Footy Fest soccer tournament aims to help Langley abuse victims

This article was written by Dan Ferguson and originally published by the Langley Advance Times

Teams will be competing Saturday, June 21, to be the first-ever champions of Langley Footy Fest, and to be the team that raises the most money for the new Langley Child and Youth Advocacy Centre (CYAC).

Held at Willoughby Community Park Stadium, the event, in partnership with the Langley Community Health & Hospital Foundation, hopes to raise $10,000 for the centre, described as a vital resource for young victims of abuse in the community by organizer Michael Pratt.

“This friendly, seven-versus-seven, half-field tournament will bring our community together to help support the amazing work that’s going to be occurring at the new CYAC,” Pratt said.

Pratt thanked Vancouver FC and the Langley United Soccer Association (LUSA) for their help in organizing the event, and for their logistical and financial support.

Each game will last 35 minutes (two 15-minute halves and a 5-minute halftime), and each team will be guaranteed three round-robin games, and one round-of-16 game. From there, it will be single-elimination knockout until the Finals. The first games will kick off at 9:30 a.m., there will be a lunch break at 1:30 p.m. and the finals will be held at 4:40 p.m.

“Every team that participates will be a winner, and the vulnerable youth of our community will be the biggest winners overall,” Pratt commented.

For its first year, the Langley Footy Fest is open to soccer enthusiasts aged 19 and older of all skill levels.

The Langley CYAC, spearheaded by Encompass Support Services Society (ESSS), aims to provide coordinated, trauma-informed response to child abuse and crimes against children and youth. The centre will offer services such as medical exams, victim services, court preparation and counseling, all under one roof, alleviating the need for families to navigate multiple agencies.

Participants can register their teams or donate to the cause through the event’s official page: https://www.zeffy.com/en-CA/donation-form/langley-footy-fest

Organizers encourage a minimum donation of $25 per person.

More information about Langley Community Health & Hospital Foundation’s CYAC fund can be found online at: LCHHFoundation.com/langley-cyac