The Dana Cup Spirit is Dana Cup’s Fair Play concept.
Our tournament offers a platform where young football players meet and develop, not only as players but as people. Here, they gain experience, friendships and memories built on values such as respect, unity, equality, passion and community.
With this opportunity comes responsibility
We ask all participants, players, coaches, leaders, parents, supporters and local communities, to actively contribute to creating a tournament centered on respect, responsibility and Fair Play.
What is Fair Play?
Fair Play is not just about rules - it’s about attitudes.
It means that:
• We respect each other, no matter where we come from
• We take responsibility, for ourselves, for each other, and for the community we are part of
• We look beyond the game and make room for both competition and love for the sport
• We live the values both on and off the pitch
Fair Play is the foundation of The Dana Cup Spirit. It is our shared promise to create a safe, inclusive and meaningful football environment.
The Dana Cup Spirit – values in action
The Fair Play concept is built around the following principles. Under each heading are concrete actions and expectations for everyone participating in Dana Cup:
Everyone contributes to creating a fair and safe tournament.
Your engagement and behavior affect the entire community, both on and off the pitch.
Show respect for referees, opponents, teammates and volunteers.
Say thank you. Listen. Support. And remember to recognize others’ efforts.
Say no to discrimination, cheating, bullying and poor behaviour.
Dana Cup must be a place where everyone feels safe and welcome.
Celebrate the game, the community, and the great experiences.
Football is not only about winning but also about memories, joy and togetherness.
Reflect—what went well today, and what can we improve tomorrow?
Learning and growth happen when we pause and take responsibility for our choices.
Support and lift each other up, even when it’s difficult.
Create a culture where people cheer, encourage and believe in the best in others.
Include others, regardless of language, background, or skill level.
Dana Cup brings the world together. Remember to reach out and welcome others.
Take responsibility for the environment and shared facilities.
Sort waste, use fewer resources and leave places cleaner than you found them.
Sustainability is also Fair Play.
Treat your accommodation as your home.
Keep order at the school, hotel, or campsite. Show consideration for staff and those around you.
The Dana Cup Spirit is a shared promise:
We pledge to contribute to a safe environment where we treat each other with respect and demonstrate Fair Play, both on and off the pitch.
Dana Cup Fair Play Award
Honouring teams that make a difference with their hearts in the right place.
The Dana Cup Fair Play Award is given each year to one boys’ team and one girls’ team who have shown outstanding Fair Play throughout the tournament—both on and off the pitch.
It’s not just about how you play football; it’s about how you are as a person and a teammate.
The award is given to teams who:
- Show respect towards opponents and referees, regardless of the match result
- Help others, even when they don’t have to
- Take care of their surroundings and clean up after themselves
- Show support and respect for volunteers, organizers, and the entire tournament community
Who can nominate?
The Fair Play Award is based on recommendations and nominations from those who witness it in practice:
- Referees
- School leaders and volunteers
- Opposing teams
- Coaches, leaders supporters and parents
Send us your nomination from the Dana Cup 2026 (opens at the start of the tournament)
What do the winners receive?
The two winning teams, one boys’ team and one girls’ team, receive:
- An official Fair Play Award
- Prizes from our Fair Play Partner
- Recognition and celebration on Dana Cup’s channels
- And most importantly: acknowledgment as role models for the entire tournament
Why a Fair Play Award?
Because football is more than goals and points.
The Fair Play Award highlights the values that make Dana Cup special and inspires others to do the same. Fair Play is not just part of the game; it is at the heart of everything Dana Cup stands for.
The Dana Cup Spirit – Respect, Responsibility, and Community.
