PHILADELPHIA- Mayor Jim Kenney, City officials, and partners hosted a ceremony at the Independence Visitor Center to draw teams for the opening rounds of the fourth annual Philadelphia International Unity Cup presented by Goya. The Philadelphia International Unity Cup is a World Cup-style tournament held over several months. The tournament celebrates diversity and inclusion, uniting the city’s neighborhoods through soccer, and bringing together an array of amateur soccer players from Philadelphia’s diverse immigrant communities. This year’s tournament will kick off on Friday, August, 2 at Ramp Playground, located at 3300 Solly Avenue.

“Our administration started the Unity Cup three years ago to bring Philadelphians from every neighborhood and all walks of life together for some friendly competition,” said Mayor Jim Kenney. “I am proud of the growth of this tournament. It demonstrates that Philadelphians are truly proud of our city’s diversity and that our immigrant communities are proud to call Philadelphia home.”

Players and coaches from all 52 Unity Cup teams and their communities came out to see who they will play in the group stage, or preliminary matches, of the tournament. The draw gets its name from the drawing of ping-pong balls with individual country names pulled from a bin. Mayor Jim Kenney drew the balls to determine matchups for the initial rounds of the tournament. Once the draw was complete, 13 groups, consisting of four teams each were created that will compete in matches beginning in August.

For the second year in a row, the championship game will be held at Talen Energy Stadium, home of the Philadelphia Union. All games are free for spectators, and more information can be found on the Unity Cup’s official website.

Partners and supporters of the Unity Cup include presenting sponsor Goya Foods, Philadelphia Union, Philadelphia Independence Visitors Center, Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Association, CASA Soccer League, 6abc, KYW Newsradio, and FunTimes Magazine.

The management of the Unity Cup is a collaborative effort that includes a variety of municipal agencies. Including Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, Office of Immigrant Affairs, the Office of the City Representative, Mural Arts Philadelphia, Office of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy, and the Office of Civic Engagement and Volunteer Services.

This event is one of many hosted by the City of Philadelphia in recognition of Immigrant Heritage Month.