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20 March 2016, 8:08am
Media Release

AFP on board for the ninth annual Unity Cup in Melbourne

The ninth annual Unity Cup – a nine-a-side Australian Rules competition including teams from local culturally diverse  communities – will be held this Sunday in Melbourne to coincide with the Kensington Community Festival.

The Unity Cup brings together around 250 young people from diverse backgrounds and cultures, with male and female teams competing in a friendly “round-robin” competition throughout the day.

The event is proudly hosted by the AFP, the AFL Multicultural Program, and the Essendon Football Club.

AFP Manager Peter Whowell said the Unity Cup is a continuation of the ‘Strengthening Communities through Sport’ project that began in 2008 and follows on from the success of past Unity Cup events.

“The event always gets such a positive response from the community. The Unity Cup has demonstrated how young people can come together to overcome cultural differences to celebrate inclusion and diversity through sport,” Mr Whowell said.

“The AFP is proud to be a part of this event and we hope all participants have fun and enjoy the day.”

AFL Victoria Diversity Manager, Xavier Moloney highlighted the inclusiveness of the community inspired event.

“Football is a sport that welcomes everyone, regardless of their size, ability or background, and this is never more on show than at the Unity Cup,” Mr Moloney said.

The Unity Cup is generously supported by City West Water, the Victorian Multicultural Commission, Goodlife Health Clubs, Spectrum Migrant Resource Centre, and Sierra Homes.

Event details:

  • Sunday (20 March 2016) at JJ Holland Park in Kensington, Melbourne, with matches played from 8:35am. Official opening from 9.30am; Grand final scheduled for 3.30pm.

Media enquiries
AFP National Media: (02) 6131 6333
AFL Victoria: (03) 8341 6041