Cross Flatts FC, a grassroots football club based in Beeston recently returned from a proud and memorable trip to Paris where the team competed in an international exhibition match. The tour was more than just football — it was a celebration of community spirit, unity, and the positive impact sport can bring to deprived and diverse communities.
The team, which is part of Hamara Healthy Living Centre, was joined in Paris by delegates from the North of England who travelled to support the players and represent the broader community network that Cross Flatts FC proudly belongs to. We would also like to extend our sincere thanks to our official sponsor, 360 Fit Performance, and its owner Divesh Patel, whose support was instrumental in helping us turn this dream into a reality.
Club Chairman Jonir Ali shared the following message:
“This trip was a milestone for Cross Flatts FC. It’s not just about football — it’s about giving people purpose, building character, and creating opportunities for young people in Beeston. We are proud to have represented our city and community on an international platform, and this is just the beginning. Thank you to all the players, management, guests, and supporters who made this happen. We’re already looking ahead to the next one.”
The Paris tour brought together people of all ages and backgrounds, creating lifelong memories, strengthening team bonds, and giving our players a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It demonstrated what can be achieved when a community comes together with a shared goal. This success reflects the growing influence of community football in shaping positive futures. It has also sparked new ambitions, and Cross Flatts FC is already in the early stages of planning another international fixture.
Photo: Team members under the Eiffel Tower in Paris
We encourage anyone living or working in South Leeds to use this website to tell their news. You can either use the Create an article for South Leeds Life page, or email us at: info@southleedslife.com
While you’re here, can we ask a favour?
South Leeds Life is published by a not-for-profit social enterprise. We keep our costs as low as possible but we’ve been hit by increases in the print costs for our monthly newspaper which have doubled in the last two years.
Could you help support local community news by making a one off donation, or even better taking out a supporters subscription?
Donate here, or sign up for a subscription at bit.ly/SLLsubscribe
