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JulyFest Soccer takes over Kimberley this weekend

Total of 64 teams and approximately 1,300 participants expected to flood to town for annual tournament
Pat Bates Photo
JulyFest Soccer is set to take over the pitches in Kimberley this weekend.

Carolyn GrantBulletin Editor

Purcell Field in Marysville is your soccer headquarters this weekend as one of Western Canada’s largest tournaments gets underway — JulyFest Soccer.

Organizer Simon Davidson says there are 64 teams registered this year — up a couple from last year.

“Each team will bring 15 players plus an entourage, so about 20 to 25 people per team. That’s 1,300 people in town just for soccer. The accommodators on the ski hill will be full, the restaurants will be full.”

Davidson says the fields are all in great shape, thanks to the City and the School Board. Soccer will be played at Selkirk, Blarchmont, Chapman Camp, Marysville School and Central Field in Marysville.

“Chapman Camp is a nice place to watch because of all the trees and of course Purcell Field is soccer central.”

There are local team to watch, he says.

“The defending champion Cranbrook Unicorns are looking to hold their title on the men’s side. Last year’s rec champ on the women’s side, the Cranbrook Ramblers, are now in the competitive division and they are hoping to do well there. And the Kimberley Old Boys are playing in the masters division.

“We also have perennial favourites, the Montana Rapids and Green Monarchs in the mens, the Spokane Wash Ups in the Ladies. Plus there is a team from St. Albert that should do well.”

You can follow the locals on Saturday as follows:

Cranbrook Unicorns - 10:15 a.m. at Purcell Field; 1:30 p.m. at Purcell Field; and 5 p.m. at Central Park

Cranbrook Ramblers - 8 a.m. at Marysville School; 11:15 a.m. at Purcell; and 2:45 p.m. at Chapman Camp

Kimberley Old Boys - 11:15 a.m. at Blarchmont and 6 p.m. at Selkirk.

Kimberley Ladies - 12:30 p.m. at Purcell Field and 3:45 p.m. at Selkirk.

“We go easy on the Old Boys, not as many games,” said Davidson, who will be playing for the Kimberley team.

The finals on the mens and ladies competitive side go at 5 p.m. Sunday for the men and 4 p.m. for the women. Those games are at Purcell Field. The draw for all Sunday’s playoff games will be on the master board at Purcell.

“We’d like to thank our sponsors for helping us pull this off,” Davidson said. “Come out and see the best soccer action you will see in the Kootenays.”