A unique pre-season tournament combining traditional fixtures with high-energy Festival Nights, celebrating local grassroots football.
What is the Festival Cup?
The Festival Cup is a new pre-season tournament format designed to give clubs more variety, more competitive football, and a different kind of challenge.
Each team will play 5 matches in a one league format, including our unique Festival Nights.
Festival Nights
Festival Nights are what make this tournament different.
3 teams compete on the same evening.
Each team takes part in one Festival Night, and plays 2 matches.
Festival Night matches are 45 minutes long.
Fast-paced, competitive football.
This gives players exposure to different opponents in a short space of time, something rarely seen in proper football.
Competition Format
6 teams compete in a league format.
Each team plays 5 matches.
At the end of the group stage:
1st place → Final
2nd, 3rd & 4th → Eliminator Night.
Eliminator Night
Eliminator Night is another festival-style evening, where 3 teams compete for a final place in the Final.
Schedule
Entry Cost
£100 per team
What you get:
Fully qualified referees and assistant referees.
Post match food for each team.
Each registered player is entered into our Grand Prize Draw.
An amazing festival of football organised by volunteers.
There are no additional costs to clubs or match fees for teams.
Community & Charity
We will also be supporting Hope House Childrens Hospices, with spectator entry encouraged via donation.
This allows the tournament to benefit the wider community as well as participating clubs.
Supporters can enjoy an open bar and hot food specials and refreshments.
Call to Action
There are only six places for teams available. Register now to avoid missing out!
Key Information
Squads will need to register a 25 player squad in advance of the competition. This is free and will be done via the website by midnight on Wednesday 22nd July. Players must be at least 16 years old on or by Wednesday 22nd July to participate.
Clubs are responsible for having their own player insurance policy. AFC Morda United will have public liability insurance in place.
Group match points shall be awarded as:
3 points for a win, 1 point for a draw, 0 points for a defeat.
Teams tied on points shall be decided in order by:
1. Result between the two teams. 2. Goal Difference. 3. Goals Scored. 4. Fewest cautions received.
If still level lots will be drawn.
Eliminator points shall be awarded as:
3 points for a win. 2 points for a penalty shoot out win after a drawn eliminator match. 1 point for a penalty shoot out defeat after a drawn eliminator match. 0 points for a defeat.
Teams tied on points in the Eliminator shall be decided by their final position in the group stage.
The final shall be a normal 90 minute match. If the end of the match ends in a draw, a penalty shoot out shall take place. There shall be no extra time in any match.
The Laws of the Game shall apply to all matches, with the additional rule whereby festival and eliminator matches shall be 45 minutes long with no half time.
The sin bin law shall apply in this competition.
Any player receiving 3 cautions in the group stage shall be suspended for that clubs next fixture. This rule is then relaxed from the Eliminator round onwards. (Note. A player receiving their 3rd caution in the final group match shall be suspended from that sides first eliminator match.
Any player receiving a red card shall be suspended for that teams next match. A one match suspension shall be issued for a sending off for 'DOGSO'; deliberate handball; and/or receiving a second caution. A two* match suspension shall apply for serious foul play; violent conduct; spitting; or offensive, foul and/or abusive language.
A full published rules document, and copies of AFC Morda United Public Liability Insurance and Safeguarding Policy shall be issued to all participating clubs.