Fifty teams are preparing to hit the field this weekend for the 33rd Nations Cup, Western Canada's premier amateur soccer tournament.
Around 1,000 of the region's best amateur players will descend upon the Hugh Boyd complex for the three-day feast of top class soccer action.
Players aged from their late teens right up to their 60s are expected to compete in the colours of their descendant nation.
And spectators with good memories will be treated to a new bracket at this year's tournament, an over 52s section, packed full of players who played in the original men's open competition back in the Nations' early days.
"It's one of those things that came simply out of demand from the guys that had been playing in the over 45s for a long time," said tournament president Jeff Wilson, himself available for selection for the Scotland over 30s squad.
"They were finding it tough to keep competing and that's why we're bringing in this new section. There's only going to be four teams this year, but, based on the level of interest, there's a good possibility of upping that to eight or so next year."
The fact that players in their 50s still want to pull on the jersey of their country of origin highlights the popularity and "longevity of the tournament," added Wilson.
Another new feature at this year's tournament is the overspill games being played closer to the Hugh Boyd headquarters at Manoah Steves elementary in Steveston, as opposed to Minoru in the city centre.
"Many teams who played up at Minoru just went home after the game and didn't come down to the main site," explained Wilson. "This new site is just around the corner, so hopefully that will add to the occasion."
The entry of 50 teams is four more than last year, although Wilson said they're still "struggling with the women's section and to maintain the quality of that section.
"I'm not sure why that is, perhaps it's because less of the women grew up as young girls watching other women playing?
"I know, as a boy watching the men playing, that I couldn't wait to get that Scotland jersey on and play.
"Hopefully that will change over time." In terms of the main event, the men's open section, a new nation this year will be South America, spawned from the Chilean outfit.
South America will play this weekend after dumping Saudi Arabia in the qualifying section.
"They were meant to be Chile, but we've allowed them to expand beyond that because it's tough to make up a team from a small community like that," said Wilson.
"Two teams from Poland dropped out in June though. I'm not sure if that had anything to do with the Euros or not."
Wilson expects returning men's open champion Ireland to be challenging for the title once again. "India are perennially a strong side and I've heard from some of their camp that they're very strong again.
"Canada have picked up some good kids as well and could be involved. Italy, Portugal and Africa will also be as strong as ever."
The one thing that couldn't be relied upon last year was the weather, with the entire weekend being a washout.
"I've not looked past Friday and it looks good, but it has to be better than the relentless rain last year. That kept many casual spectators away," said Wilson.
To see the full Nations Cup schedule, go to www.thenationscup.com.
