There are few virtues more priceless as a sterling reputation.
On the heels of wildly successful inaugural indoor tournament one season ago Okotoks United Soccer is set to bring back an expanded two-weekend version of the United Communities Cup to the Crescent Point Field House.
“Word is getting out there. We didn’t advertise at all, it’s all through word of mouth,” said Matt Lumsden, Okotoks United technical programs director. “It (the United Communities Cup) is kind of a flagship for our club and our community and the fact we have this fantastic facility to utilize, people are really receptive to it from all over Alberta, people are keen to come the Crescent Point Field House.”
The expanded tournament will see the girls take to the pitch from Jan. 19-22 ranging in age from U10 to U18 in the Tier II and III ranks.
Okotoks’ U18 girls, one of eight local teams participating, will be looking to repeat its Communities Cup triumph from last winter. It’s set to be a longer journey to a title for competing teams this go around.
“Last year they had three games and this year every team is getting four games,” Lumsden said. “We sold out the tournament within five weeks of registration being open.
“The Calgary tournament, the big one the minor soccer association runs, is fifty percent down from where they were last year. We’re booming again and we had probably 30, 40 teams we didn’t have space for.”
The boys, featuring Okotoks’ U16 squad as its most senior, take to the field from Jan. 26-29.
The expanded field is expected to continue to balloon going forward.
“Next year in all likelihood we’re going to go to a third weekend,” Lumsden added. “We’re going to go U10 and then boys and girls separate next year.”
More big tournaments will be heading to the picturesque Aldersyde facility in the coming months.
Okotoks was awarded as hosts of three provincial indoor soccer tournaments in U16 boys Tier II, U14 boys Tier IV and U12 girls Tier IV.
“I think it’s the fact our club is growing and we’re getting a higher reputation in the local community, here in Calgary,” Lumsden said. “Also, a reputation for running tournaments. We ran provincials outdoor last year for Tier I, we ran tournaments the previous year and all the feedback we got was positive.”
For full schedule information on the United Communities Cup go to okotoksunitedsoccer.ca
