The second annual ‘Migrant Worker Project Cup’ Soccer Tournament is set to kick off this Sunday Aug. 25 at the Taxandria Soccer Club in Arkona at 10 a.m.
“We will have nine teams competing, [with] a total of 16 games,” said NLCHC Community Navigator Junior Aparicio. “One opening game, 12 in the first round, two in the semifinals, and the third-place and final matches.”
More than 100 migrant workers representing various farms from across Lambton County make up seven teams. Two additional teams consist of mixed groups of players from multiple farms, a team from North Lambton Community Health Center (NLCHC) as well as farmers and migrant workers competing together.
“The first game will be between NLCHC and Taxandria Donuts…. We will have two groups - A and B, each with four teams. The teams in each group will play against each other, and the top two teams from each group will advance to the semifinals,” explained Aparicio.
“The winners will then compete in the finals, while the losing teams will play for third place,” he said.
Each game will consist of two halves of 20 minutes with a 10-minute halftime. The tournament will use three available fields, meaning three games will be played at the same time, each with a professional referee.
“For the training, I served as a referee, but the tournament is at a more competitive level, it is very challenging,” Aparicio added. “For the tournament we will have a body of referees provided by Taxandria Soccer Field.”
Prizes include a trophy to the champion team and ribbons to the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners as well as a trophy for the top goalie and for the top scorer.
The event is free and all community members are welcome. Spectators are encouraged to bring blankets, chairs, picnics, water and sunscreen.
Find it: Taxandria Soccer Club, 7159 Arkona Rd, Arkona, ON N0M 1B0