Founding History

The Ethiopian Sports and Culture Federation in the UK (ESCFUK) traces its roots back to the collective efforts of Ethiopians in London, who sought to establish a unifying sports and cultural organization akin to those already established in other parts of the world, such as the Ethiopian Sports Federation in North America (ESFNA) and the Ethiopian Sports and Culture Federation in Europe (ESCFE).

In 2009, the Habesha Business Association (HBA) was formed by over forty businesses and charities in London, leading to the establishment of the Ethiopian Sports and Culture Organisation UK (ESCO) in 2010 under the auspices of HBA. ESCO's primary focus was on supporting Ethiopian athletes participating in the 2012 London Olympics. However, due to the inevitable separation from HBA, ESCO emerged as a separate entity, with founding members including Alebachew Desalign, Lulit Habtgabriel, Negus Temsegen, Solomon Tegene, Tigist Nigusu, Zemedkun Alemayehu, and Yosias Negash.

Around the same time, another organisation, the Ethiopian Sports, and Culture Federation (ESCF), was in the process of organising its major sports and cultural event. Its founding members were Yohannes Messele, Tenaw Tayachew, Worku Lulu, Messele Assefa, Fekadu Tekle, Yefru Reta, Solomon Tadesse, Biniyam Melesse, Samuel Teshome, Melkamu Mabreja, and Alem Reta, Almaz Wandafrash. Recognising the importance of unity within the community, ESCO sought collaboration with ESCF, leading to discussions between the two entities. Ultimately, it was decided to merge ESCF and ESCO into a single entity, leading to the formation of ESCFUK on 20 March 2011.

ESCFUK was officially established as a Community Interest Company (CIC), operating as a social enterprise with a focus on promoting sports and culture for the benefit of Ethiopian and other disadvantaged communities in the UK. Its objectives include fostering social cohesion, raising funds for non-profit organizations supporting disadvantaged community groups, and representing the Ethiopian community at the global level.

Since its inception, ESCFUK has organised annual festivals to celebrate Ethiopian culture and heritage, with the most recent being the 11th Sports and Culture Festival held in July 2023. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, annual events were suspended in 2020.

In summation, ESCFUK is dedicated to promoting Ethiopian culture, empowering youth through sports, and fostering community cohesion. It operates as a non-profit organisation, adhering to the principles of equality, diversity, and UK laws.