Newark Cup 2011

The Newark Cup was a two day tournament at Nat Turner Park geared to promote cultural diversity and health wellness through exercise. Five teams participated. The participating adult teams represented countries from throughout the world they included; Newark AFC-comprised mostly of players hailing from Ghana and Nigeria, Team Haiti, Just One Fusion - comprised mostly of players from Puerto Rico and Latin America, African All-Stars- predominantly players from Ivory Coast and Essex County College- which fields a truly international team.

As part of the tournament there was a 9/11 remembrance wherein the Newark Fire and Police departments were honored and recognized for their continued commitment to keeping Newark safe. Additionally, Habitat for Humanity and St. Barnabas Healthcare System participated by setting up booths and distributing their respective informational literature.

In the end, Essex County College prevailed as the victor in the inaugural Newark Cup, they beat Newark AFC by a margin of 3 to 0. The third place winner was the African All Stars.

This was the first year for the Newark Cup led by Council President Donald M. Payne, Jr., who was thrilled to host a city-wide soccer tournament to celebrate the diversity of our city and the sport that ties it all together.