The organizer of the tournament, Mick Murray, said it’s all about getting the players together for some fun and to develop a love for the sport at a young age.
“Everybody plays in three games, they get a free hot dog and juice and it doesn’t cost the parents anything,” Murray said, adding that the West Hants United Soccer Association takes care of the costs.
The event had Under 8 (U8) teams from Falmouth, Windsor, Mount Uniacke, Brooklyn and U10 teams competed as well.
“At that age group, everything is about participation,” he said. “It’s less about trying to win a tournament; it’s about the fun of it.”
Another tournament is slated for August, where players will receive participation medals.
The U8 and U6 teams play primarily with fellow West Hants teams, from Mt. Denson to Mount Uniacke.
U10 teams are in the Valley league, playing against teams like Hantsport, Wolfville and Port Williams.
“It gets them out of the house and away from the TV; it gets them active, running around. It builds teamwork in them,” he said. “It’s not about doing stuff on your own, you have to work as a team.”
Murray said it would not be possible without the legion of volunteers that make the soccer association possible — adding that for every player there’s probably two volunteers behind the scenes, Most often, these volunteers are parents.
Murray said they don't keep the scores at that age.
“The kids love it; they think it’s absolutely great. They look forward to it every week,” he said. “They’re with their friends and making new ones.”
