COVID was a real kicker for sporting events and the pandemic is the reason the Terry Wilson Memorial Cup soccer tournament has not been played since June 2019.
But after four years of being mothballed, the tournament for Grade 6 and 7 students attending Catholic elementary school in northern B.C. is back on the Prince George sports calendar.
On Friday, May 26, 20 teams from 10 schools will converge on Rotary Soccer Field for the 10th edition of the tournament.
“The last one was in 2019, so this is the 10th anniversary tournament we’ve been waiting for after a break of three years.” said tournament organizer Terry Murphy. “The kids have missed it and they’re looking forward to it. They missed all their tournaments and they’re itching for it.”
The inaugural tournament was held in 2011.
Boys and girls play together on mixed teams and everybody in Grades 6 and 7 is eligible to play on their school teams. They are no tryouts and nobody gets cut.
“As Terry (Wilson) would say, it’s all about the team, and having fun,” said Murphy.
Participating schools include Sacred Heart, St. Mary’s, Immaculate Conception, Cedars Christian and Westside Academy (all of Prince George), Northside Christian of Vanderhoof, Quesnel Catholic, and schools from Dawson Creek, Smithers, Terrace, Prince Rupert and Kitimat.
Games start May 26 at 9 a.m. and continue throughout the day to 3:30 p.m.
