Jul 12, 2025 from 9:00am–1:00pm
Festival Chair: Elliott Hurtig
Location: Robert Crown in Evanston on Dodge Ave. and Main St.
Date/Time: Jul 13, 2024 from 9:00am–1:00pm
Fees: $50/team.
Everyone who participates is a winner. Score is not kept and we officiate our own games. The only competition is to see which team wins the Unity Cup Trophy for best sportsmanship. Everyone will play the same number of games. All proceeds will be donated to provide scholarships for players in need of financial assistance in Evanston.
Please Support Local Youth Soccer. Small Things Add Up.
Jahbat FC is a non-profit 501(c)(3), community-based organization, committed to the development and advancement of youth soccer in the Chicagoland, Northshore and West Suburban areas. Your generous tax-deductible donation ensures our year-round programs are available to all youth who have the desire to participate in the beautiful game of soccer regardless of their economic background.
General Rules
Atmosphere. This is a family friendly event. Although the participants will all be adult men and women, kids are encouraged to come watch.
Game Divisions. There will be three different divisions of play.
- Marley: This is for the youngest players seeking the most “competitive” game yet still keeping it mellow and “Irie.”
- Chavez: This middle group is for players between 30–45 years.
- M.L.K.: This older age group is for those players over 40 who want to mainly survive the experience of playing three games.
Uniforms. The Unity Festival will not provide team jerseys. Teams are responsible for wearing some sort of unified color. Pennies will be available for teams who wear conflicting colors.
Number of Players. There is no maximum, but teams should show up with no less than five players. A healthy roster has five-six players. Extra players are required to ensure that games can continue if unexpected absences occur.
Game Duration. 20 minutes straight. No halftime break. Every team is guaranteed at least three games.
Substitution. Subs must come on at midfield and can happen any time the ball goes out of bounds or there is a stoppage of play.
Kick offs. Kick offs may be kicked in any direction. Ball must be over the mid-line to score. No throw ins, all balls are kicked in from the sidelines. All kicks are indirect. Players must move 5 yards away from any indirect kick.
The Goal Box. No one allowed in the goal box area. If ball stops moving in box, the defensive team can get it. Please do not play “goalie” and hang out in front of your goal. That is not in the spirit of the game.
Slide Tackles. Absolutely NO slide tackles.