As the FIFA World Cup gets underway this weekend, Calgary youth are being offered a unique opportunity to challenge their peers in a fun soccer tournament.
The Diversity Cup, a non-competitive soccer tournament, takes place at the Forest Lawn fields Saturday and Sunday. More than 800 boys and girls aged 10 to 17 will play for over 30 teams in four divisions.
The event is aimed at engaging youth who don’t normally play organized sports, said Barry Davidson, executive director of the Community Life Improvement Council.
“The look and feel of (the games) are a blast,” said Davidson. “It’s a full spectrum, it’s a very diverse mix of kids.”
This year, with the support of the Forzani Group, 31 teams will be supplied with equipment such as cleats and shin pads, which will be theirs to keep after the tournament.
“The idea is to encourage kids to continue playing sports,” said Davidson.
As part of the tournament, a community fair on Saturday will feature organizations, groups and services that work with youth and families in Calgary.
