“When you bring people together around one commonality, it’s the foundation for an important cultural exchange and understanding that increases tolerance across the city.” – Mayor Jim Kenney
This idea is the guiding philosophy behind the first ever Philadelphia International Unity Cup (PIUC), a 32-team World Cup style soccer tournament made up of the many diverse immigrant groups across Philadelphia. The tournament ends with a final championship game on November 5, 2016, held at Citizens Bank Park. 
A cooperative effort between the City of Philadelphia Office of Immigrant Affairs and the Philadelphia Department of Parks and Recreation, the PIUC celebrates the rich cultural diversity of the City of Brotherly Love through the worldwide appeal of soccer, showcasing the camaraderie, respect, and cooperation the citizens of Philadelphia are known for.
It’s not only a competitive soccer tournament but also a great way for people from all neighborhoods to come together to celebrate the city — and each other. Soccer teams from across the region responded enthusiastically to participate in the Philadelphia International Unity Cup! We are thrilled to announce that all 32 slots are filled but we are still accepting emails from teams who wish to be placed on the wait list in the event a team is unable to participate.
Thank you to the following teams:
North America: United States, Mexico
Caribbean: Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Haiti
Africa: Liberia, Cape Verde, Sierra Leone, Nigeria, Senegal, Congo, Ivory Coast, Sudan
Asia: Vietnam, India, South Korea, Bhutan, Indonesia, Cambodia, Myanmar
Europe: Italy, Ireland, Germany, Poland, Ukraine, Lithuania, Turkey, Spain
South America: Colombia, Argentina
Central America: Guatemala, Honduras
The countries listed above are each represented by a single team, with each team guaranteed to play at least three matches in tournament play. All teams must play all their three scheduled matches and any succeeding finals matches. On June 1, 2016, Mayor Jim Kenney drew the 32 teams to determine play schedules and to kick off Immigrant Heritage Month in Philadelphia. A listing of the pool play rounds groupings is online.
Selected teams should submit rosters and player photo IDs no later than August 12, 2016. PIUC will supply all jerseys, which must be worn doing all tournament matches. Players must wear shin guards during all matches and all undergarments, socks, and shorts must be black in color, and players cannot wear metal cleats during matches.
PIUC games will take place in communities at local recreation center facilities closest to the team neighborhoods as possible starting in September 2016. All games, including the championship game, are free of charge to spectators.
Costs associated with the tournament, including the championship match, will be funded entirely by various sponsorship efforts.
Final rounds will be held in larger venues with more stadium-like settings, like high school or university locations. The two last remaining teams will play to win the Philadelphia International Unity Cup at Citizens Bank Park on November 5, 2016. All 32 participating teams, with their families and friends and members of the public, will be invited to the free admission event.
Alongside the championship match, PIUC organizers will hold a festival and parade.
More details about the parade and festival will follow in the lead up to the finals. For more information, please review PIUC’s frequently asked questions below, or contact the PIUC committee via email at PHLUnityCup@phila.gov.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the Philadelphia International Unity Cup?
The Philadelphia International Unity Cup is a 32-team World Cup-style tournament made up of the many diverse immigrant groups within Philadelphia.
Can a single country be represented by multiple teams?
No, each country may only be represented by a single team.
How does my group signup?
All team slots are currently filled, but we are still accepting commitment letters to be added to the waiting list. If a selected team is unable to participate, then those teams on the waiting list will be contacted. Waiting list forms will be available by email, by download from the website, or through in-person pickup from the Office of Immigrant Affairs, City Hall Room 110 after 12pm on April 15.
How were the teams selected to play?
Teams were selected on a first come, first serve basis as commitment forms are turned in with the $100 refundable bond to the Office of Immigrant Affairs, City Hall Room 110, before May 16.
When and where are the games played?
The games will be played at various Philadelphia Park & Recreation venues across the city, as well as some School District facilities. The championship game will be played on Saturday, November 5 at 2pm at Citizens Bank Park. Pool play will begin the weekend of September 10 and knockout stages will begin the weekend of October 8.
Is there a cost for spectators?
No, all games (including Citizens Bank Park) are free of charge to spectators.
Will the City of Philadelphia be paying for this tournament?
No, all money to run the tournament will come from various sponsorship efforts.
How can I participate if I have no team affiliation?
There will be numerous opportunities to volunteer through Philadelphia Parks & Recreation.
Where can I find more information?
Email: PHLUnityCup@phila.gov
Call: 215-683-3685