By Michael Jackson:
Five days before the start of the 2014 World Cup, a unique soccer event will take place right here in Buffalo. The second annual Street Soccer Buffalo tournament will be held on Saturday, June 7th, on the terrace at Front Park.
How is it unique? It’s Buffalo’s only ‘street’ tournament–played on pavement, the way soccer is played by many people all over the world. It’s the world’s game in its most elemental and accessible form.
The tournament is a 4 versus 4 format, with small goals (no goalkeepers), on a ‘field’ about the size of a basketball court. Playing on pavement in such close quarters is a fast, tight game that demands creativity and superior ball skills.
Last year’s tournament had 8 teams, featuring players from Buffalo (including the champions, Manchester Village) as well as several of the suburbs. Tournament organizers are looking for 24 teams this year. Each team is guaranteed a minimum of three 25-minute games. The registration fee is $40 per youth team, and $60 per adult team. The deadline to register is May 17th.
Tournament proceeds benefit West Side International Soccer and Concerned Ecumenical Ministry, two groups doing fantastic work with Buffalo’s refugee community. If you’re interested in playing, or being a sponsor, please contact Cathy Rieley-Goddard at CEM (crieleygod@cembuffalo.org), or Amanda Swallow or Mateo Escobar at West Side International Soccer (wsisoccer@gmail.com).
Come on out to Front Park on June 7th and share in a day of peace, friendship, diversity, and great soccer!