Steve Sumner Cup 2023

Saturday 18th March 2023 is a special date for four big reasons.

Its the launch of the Steve Sumner Pre-season cup where United Sports Centre will host alongside Cashmere Technical four huge games in oneday. Steve Sumner is regarded as one of the most influential figures in New Zealand football. His highlight was captaining the All Whites to their historic first World Cup finals, in Spain in 1982. But the influence of the former Blackpool player spread wider than that after he arrived in New Zealand in 1973 and joined Christchurch United, helping them to the national league title in his debut season. Sumner, an attacking midfielder, played 105 games for the All Whites over 12 years, scoring 27 goals.
Sumner was diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer in September 2015, endured six rounds of chemotherapy and defied the odds before his health deteriorated. Steve passed away, surrounded by his family, at his Christchurch home on February 8, 2017. New Zealand Football Chief Executive at the time Andy Martin said Sumner’s passing was a sad day for the football community in this country. “First and foremost our thoughts go out to his family and friends in their time of grieving. Steve was not only a great footballer, but he was also a great man and he will be sorely missed,” So it would only be fitting to raise full awareness of the Prostate Cancer Foundation who report 4000 New Zealand men are diagnosed each year and with early detection leading to better outcomes, it is essential that men are aware of the signs of potential disease and the PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) that is available from their doctor.
It will be the grand opening of United Sports Centre's brand new mini-pitches. Our state-of-the-art facilities gets a new addition of 5, 6 and 7 aside mini pitches which will give players even more opportunities to play football all year round. The pitches will have the same turf and technology used on our main 11 aside pitches, but with added twist of experiencing 5, 6 & 7 aside outdoors in an enclosed netted area. This is a first for the South Island. Join us at 2pm to officially open the pitches. Leagues launch from 3rd April, click here to register your social or corporate team.
On Saturday 18th March 2014, the Christchurch Football Centre (CFC) developed a world class facility on Yaldhurst Road that has been the home of the Christchurch Football Academy (CFA). Opening its doors for the very first time. Amazing just how much evolution has happened within the Academy and venue in the last 9 years.

Doors open Saturday 18th March at 11.30am for the opening ceremony

12pm Kick Off
Christchurch United U20 Men vs Cashmere Technical U20 Men
Christchurch United U17 Men vs Cashmere Technical U17 Men

2pm
United Sports Centre Mini Pitch Grand Opening

3pm Kick Off
Christchurch United Senior Men vs Cashmere Technical Senior Men
Christchurch United Senior Women vs Cashmere Technical Senior Women