INUVIK
The big Super Soccer tournament in Yellowknife later this month served partly as incentive for soccer players to take to the field in the Beaufort Delta Education Council regional soccer tournament April 15 and 16.

Goalie Niall Caravello, left, dives for the ball as Brendan Cathers and Ryan Furchner jostle for position in front of the net April 16. - Sarah Ladik/NNSL photo

"It helps us get to play as a team," said senior boys team member Cody Greenland. "We practise two times a week for two months, but it's different in a real game."

With a total of nine teams registered for the tournament, the turnout was somewhat lower than other years.

Organizer Colin Pybus said the timing was mainly to blame because the weekend sporting event was competing with the Tuktoyaktuk Beluga Jamboree and nicer weather by virtue of being held in April instead of like usual in March.

"We're still happy to have those nine teams," Pybus said, adding that six were adult teams and three were made up of school-aged players. "With Super Soccer starting next weekend, we wanted to give teams the opportunity to play in a tournament against other teams from outside their communities."

In the school-aged division, three teams played an extensive round-robin. The East Three junior boys defeated the East Three senior girls 4-2 for the win, with Chrissy Hvatum and Jason Jacobson being named players of the game.

In the adult division final, the East Three Elites came away with a 15-2 victory after facing off against a team from Fort McPherson.

The goal of the tournament was first and foremost to provide an opportunity for communities to send teams, said Pybus, but secondly, it was a way for teams headed to Super Soccer last weekend and this coming weekend to warm up.

He also noted that part of getting there involves fundraising by any means possible, from catering lunches and selling drinks, through to operating a store set up during the tournament for soccer gear. The gear will remain on sale as long as possible to give all players a chance to get what they need for the season.

"It's a great tournament," said player Johnny Charlie. "Thanks to coach for the opportunity."