Philadelphia – Mayor Jim Kenney, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation (PPR) Commissioner Kathryn Ott Lovell, David Cohen, Chair of Philadelphia’s World Cup Bid, and Sheila Hess, City Representative joined hundreds of Philadelphia residents representing 52 countries to celebrate the official start of the 5th Annual Philadelphia International Unity Cup.
The World Cup-style tournament will be held over several months, with the opening matches scheduled to kick off the weekend of August 27. It unites the city’s neighborhoods and celebrates Philadelphia’s diverse immigrant communities through soccer.
The 2021 Unity Cup is hosted in partnership between the City of Philadelphia and PPR, the Office of the City Representative, the Office of Immigrant Affairs, and the Philadelphia 2026-World Bid Committee. Sponsors include Philadelphia Union, EPYSA (Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer), Global Philadelphia, Consular Corps of Philadelphia, and Tampico Beverages.
The Unity Cup draw occurs during Immigrant Heritage Month, a time that highlights the diversity of immigrant communities. Fifty-two teams will compete in the 2021 Unity Cup tournament, representing five continents and over 100 languages. The tournament began in 2016 with 32 teams participating.
“The Unity Cup showcases two of Philadelphia’s greatest assets: our thriving immigrant communities and the world-class athleticism that exist here. Philadelphians are proud of our city’s diversity and our immigrant communities are proud to call Philadelphia home,” said Mayor Jim Kenney.
The 2020 Unity Cup was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This year’s tournament signals a return to spectator sports.
“The Unity Cup brings together the best of Philadelphia – our diverse communities and our passion for sports,” said Philadelphia Parks & Recreation Commissioner Kathryn Ott Lovell. “The 2021 Unity Cup is a much needed opportunity for Philadealphians to come together to reflect on our shared civic pride and love for this City.”
A vaccination clinic was also on site. Philly Counts, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, the Office of Immigrant Affairs, and the Philadelphia Department of Public Health are committing to sustained vaccine outreach at Unity Cup events through a community immunity awareness-building campaign over the summer months.
The Unity Cup games will be free to the public, and a schedule will be available on the Unity Cup website by June 25.
Games will be hosted at a dozen sites across the city, including Parks & Rec sites like Ramp and Smith Playgrounds, school district supersites, and Temple and LaSalle Universities. The final will be at Subaru Park, home of the Philadelphia Union.