The 6th Annual Connor Timmons Memorial Soccer Tournament is the largest of its kind on Cape Breton Island. This year, the host committee is excited and humbled to be celebrating the 6th annual, allowing them to continue to combine the love of soccer with a dream of making a difference.
The three day event is held annually in memory of Connor Timmons, a young local soccer player who tragically passed away in a car accident in 2009. The tournament has grown in size each year, with 2016 being no different. Tournament organizers expect to welcome over 40+ teams in U10, U12, U14 and U16 boys and girls divisions from around the Atlantic Region. In previous years the tournament fell on the second weekend in July; this year will see a shift in dates to the third weekend in July. Players will compete on the pitch from Thursday, July 14 to Sunday July 17.
Although this year’s tournament falls on different dates, it is still working towards the same goal of making a difference in the lives of those less fortunate. The Connor Timmons Memorial Soccer tournament has provided financial support for 6 volunteer trips, thus far, that aim to make a positive impact in the world. Volunteers have traveled to Ghana, Tanzania, India, Mexico and Haiti for various initiatives. As the tournament continues to grow in size, organizers are overjoyed at the meaningful journeys their financial contributions are able to support.
“Connor had a big, but simple, dream – to make a difference and make the world a better place. He was interested in the idea of helping those less fortunate at home and around the world,” says Sarah Farrow, Tournament Co-Chair. “Those of us lucky enough to know Connor know he accomplished this daily through his generous spirit and kind heart. We are glad that the tournament continues to reflect & support his dream of volunteering along with his love for soccer.”
All six volunteer trips will be highlighted throughout the weekend so participants and spectators can learn more about the initiatives the tournament supports. “The community support we continue to receive is truly amazing,” says Farrow. “The countless volunteers who donate their time, efforts, and talents are the reason we are able to run a great soccer tournament with top-notch Cape Breton hospitality!”
“It’s the highlight of the season for me. As someone who played, coached, watched, and loved the game for 35 years, there’s no soccer experience like it,” adds Neeta Kumar-Britten, who has been involved in the tournament as a coach, parent, and fan since it began. “This tournament is of such value for my own sons and for players I have coached in the past; it exemplifies the tenacity and camaraderie historically shown on this island.”
Teams will meet in Cape Breton for a fun weekend of friendly soccer competition mixed with traditional Cape Breton hospitality, including a players’ barbeque on Friday evening at the Cape Breton Health & Recreation Complex in Sydney. Registration is now open and coaches and parents can find out more information about the tournament and register their teams by visiting the website at connortimmons.com. Keep up to date with tournament information and highlights on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
