Church in Geneta. This made the celebration feel unified, accessible, and welcoming to all.
While the weather wasn’t quite summer-hot, it was pleasant enough to attract over 2,000 visitors throughout the day. Guests moved between the football fields and the celebration area, creating a vibrant and colorful atmosphere. Syriac-themed merchandise and souvenirs quickly sold out, showing the strong sense of identity and enthusiasm among the attendees.
A Strong Local Collaboration
The National Day celebration was organized through a partnership between St Afrem’s Church, SOKU, SAUF Södertälje, and the Syriac Association, who worked together to ensure a safe, inclusive, and memorable experience. Celebrating Sweden’s National Day while also honoring cultural identity was deeply appreciated by many families – Syriac and others alike.
This collaboration is a testament to the strength of local civil society and how faith, culture, and sports can come together to build strong, vibrant communities.
Looking Ahead
In conclusion, Syros Melkemichel, chairman of the Syriac Association and one of the event organizers, expressed both pride in the day and optimism for the future:
“This is just the beginning. We know that Södertälje needs more events like this, and we’re ready to keep building on what we’ve created together. There’s real potential here, and we’re confident that both the tournament and the celebration will continue to grow in the years to come.”