A unique, light hearted, fun, welcoming, and co-created 5 a-side football tournament that takes place from the Multi-Use-Games-Area (M.U.G.A.) in the heart of Shieldfield, a small neighbood on the edge of Newcastle upon Tyne’s city centre.

Ran entirely by volunteers the idea is to bring together a diverse range of people via the collective joy of kicking a ball about.

FREE at the point of access, the cup encourages actively participation from all who want to play, cheer or support the day regardless of age, gender, or footballing ability.

BACKGROUND:

The first Shieldfield Community Cup took place from the M.U.G.A. in May 2019. The tournament welcomed players ranging in age and ability whilst attracting approximately 100+ spectators, and some even bringing cakes!

Initiated by Shieldfield resident Mahamat Younis, Star and Shadow Cinema volunteer Richard Turland & artist Andrew Wilson ‘the cup’ is collectively organised annually with support from many individuals, groups and organisations including Dan Russell, Hannah Kirkham, Edyta Czarnecka, LA Keith, Drew, Dwellbeing Shieldfield, The Shieldfield Forum Cafe, The NewBridge Project, The Shieldfield Youth Programme, Shieldfield Art Works, The Shieldfield Community Chefs, and The Star & Shadow Cinema among many, many more.

The idea for the cup emerged out of questions that were been asking about where different people in Shieldfield might encounter one another. When the M.U.G.A. was proposed by Mahamat as one such place the notion of a tournament emerged to welcome broader participation regardless of age, gender, or footballing ability.

After the first event in May 2019 many players and attendees asked: ‘When are you doing this again?’ so we have continued to organise and grow each year - always back by popular demand!

HOW IS IT ORGANISED?

The Shieldfield Community Cup is a collaborative community project jointly organised by artist Andrew Wilson, Star & Shadow Cinema volunteer Richard Turland, Dan Russell, Hannah Kirkham, The Star & Shadow Cinema volunteers, Shieldfield Youth Programme, both artists and staff from The Newbridge Project, The Shieldfield Youth Programme, The Shieldfield Forum Cafe, Dwellbeing Shieldfield, Shieldfield Art Works and many, many Shieldfield residents,

The idea was Initiated by Mahamut Yannis, Richard Turland and Andrew Wilson but continues with the support of many, many more - especially Dan Russell, Luke, Hannah Kirkham, Edyta Czarnecka, LA Keith, Drew, Anouk Lafortune-Bernard, Izaak Gledhill, Liberty Hoades, Kaltouma Hassaballa, Ken Mallon, Elaine Robertson, Colin Gray, Jill Holder and many, many, more.

GET INVOLVED

We hope to continue to organise and grow the event alongside people who live, work or play in Shieldfield.

This could be suggesting ideas for additional activities, committing to helping on the day, or becoming a volunteer organiser and joining our regular(ish) meetings.

If this sounds like you then please get in touch: Please get in touch:

shieldfieldcup@gmail.com

As with the game itself, all are welcome regardless of age or experience!