The Clearwater soccer fields were buzzing with energy, excitement, and community spirit this past weekend as the 10th Annual Clearwater Footy Fest welcomed teams from near and far for two full days of fun, friendly competition.
This year’s tournament saw over 20 teams hit the pitch across the U8, U10, and U13 divisions, with local athletes joined by out-of-town teams from Barriere, Chase, and Merritt. The spirit of the event was evident in every match, from enthusiastic cheers on the sidelines to sportsmanship on the field.
The U8 division featured seven teams, and while no standings were kept, each game was packed with heart. At the end of every match, players were recognized for their effort and enthusiasm with Heart & Hustle and Golden Boot awards, celebrating individual moments of courage, determination and impressive play.
In the U10 division, Merritt claimed first place, with Chase earning second. The Best Sportsmanship Award, selected by tournament referees, went to the Barriere Powerful Pickles, whose positive attitude and respect stood out throughout the weekend.
The U13 division featured some intense and exciting games. The Barriere Strikers took home first place, followed by Merritt in second. The Clearwater Sharks were honoured with the Best Sportsmanship Award, showing that skill and character can go hand-in-hand.
A huge thank you goes out to all the coaches, who dedicate their time and energy to support their teams—not only teaching the game but also encouraging confidence and teamwork along the way.
The tournament wouldn’t be possible without its dedicated referees. This year included three out-of-town officials who generously made the trip to support the event. In addition, two local teen referees did an outstanding job officiating U8 games, showcasing the next generation of leaders in the sport.
Behind the scenes, volunteers played a critical role in everything from field setup and concessions to managing game flow and clean-up. Their support helped the weekend run smoothly from start to finish.
The Clearwater Youth Soccer Association extends its heartfelt thanks to sponsors Quality Inn, Wells Gray Home Hardware, Wells Gray Community Forest, and the District of Clearwater for their generous support. These community partners make Footy Fest possible and help ensure a memorable experience for every young player.
Special recognition also goes to Liane Culp from the District of Clearwater for her continued behind-the-scenes work, and to Charli Fontaine, who joined the organizing team this year as the Footy Fest coordinator. Along with Liane and long-time organizer Tori Cooke, Charli played a key role in planning and delivering a successful event.
As the final whistles blew and medals were handed out, players and families left with full hearts, great memories, and maybe a little extra grass in their socks. With such a strong showing in this milestone year, the future of Footy Fest is looking brighter than ever.
Tori Cooke is the president of the Clearwater Youth Soccer Association
