Western Melbourne Summer Small sided Soccer Cup for all-abilities, ages

The project creates a key sporting event to actively engage the whole community during the summer /warmer period. The Tournament will have 5-a-side/small sided competitions for Junior age groups from U7 to U18 for boys and girls; Open Age Men’s, Women’s and Mixed Gender and All Abilities. The tournament is expected to draw a wide cross section of the community and there is no cost for teams to enter. It will encourage those that currently do not participate in active sport or aren’t during their off-season during which the tournament is planned to be held.

The project will allow many individuals to be able to play active sport. Soccer is a popular sport but the reality is that many players, given lack of parental support or low socio-economic status including many immigrants and refugees, do not actively participate. Many others also cannot commit to a long season. This tournament removes these barriers to participation. By participating in this regular active sporting activity, individuals will reap the benefits of physical activity, community inclusion, networking, self-esteem, etc. Longer term many will be encouraged and feel confident to continue participating longer term in various other forms.