The Kaua‘i Cup Soccer Tournament took place at Island School as local and mainland teams squared off for first place bragging rights July 11, 12, and 13. Kaua‘i teams tested their mettle against California teams traveling to the Garden Isle
The Kaua‘i Cup Soccer Tournament took place at Island School as local and mainland teams squared off for first place bragging rights July 11, 12, and 13.
Kaua‘i teams tested their mettle against California teams traveling to the Garden Isle for both leisure and tournament play.
Teams traveling from California represented such places as Newbury Park, Whittier, Costa Mesa, and Los Angeles to compete against local talent on Kaua‘i.
There were three age divisions: Under 12 boys (6 teams), Under 12 Girls (3 teams), and Under 14 girls (3 teams).
The boys Under 12 division proved to be the greatest pool of teams and greatest diversity of talent. The respective teams were: Motiv-8 (Kaua‘i) 1st place coached by Todd Fuerte and Peter Sarsona, Arroyo Cougars (Los Angeles, CA) 2nd place, Arroyo Pumas (Los Angeles, CA), Hanalei Titans Coached by Tom Kandelaria, Lihu‘e Go Hard coached by Mario Longboy, Brad and Kevin Celebrado, Panthers (Newbury Park, CA).
The Girls Under 12 age division had three teams: East Side Girls (Kaua‘i) 1st place Coached by Kevin Devitt and Ed Taylor, Chicks Who Rip (Kaua‘i) Shari Shimabukuro, and Team USA (Whittier, CA).
The Girls Under 14 age division had three teams: Blue Dolphins (Kaua‘i) 1st place coached by Gary Towner and Ron Terry, Kaua‘i Soccer Club (Kaua‘i) Coach Gwen Tamura, and the Grass Kickers (Costa Mesa, CA).
Tournament Director Sean Magoun said, “The tournament was a huge success, showing that Kaua‘i Soccer is competitive with other clubs and teams from out of state.”
He added, “Three First place finishes by Kaua‘i teams is a reflection of the increased knowledge of the game and a higher level of coaching and playing on Kaua‘i.”
The Kaua‘i Cup plans to continue to broaden its horizons and increase the number of soccer clubs and teams that will make Kaua‘i their destination of choice. All of these plans are pursued with the purpose of bettering the competitors and to see Kaua‘i Soccer players get greater exposure.
The success of the tournament is possible because of continued support by the large Kaua‘i community and organizations like Kaua‘i Soccer Association, AYSO, and the Kaua‘i Referee Association.
We look forward to summer of 2004 when the Kaua‘i Cup will be held July 9-11 at Island School.
