Fans eagerly await next year as Labrador Cup wraps up
From infants to seniors, crowds flood Happy Valley-Goose Bay for annual tournament
From infants to people well into their 80s, the Labrador Cup soccer tournament in Happy Valley-Goose Bay draws crowds of all ages to the E J Broomfield Arena each year.
The tournament began in 1982, and was a one-day contest held at the town's recreation centre. It had teams from across Labrador and others formed by military personnel in Labrador West.
But the event has grown since. This year had a men's, women's and a men's masters' division, with teams from Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Labrador West and Makkovik. Eleven played for the men's division title, ten for the women's and three teams battled in the men's masters'.
While the teams might be based in those communities, they often bring in players from other areas of the Big Land. Ukrainians, who now live in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, have their own squad.
This year's men's division winner was Hestia Heat. The team beat Chiasson's Dogs 3-1, making it the third tournament in a row the two have squared off in the final.
In the masters', a division for men over 40 with up to three players between 35 and 39, RMS Relics beat Wesjer 1-0.
The women's final came down to A&M and Simply Up North, but no winner was awarded this year. An injury that sent a player to the hospital forced a stoppage, and both teams agreed to call the match.
The tournament also hosts a plate championship. That's where the teams who don't make the playoffs have still have the opportunity to take home some hardware. Holistic Haven beat Team Sassy for the plate in the women's division, and Makkovik beat Pep's Diner in the men's.
More than soccer
For the fans and the athletes the tournament is about more than the game being played on the turf. It's the community, the comradery and the friendly competition.
Crowds begin to flood the arena days in advance. People cheer with noise makers and clappers, the building buzzes with energy. But in between the cheers and roars of the crowd something else is happening among the bleachers.
Kids are running around, playing with their old friends, making trips to the canteen for candy and poutine and finding new friends along the way.
Friends who haven't seen each other since last year's tournament reconnect during the moments they can keep their eyes off of the game.
For the weekend, the E J Broomfield Arena fills up with a community of its own. It's a special weekend that most fans say they can't quite explain. They suggest people just have to experience it for themselves.
This year's tournament saw old rivalries reignited and new ones forming, with young, up and coming teams making waves on the floor, leaving fans wondering if one of those clubs will find themselves playing in the championship next year.
Most fans say they're already looking forward to it.
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