Unity Cup 2009

Unity Cup 2009.

2009 saw the UNITY Cup London expand from a one-day tournament into a multi-event programme, devised, organized and managed by FC Unity’s Young Leaders.

The tournament moved to Paddington Recreation Ground, with 2 qualifying tournaments held on 18th and 19th July with finals on 25th July.

Prior to the tournament the Young Leaders hosted youth development workshops focused on citizenship, multiculturalism and diversity at Queen Mary University in London as well as coaching and refereeing clinics with FA Qualified coaches and referees at Paddington Recreation Ground.

Over 40 teams competed in the qualifiers with 20 teams making it to the finals. Kids Company, as in previous years as well My Generation, two London-based charities working with disadvantaged youth took part with several teams. The winners of the 2009 UNITY Cup London were Lixus, a community team from London’s Notting Hill area.

The tournament was launched by former Chelsea FC manager Avram Grant and there was extensive media coverage from the internationally syndicated Futbol Mundial programme as well as Sky Sports, BBC Arabic, Al Fayha and Al Furat television channels.

In addition, FC UNITY’s Young Leaders produced a short film documenting the tournament. Click here to watch the film