Harmony Cup to bring Sydney communities together through football

Liverpool will host a day of football, cultural activities and community celebrations on Saturday 17 October, as the Harmony Cup and Football NSW Multicultural Gala Day bring together people from across South-West Sydney. Liverpool City Council, in partnership with Football NSW, will stage the events at Hammondville Soccer Fields, with a programme designed to encourage participation, build connections between communities and celebrate Australia's cultural diversity.

The Harmony Cup men's football tournament will feature teams representing the Uruguayan, Italian, Macedonian, Sudanese, Serbian, Bosnian and Syrian communities. Teams will play at least three group-stage matches before progressing to one of two finals pathways, with a major prize awarded to the winning side.

Liverpool Mayor Ned Mannoun said the event would demonstrate how sport can bring people together across cultural backgrounds. "One of Australia's greatest strengths is that we are a nation of people from all corners of the world who have come together to build a shared future," Mayor Mannoun said.

He said the tournament would give teams an opportunity to celebrate their cultural heritage while coming together through their shared Australian identity and love of football. Mayor Mannoun said Liverpool, which is home to people from more than 150 cultural backgrounds, was well placed to host an event focused on social harmony.

He added that building connections required people to get to know one another, develop friendships and respect their differences. "At a time when there are challenges to social cohesion, we all have a responsibility to promote respect, understanding and harmony in our communities," he said.

Alongside the tournament, Football NSW will run its Multicultural Gala Day, offering free football activities for children and young people aged five to 16 from across South-West Sydney. The programme will also include an All-Abilities Match, a Legends Match delivered in partnership with Heartbeat of Football, cultural activities, community stalls and a trophy presentation involving representatives from participating communities.

Mayor Mannoun said opportunities for young people to play together could help build friendships across cultural backgrounds and foster a sense of belonging. "This is about much more than winning a football match.

It is about building relationships that last long after the final whistle," he said. The event will also recognise the people who support grassroots football throughout the year, including volunteers, coaches, referees, club committee members and parents.

Liverpool City Council chief executive officer Jason Breton, a football supporter and licensed coach, said local football clubs helped create opportunities for people to connect through teamwork, discipline and shared experiences. He thanked the Southern Districts Soccer Football Association, its member clubs and the volunteers who help organise matches and support players of different ages and abilities.