Created by Essendon Football Club and the Australian Federal Police in 2008, the Unity Cup is a great success and is now supported by the AFL Multicultural Program, Western Bulldogs, North Melbourne and Hawthorn Football Clubs.

The Unity Cup focuses on strengthening ties with the Police, Muslim, and other culturally and linguistically diverse communities (CALD), through a mutual appreciation of Australian Rules football.

In 2012, the format was changed to the AFL 9s touch version of the game, and the age group of the players varied from adults to 15 to 18 years. The competition featured nine teams from Melbourne's Muslim, Jewish and Indigenous communities including one team, MUJU, that comprised players from Muslim and Jewish backgrounds. The AFL Multicultural Program also sponsored three interstate teams from Perth, Adelaide and Sydney to compete in the event.

After five years, the Unity Cup continues to foster a mutual understanding and respect, highlighting the positive interaction between the Australian Federal Police and CALD communities and Essendon Football Club is proud to be a founding partner of the Unity Cup.