-submitted by James Nielsen
Victoria, B.C. (April 12, 2017) – The Peninsula Co-op World Cups Youth Festival organizing committee are pleased to announce kick-off of the 2017 edition of one of Victoria’s longest serving youth soccer tournaments. From April 14-15 at Lochside Park, youth across Greater Victoria will come together for three days of play, laughter, and fun in a tournament where the love for the beautiful game is the ultimate motivation.
Located in the hub of Victoria and established in 1986, the youth festival is returning for its second-straight-year. Highlights of the soccer-filled weekend include the opening ceremonies, taking place at 10:00 a.m. with 100.3Q’s Ryan Awram on Friday, April 14.
The Strathcona Hotel Charity Classic between Cowichan FC and Gorge Division I Men’s team will kick off on 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 15. The match will be played in support of two charities; MS Kick for the Cure and Answer to Cancer at Lochside Park.
Players who register for the Peninsula Co-op World Cups Youth Festival are randomly placed into teams based on their age groups and gender. This unique approach makes for a truly memorable event for all participants as it fosters fair play and creates an opportunity for new friendships to grow. These are important values and a key reason why Peninsula Co-op saw value in supporting the event.
“Frank Leversedge started the World Cups over thirty years ago,” World Cups Festival Chair Dom Butcher explained. “We’ve tried to stay true, and honour, Frank’s vision for the festival. Having played in the festival as a child, I know it will bring so much joy to so many people in our community. Along with this, we hope to give over $10,000 to community organizations, charities and groups through the festival.”
ABOUT THE WORLD CUPS YOUTH FESTIVAL
World Cups at Lochside Park is a unique U7-18 small sided youth soccer festival that has been a part of the Victoria Sports community for 30 years. Some notable participants include Taking place over three days, players from different clubs in Victoria are brought together to form and represent different World Cup nations. New Friendships are formed and the festival has an emphasis on friendship, fun and community. The World Cups is a community building experience, an event that transcends club boundaries – it brings us together. www.worldcups.ca.
ABOUT PENINSULA CO-OP
Peninsula Co-op is a Vancouver Island based co-operative with their core business in grocery, petroleum and convenience stores located between Victoria and Duncan. Operating locally since 1977, they are entirely owned by their 80,000 members who share in their financial success through an annual rebate program. They also proudly share their profits with the surrounding communities.