Saturday 18 July 2026 · Goals Reading, RG5 3EU
Unity Cup
A men's 6-a-side football tournament. Play for peace, against knife crime.
Registration closed, spectators welcome
Why we play
Football for a safer Reading & knife crime prevention
Knife crime has touched too many communities. The Unity Cup brings people together through sport to stand against it.
Sport has a unique power to unite people across backgrounds, faiths and neighbourhoods. By bringing teams together for a day of football, we want to send a clear, positive message: our community stands together against violence, and there is a place for everyone here.
Hosted by Reading Muslim, this men's tournament welcomes multicultural teams from every background, and the day is about awareness as much as competition. We are working with local partners to support the wider effort to keep young people safe, and every team that takes part is part of that message.
Report it anonymously
Know something about knife crime?
You can help keep young people safe without giving your name. Tell Crimestoppers what you know, 100% anonymously. They never trace your call and never ask who you are.
Call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111Crimestoppers is an independent charity, not the police. In an emergency, always call 999.
The day
What to expect
Format
6-a-side tournament, 10-minute games. Officiated by Goals Reading. Teams are split into two groups across two pitches, followed by play-offs and a final.
Eligibility
A men's tournament, open to all backgrounds. Players must be male and aged 16 or over on the day.
Entry
£100 per team, paid securely online when you register.
Prizes
Winners receive a trophy and medals, runners-up receive medals, presented after the final.
Where funds go
All proceeds support Reading Muslim's general fund, which funds all of our community work, including our efforts to keep young people safe.
On the day
Running order
Teams start arriving from 9:30am. Here is how the day is shaped, kick-off to trophy.
- 9:30amTeams arrive
- 10:00amWelcome and introduction
- 10:30amGroup games kick off
- 12:00pmLeague phase ends, BBQ served
- Early afternoonThe final
- 3:00pmTrophy presentation
Everyone is welcome to come and spectate, so please bring your friends and family along. There will be BBQ food and a charity auction on the day, and the final and trophy presentation depend on how the day runs.
Support the cup
Sponsors & partners
Corporate sponsors help us raise more for the cause. Community partners support the awareness campaign, as well as supporting the event on the day. We are grateful to both for their partnership in this important initiative.
Sponsors
Partners & supporters
We are working with local partners to support the event and its message. We are also inviting organisations including Reading Borough Council, Wokingham Borough Council, local mosques, to join the campaign.
Charity auction
Bid to win, raise even more
These prizes have been kindly donated to Reading Muslim for this event. We'll auction them off in person on the day, with all proceeds supporting the cause and our wider community work. Here's a taste of what's up for grabs.
2× Arsenal Premier League tickets
A pair of tickets to a Premier League fixture at the Emirates Stadium.
Requires a free Arsenal membership, accepting a ticket transfer and Arsenal's terms and conditions. See the ticket transfer guide
arsenal.com →2× £50 The Ivy gift cards
Two £50 gift cards to spend at The Ivy Collection restaurants.
ivycollection.com →Set meal for two at Qumin
A set meal for two at Qumin Tandoori, one of Reading's favourite curry houses.
qumintandoori.co.uk →Support the cause
Can't enter a team? You can still help.
Not everyone can field a side, but everyone can play a part. A donation of any size helps fund Reading Muslim's community work and our efforts to keep young people safe from knife crime.
Donate to the campaignQuestions
Frequently asked
Who can enter?
The Unity Cup is a men's 6-a-side tournament hosted by Reading Muslim, open to teams from all backgrounds, faiths and communities. You do not need to be a member of any organisation to take part.
How much does it cost?
Entry is £100 per team, paid securely online when you register. This covers your team's place in the tournament.
How many players can a team have?
Matches are 6-a-side. You can bring substitutes; squad details can be shared with the organisers closer to the day.
Is there a minimum age?
Yes. All players must be male and aged 16 or over on the day of the event. Where any player is under 18, the team must have parental or guardian consent.
What does the day look like?
Games are 10 minutes long, officiated by Goals Reading. Teams play in two groups across two pitches, then go into play-offs and a final, with a trophy presentation at the end.
Where do the funds go?
All proceeds go to Reading Muslim's general fund (registered charity 1061208). The tournament also raises awareness of knife crime in our community.
Can I get a refund?
Entry fees are non-refundable if a team withdraws. If the organisers have to cancel or postpone the event, our cancellation policy applies. See the terms for details.
Ready to play?
Secure your team's place in the Unity Cup. Entry is £100 and registration takes a couple of minutes.
Register your teamNot entering a team? Donate to the campaign instead.