Basement Cup 2023: A community event with football at the heart
This past weekend, Trent Park in Enfield, North London, played host to this year’s Basement Cup.
16 teams, represented by some of the biggest names in the fashion and football culture community, such as Stüssy, Versus, Bape UK and Places+Faces, took part in the tournament, hosted by The Basement and New Balance Football.
Image courtesy of Basement Approved.
This was the third edition of the Basement Cup, which has taken place every year since 2021.
“The Basement Cup is the highlight of our summer,” explains Jake Hartwell, founder of The Basement.
“It’s a chance to bring everyone together for a day of fun and competition, with one winning team taking home the trophy. In partnership with New Balance, we’re able to take a break from the industry, catch up with friends and was some serious ball being played.”
We were lucky enough to take in some of the action.
Image by Shane Vincent (@vincentchapters).
Beyond the football, the extras helped the summer vibes shine through. After all, how many football tournaments can you attend where Wingstop are on hand to provide some delicious food and drink? There was a free bar, free mini golf, and an sublime range of DJs to set the tone. A note to all future organisers of summer football tournaments: this is how you do it.
The kits, by the way, were flawless; each drawing on something unique to each team.
On the pitch, the battles were fierce. Teams were mixed, but rules dictated that at least one male and one female player had to be on the pitch at all times. Places+Faces were the defending champions, but crashed out earlier than expected.
The final paired The Basement with Baiteze Squad, who proved too much for the hosts and picked up the trophy. Caitlen Star’s solo effort for Baiteze in the final was arguably the goal of the tournament.
Image by Shane Vincent (@vincentchapters).
“I cherish these days,” says Jake.
“Big thanks to everyone who everyone who took part, came down, supported and helped make the day the best one yet.”
At its core, football will always belong to the communities that form around it. The Basement Cup, and days like these, reflect that those communities are stronger than ever.
We’re already looking forward to next year.
