The countdown to the 2014 Unity Cup has begun with 13 multicultural teams gearing up for a massive day of fun and football.

There may be a trophy up for grabs for the winning side, but this is a competition where participation is far more important than victory.

Now in its seventh year, the Unity Cup brings together Victoria’s diverse multicultural communities for a day of fun and football, where language barriers and cultural differences are forgotten amidst the joy of kicking around a sherrin.

Created by the Essendon Football Club and the Australian Federal Police in partnership with AFL Multicultural Programs, the Unity Cup focuses on strengthening ties between the police and culturally and linguistically diverse communities and introduces the game to boys and girls between the ages of 15-21.

Thirteen teams, (nine boys and four girls) are set to compete on Sunday March 16 at JJ Holland Reserve, Kensington as part of a special family day.

This year the Unity Cup has partnered with the Kensington Community Festival, meaning a variety of stalls, musical performances and activities for kids will ensure it’s a great day out for players and supporters alike.

Teams will be separated into two divisions, with outfits like the Shaheens (the Australian-based Pakistan national side) competing with others who already have some experience with our native game.

In another division, those who are completely new to Australian Football will get their first taste of the sport in an environment that promotes having a go, rather than a focus on winning.

Participating teams have been training for weeks, many aligned with an AFL club, with all counting the minutes until the big day.

AFL Victoria Multicultural Programs Coordinator Kashif Bouns said preparations have long been underway for this year’s tournament.

“This year, with the help of Essendon and North Melbourne, we held two super clinics to bring together the participants and give them the chance to get to know one another,” he said.

 “Each yeah we’ve had a terrific response from the multicultural community and we’re hoping this year’s Unity Cup attracts a bigger crowd than ever before.”