News Summary

The third annual Waterbury Public School Soccer Alumni Tournament is set for this Sunday at Crosby High School, aiming to raise funds for local high school soccer teams. Over the last two years, the tournament has helped raise more than $19,000 to support soccer programs, demonstrating strong community spirit and involvement. Alumni, current athletes, and fans are all encouraged to participate in a day filled with soccer and camaraderie. With nine sponsors backing the event, it’s an excellent opportunity to connect and support the next generation of soccer players.

Waterbury Gears Up for the Third Annual Soccer Showdown This Sunday!

Hey there, Waterbury! Are you ready for some exciting soccer action? This Sunday, from noon to 5 p.m., Crosby High School will be hosting the third annual Waterbury Public School Soccer Alumni Tournament. Whether you’re a former player, a current athlete, or simply a fan of soccer, this event promises to be a fun-filled day that you won’t want to miss.

Scoring big for the schools

The main goal of this tournament is to raise funds for the city’s four public high school soccer teams: Crosby, Kennedy, Waterbury Career Academy, and Wilby. Over the past two years, the tournament has been a resounding success, attracting more than 100 alumni and collectively raising over $19,000 to strengthen these young athletes’ programs. What a great way to give back to the community and support the next generation of soccer stars!

In its very first year back in 2023, the tournament brought together 124 players and raised an impressive $9,563, which was equally distributed among the boys’ soccer teams. Last year, however, saw a slight decline in participation—only 108 players competed, resulting in a total of $7,032 in funds, mostly due to rainy weather affecting registrations. Nevertheless, there was additional support for the girls’ soccer programs by raising $2,710 through a separate event, showcasing that the community is all in for soccer, regardless of gender.

Community spirit shines through

Nine sponsors have come on board to support this year’s tournament, including DeFronzo & Petroskey Injury Lawyers, Manny Roofing, Aria Banquet Hall, Platt Brothers, Thomaston Savings Bank, A&S Wholesale, Pepsi-Cola of Bristol, Free From Evil, and Prime Burgers Food Truck. This generous backing emphasizes the community spirit surrounding soccer in Waterbury and contributes to the overall success of the event.

Co-organizer Ty Fernandes Wrenn is thrilled about the tournament, which has five essential goals: raising funds, demonstrating community support, growing the sport, fostering camaraderie between alumni and current players, and simply providing a fun, competitive atmosphere. Sounds like a fantastic day to connect with old friends while supporting a worthy cause!

Making a difference for players

Crosby High’s soccer coach, Cameron Neal, explained that these fundraisers play a crucial role in leveling the playing field for schools with fewer resources, aiding players by providing necessary equipment. The proceeds from previous tournaments have gone towards purchasing personalized gear, cameras for creating recruiting films, and essential training equipment that helps players perform their best on the field.

Get involved!

If you want to participate, you can sign up right at the field or get ahead by registering in advance through Instagram at @wtbysocceralumi or @WrenCommEvents. There’s a small attendance fee of $5, but rest assured that no one will be turned away due to lack of funds. Everyone is welcome to join in the fun!

This tournament not only highlights the talents of alumni but also nurtures the growth of a vibrant soccer culture in Waterbury, where basketball and football have traditionally garnered most of the attention. Alumni like Ermis Paguada, a recent graduate, shared that participating in this event sparks nostalgia and strengthens the bond within the local soccer community. And with players like Valerie Fonseca-Lopes, who played on the boys’ team due to the lack of girls’ varsity programs, it’s clear that the supports for soccer are more critical than ever.

So, mark your calendars and grab your friends and family—let’s make this tournament a day to remember! Play hard, cheer loud, and strengthen the Waterbury soccer community. See you on the field!

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