Hundreds Heading to Tolland for Soccer Tournament

Soccer fans should be sure to stop by Tolland Middle School this Saturday, where more than 90 teams will be gathering at the Sixth Annual Play with Pride 3v3 tournament. The event, sponsored by the Tolland Soccer Club as a fundraiser for the local league and high school team, is a qualifying tournament for the 3v3 Challenge National Championship held at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Florida.

According to Tolland Soccer Club member Eric Person, more than 500 youth soccer players from Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island will play around 182 soccer games. Although the teams are already registered, Person urges fans and friends to come cheer on the players.

“It’s a lot of fun for the players and their families,” he said.

Refreshments will be available, and many organizations will make a showing at the tournament. The group will be represented and the Connecticut Whale are sponsoring ticket packages for the players of the winning team, according to Person. is also a sponsor for the tournament.

Person said that the proceeds from the day will help the Tolland Soccer Club continue to support the sport in town. Previously, the club has bought uniforms for the high school team, provided for soccer education programs and assisted with maintenance and irrigation at , according to Person.

The first game will start at 8 a.m., and awards will be presented at the end of the day, close to 5 p.m.