Mayor Cherelle L. Parker Joins City Officials to Draw Teams for 2024 Philadelphia International Unity Cup Men’s Tournament

PHILADELPHIA-Mayor Cherelle L. Parker today joined Philadelphia Parks & Recreation Commissioner Susan Slawson and Chris Branscome, Director of the Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Association, and Alyssa Radu, Director of Charitable Events at the Union Foundation, to draw teams for the 2024 Philadelphia International Unity Cup men's tournament at the Dell Music Center.

The Unity Cup is Philadelphia's World-Cup style soccer tournament that unites the city's neighborhoods and celebrates Philadelphia's diverse immigrant communities. The tournament will kick off on August 9 at Smith Recreation Center. The final championship game will take place on October 5 at Subaru Park in Chester.

"The Unity Cup is a unique sporting event that celebrates our thriving immigrant communities," said Mayor Cherelle L. Parker. "Immigrants have a hugely positive impact on Philadelphia, especially through their love of soccer. Their passion for the sport is what drove the creation of the Unity Cup, which seeks to unite Philadelphia through soccer."

This year, 48 countries will be represented by the participating teams, which are mostly composed of immigrant players. Algeria, Egypt, Cambodia, Honduras, Kosovo, and Northern Ireland are new additions to the roster of countries represented in 2024.

"Philadelphia is a soccer city, thanks in part to the Unity Cup," said Susan Slawson, Commissioner, Philadelphia Parks & Recreations. "Parks & Rec is proud to host the eighth annual Unity Cup, which will include both men's and women's tournaments. I encourage everyone to come out to a free game this summer to cheer on their team!"

2024 Unity Cup Rounds

The following rounds were selected at the draw:

Group A: Democratic Republic of Congo, Germany, United States of America

Group B: Liberia, Nigeria, Venezuela

Group C: England, Italy, Turkey

Group D: Ecuador, Ivory Coast, Senegal

Group E: Cambodia, France, Sierra Leone

Group F: Colombia, Greece, Togo

Group G: Cameroon, Ukraine, Vietnam

Group H: Belarus, Israel, Morocco

Group I: Ethiopia, Ghana, Jamaica

Group J: Ireland, Niger, Palestine

Group K: Egypt, Mexico, Northern Ireland

Group L: Algeria, India, Kosovo

Group M: Guatemala, Honduras, Tanzania

Group N: Brazil, Guinea, Sudan

Group O: Angola, Mali, Portugal, Trinidad and Tobago

Group P: Albania, Haiti, Poland

The draw for the women's tournament will take place in a few weeks at FDR Park in South Philadelphia. More information can be found on the Unity Cup Website here.

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Philadelphia Parks & Recreation (PPR) advances the prosperity of the city and the progress of its people through stewardship of nearly 10,200 acres of public land and waterways, and management of 500 recreation buildings, 166 miles of trail, and 250 playgrounds. PPR offers safe, enjoyable recreation, environmental and cultural programs and events throughout Philadelphia's parks and recreation system. PPR promotes the well-being and growth of the city's residents by connecting them to the natural world, to each other and to fun, physical and social opportunities. More than 3,000 full-time and seasonal employees proudly serve Philly residents every day, ensuring the department remains a modern, equitable and exceptional parks and recreation system. Visit us at www.phila.gov/parksandrec, and follow @philaparkandrec on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.

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