It was a good day for the Western Bulldogs affiliated teams at the tenth annual Unity Cup event on Sunday, with the Newport Mosques men claiming the Division One Boys competition, and the Islamic Council of Victoria’s Women’s team, taking out the ‘Play Fair’ award.

With AFL Australia Post Multicultural Ambassador Lin Jong cheering from the sidelines, 13 male and seven female teams took to the field to battle it out for the coveted Unity Cup title.

But it was football that was the winner on the day, with over 200 participants lacing up the boots-some for the very first time.

Created in conjunction with the Australian Federal Police and supported by a number of Melbourne based AFL Clubs, the Unity Cup aims to break down cultural barriers amidst the joy of kicking around a Sherrin.

Jong was joined by VFL Multicultural Ambassadors Brad Xavier (Werribee FC) and James El Moussalli (Coburg FC) in supporting participants from the sidelines, while fellow AFL Australia Post Multicultural Ambassador David Zaharakis (Essendon) was on hand to present the trophies to the winners.

While the Newport Mosques took the Division One title over the Jew Crew Boys, the Werribee Tigers took home the silverware over a competitive FIDA side in the Division Two Boys draw. 

The Jew Crew female team continued their good form in the Unity Cup competition, taking home their second consecutive Girls Division trophy over a determined Female Kickstart Indigenous side.

Story was from AFL Victoria website and can be found here.