There will be a feast of boys soccer action throughout the city this weekend when Richmond F.C. hosts its 25th annual Thanksgiving Tournament.
This year’s event will featuring 108 teams — competing in the U11/U12 Festival and U13-U18 Tournament — a whopping increase of 39 from 2016.
In total, nearly 1,800 players will be participating with entries as far away as Quesnel, Powell River, Kamloops, Penticton and Whistler. There will be 298 games played, utilizing 20 grass and turf fields throughout Richmond.
The unique format sees all games played Saturday and Sunday — leaving the holiday Monday for families to enjoy time at home.
According to tournament director Tania Webster, the event has managed to flourish throughout the years thanks to terrific support from parent volunteers, the city parks and recreation staff and local businesses.
“Our Richmond teams get an automatic and free entry into the tournament in exchange for one tournament duty (putting up nets and corner flags, tournament desk, sorting t-shirts or water bottles). For most of the Richmond teams it is the only tournament they will ever enter,” explained Webster.
“It takes a village (of volunteer help), and it couldn’t be done without all the club parents chipping in.
“There’s a reason it’s the 25th annual tournament. I am just thankful we get continued and on-going repeat entries over the years because we provide a good event. Quesnel is coming back for the second year and are bring two teams this time. Pinnacles FC (Penticton) have been coming for four years now and bring three or four teams each time. It’s great for our local hotels and businesses.”
Webster also has high praise for the city making sure the grass fields are in pristine condition — led by the efforts of Paul Morizawa from Richmond Parks and Recreation.
This year’s sponsors include:Campbell, Froh & May, Karen Mori & Associates Ltd., Metal Building Group, J&T Sports, McArthur Glen, Pilgrim Painting, Lehigh Hanson - Heidelberg Cement Group and Freshii.
The tournament will also be collecting non-perishable donations for the Richmond Food Bank.
