Forest win but Unity Triumph

Unity FC showcase their talent at the Nottingham Forest City ground at August's launch match

Chants of 'Unity, Unity, Unity' filled the air as the 600 strong crowd got behind their boys at the Unity launch match at the City Ground on Tuesday August 21st.

The atmosphere was electric as the city ground played host to a completely different type of opposition. This wasn't Leeds United or any other league 1 team, this was Nottingham's most talked about inner city side – Unity FC, lads from St Anns, the Meadows and Radford – taking on a team of Forest reserves.

This game officially marked the launch of the Unity Project. The match, which kicked off at 6.30pm, was preceded by a reception where Forest Chief Executive, Mark Arthur, officially welcomed everyone to the city ground and Connexions Chief Executive, Jean Pardoe, laid down the vision for the Unity project and called for support from partners and businesses.

The crowd, which was predominantly made up of the families and friends of the young men on the pitch, remained in good spirits despite the end result not going in Unity's favour.

The final score was 8 – 4 to Nottingham Forest, but the Unity lads, lead by Unity Captain, Kevin Spriggs, certainly showcased some impressive football. Team Coach, Morris Samuels says: "At the end of the day I'm proud of them, we've had a great day and stood our own against some very impressive opposition. We'll just continue to get stronger, working together, playing together and work to promote a positive image of young people from our inner city areas."

Well done to the team and good luck as they prepare to face Blackburn Rovers reserves on Tuesday 23rd October.