Hosts of a host of activities: the steering group of youngsters who are organising the events gear up for the big kick-off

Published: 17 July, 2014
by CATHERINE ETOE

ONE of north London’s largest annual five-a-side youth tournaments is set to kick off at Coram’s Fields on August 1 and organisers say it will be a day to remember for anyone who gets involved.

A team of young volunteers is busy putting together the final details of the Camden Unity Cup festival for 2014 for footballers aged under 10 to 16.

The grassroots event, now in its 15th year, will be a eight-hour extravaganza of football and more – and is set to include live music, food, freestyle and pro-table football competitions and samba skills displays.

More than 450 young footballers from Camden and Islington are expected to take part and organisers hope that youngsters will set up their own teams for the day.

“We are really excited about having so many young footballers take part in matches and the activities that young people have organised for the day,” said co-ordinator Will Cave. 

“This competition brings local people together and gives footballers who are playing in their estates or for clubs something to work towards.”

The Unity Cup was set up in 1999 by charity Fitzrovia Youth in Action in a bid to bring youngsters from different cultures together using grassroots football. 

Among those to have taken part over the years are Ipswich Town midfielder Anthony Wordsworth and Oxford United’s Danny Hylton, both of whom sent organisers messages of support.

“Playing grassroots football helped me learn a lot and take myself to the next level where I became a schoolboy professional and later a full professional,” Wordsworth said. 

“We all have to start somewhere and build our skills and confidence – where better to start than the Camden Unity Cup 2014.”

Striker Hylton said he felt “privileged” to back the tournament now that he was a professional player. “I remember my time playing and sharing some fantastic moments with other players,” he added.

The Unity Cup is organised jointly by Fitzrovia Youth in Action, Coram’s Fields, South Camden Youth Access Point, King’s Cross Brunswick Neighbourhood Association, Camden and Regent’s Park Youth League and London Youth.

• For entry details contact Will Cave on 020 7388 7399, or email will.cave@fya.org.uk