The biggest football event for architects celebrates 10 years

This year, architecture and design firm PLH marks the 10th anniversary of PLH Cup – the annual football tournament that, over the past decade, has evolved from a small initiative among industry colleagues into one of the architecture industry’s biggest social events, with 25 participating practices and an expected audience of 600–700 spectators.

“PLH Cup was created from a vision of community and togetherness. I came up with the idea because I knew so many people from other practices, and I wanted to bring people together around something social and fun. We started with eight teams, and it quickly grew from there,” says Jesper F. Spager, Project Director at PLH and founder of PLH Cup.

More than a football tournament

Although the tournament takes place on the playing fields at Emdrup Stadium, the day is about much more than football. The event has become a gathering point for an industry where relationships and collaboration play a crucial role.

“The architecture industry is small, and many of us have worked together before or will do so again later in our careers. PLH Cup helps keep those relationships alive in a relaxed and social setting,” says Jesper F. Spager.

It is precisely this sense of community that has made the tournament a long-standing tradition within the industry. Employees from competing practices come together here as colleagues, friends and former collaborators – both on the pitch and on the sidelines.

For PLH, the event is also about creating inclusive communities and bringing people together across disciplines, experience levels and companies.

A focus on community and inclusion

PLH Cup does not only celebrate the best results on the pitch. Awards are also given for categories such as best supporters, fair play and strongest team spirit – all to emphasize that community is just as important as competition itself.

“At the end of the day, it’s about having fun together. Football is simply the framework for something bigger – namely relationships, teamwork and community,” says Jesper F. Spager.

“PLH strives to bring everyone together for an entertaining and enjoyable day. For the second year in a row, a team of students will participate in PLH Cup, giving the next generation of architects the chance to score against their future employers! And for the first time, in celebration of our 10-year anniversary, PLH has invited our sponsors to field teams and take part as well,” says Oliver Pearson, co-organizer of PLH Cup and football coach for the practice’s own team.

Over the years, the tournament has developed into an event where sponsors, partners and students all engage, and where new relationships are formed across the industry.

Collaboration is essential – in both architecture and football

At PLH, there are clear parallels between the world of football and the practice of architecture.

No one designs complex projects alone – just as no one wins matches alone. Both require trust, collaboration and the ability to bring out the best in one another.

“Personal recognition is always nice, but the most important thing is that the team wins. There are many similarities between how a football team works and how an architectural practice works,” says Oliver Pearson.

Ready for the next 10 years

Although PLH Cup is now celebrating its first major anniversary, the ambitions remain high.

PLH hopes the tournament will continue to bring the industry together, strengthen networks between practices and create space for both new and long-standing relationships over the next decade as well.

“We are proud to have created something that so many people in the industry continue to support year after year. It shows how important community is – even in a highly competitive industry. Our vision for the next 10 years does not stop here. The goal is to create an even bigger event where contractors, engineers and developers can also participate. That is the ultimate ambition and our dream,” says Jesper F. Spager.

“Now that we are marking the first 10 years of PLH Cup, the community can look forward to the next 10 years with great excitement. PLH Cup already has big plans for its 11th year, and we look forward to sharing them soon,” says Oliver Pearson.