'Celebrating culture': Youth soccer tournament gives players World Cup experience
A youth soccer tournament in Regina is giving players the FIFA World Cup treatment.
The WCP Cup brought players from across the country to the city for a four-day tournament. But players played for country, not their club.
“Every little kid looks to the World Cup and wants to be in that atmosphere,” said WCP Athletics Vice-President Kia Holness. “We wanted to bring that to Regina.”
Over 95 teams participated in this year’s tournament with players ranging from U9 to 45-plus.
30 countries were represented on the pitch.
“It creates an atmosphere that celebrates culture, diversity and brings people together,” Holness said.
Before each game, both nation’s anthems were played.
Players on each team were not necessarily from the country they played for.
Hana Fong is Canadian but played for Team France.
She said it was a bit weird beating Canada in the final.
“But France is better,” Hana added.
Each team did have three or four members of heritage to represent each nation.
Cyrus played for Team Uganda, where his family is from.
“Our teammates aren’t from Uganda,” he said. “But we got to teach them the anthem and how to dance.”
Holess said the tournament uses sport to connect cultures.
“It’s really cool to see all the teams uncover their heritages,” she added.
While a replica FIFA World Cup trophy was handed out to each division’s winner, the experience was about more.
“It’s for fun,” said Team France coach Colin Fong. “Most teams enjoy themselves. It is competitive but winning isn’t everything.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Trump promises a 25% tariff on products from Canada, Mexico
U.S. president-elect Donald Trump said on Monday that on his first day in office he would impose a 25 per cent tariff on all products from Mexico and Canada, and an additional 10 per cent tariff on goods from China, citing concerns over illegal immigration and the trade of illicit drugs.
'Devastating:' Ford warns of impact of new tariffs promised by Donald Trump
Ontario Premier Doug Ford is warning that Donald Trump’s promise to impose a 25 per cent tariff on goods arriving in the United States from Canada and Mexico could have a 'devastating' effect on the province’s economy.
Legault says Trump's 25 per cent tariff would pose 'huge risk' for Quebec, Canadian economies
Premier François Legault says President-elect Donald Trump's threat of a 25 per cent tariff on all imports would pose a 'huge risk' to the Quebec and Canadian economies.
Premiers seek 'urgent' meeting with Trudeau before Trump returns to White House
Canada's premiers are asking Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to hold an urgent first ministers' meeting ahead of the return to office of president-elect Donald Trump.
Here's how much Alberta exports to the United States
With the United States being Alberta’s top trade partner, sweeping 25 per cent tariffs proposed by President-Elect Donald Trump could have a major effect on the province’s economy.
'It's just not fair': Retirees speak out on being excluded from federal rebate cheques
Carol Sheaves of Moncton, N.B., says it's not fair that retirees like her won't get the government's newly proposed rebate cheques. Sheaves was among the seniors who expressed their frustrations to CTVNews.ca about not being eligible for the $250 government benefit.
NDP support for part of Liberal relief package in question, as House stalemate persists
After telling Canadians that New Democrats would back Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's holiday affordability package and help pass it quickly, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh now wants it split up, as he's only ready to support part of it. Public Services Minister Jean-Yves Duclos said the Liberals are 'certainly open to working with the opposition parties,' to find a path forward.
Deer spotted wearing high-visibility safety jacket in Northern B.C.
Andrea Arnold is used to having to slow down to let deer cross the road in her Northern B.C. community. But this weekend she saw something that made her pull over and snap a photo.
Canadian Army corporal fined for stolen valour at Remembrance Day ceremony
A corporal in the Canadian Army has been fined $2,000 and given a severe reprimand for wearing service medals he didn't earn during a Remembrance Day ceremony in Alberta two years ago.