For the fourth time now, the Ute Bock Cup will be held at the Sportclub-Platz stadium in Hernals this year, featuring tournaments for 3 different trophies. The main aim is to make a stand against social exclusion and to promote tolerance.

Everybody knows the lady in the long beige coat. People like Ute Bock are a rare breed, which only increases the public attention bestowed on her, although it must be said that she doesn’t only encounter good will. For years, Mrs Bock has been tirelessly helping people who were forced to leave their home countries. Her job is not an easy one, since these people have often undergone traumatic experiences. They are refugees – and not welcomed by everybody.

Mrs Bock has never let this put her off and has dedicated her life to helping them. And of course there are many others who also believe that every person has the right to a dignified existence and therefore lend Mrs Bock their support.

The friendly football fan club

Take the ‘FreundInnen der Friedhofstribüne’, for example, the Wiener Sportklub’s fan club. You won’t find them being rowdy or rioting. They are one of the nicest football fan clubs in the world and, as such, speak out for respect and tolerance in football and against homophobia, sexism and all other kinds of discrimination. But they don’t stop at just talk, which is why they are organising the Ute Bock Cup this year for the fourth time now. The aim is not only to publicise their values and ideals, but also to raise money, with the entire proceeds of the event going to support Mrs Bock’s refugee aid association.

Footy for everyone

The Ute Bock Cup obviously enjoys a good reputation in the footballing community, since the rush to take part was so great this year that it was decided to operate at full capacity. 26 teams will be competing for the three trophies Ute Bock Cup, Ute Bock Ladies Cup and Ute Bock Fairplay Cup, including for the first time one team each from our German and Swiss neighbours. Six women’s teams provide proof that football isn’t only a sport for men. However, gender balance is generally striven for, so most of the other teams are mixed.

An event not just for football fans

Since large numbers of visitors are always welcome at charity events, a wide and varied programme of accompanying activities will be on offer for those not interested in the football itself. There’s live music, for example, with live performances by acts as varied as Mieze Medusa & Tenderboy, Florian Horvath, Rene Marschel and the drums ensemble Drum:Bocks, and with the likes of DJ DSL & DJ Conter, Christina Nemec aka Chra, Wild Evel from the Staggers or Tingel Tangel behind the turntables, all guaranteed to get your hips moving. Those who prefer more sedate activities are also catered for, with simultaneous chess tournaments or original 1980s pinball machines. There is also a separate kids’ corner, run by Familie Kirschkompott, and a giant bubble blowing workshop. You can even have your hair cut for charity to support Ute Bock’s foundation, or satisfy your charitable urges by bidding at an auction for an embroidered picture by knitting designer Veronika Persché. Its subject? The lady in the long beige coat – Ute Bock. So all that remains is to go along, support the project and have fun!