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Cochrane Cup looking for volunteers

After last year’s Cochrane Cup was cancelled due to poor weather, the 27th annual soccer tournament will take place Sept. 13 to 15 at Rangers Field – with a twist from previous years’ format.

In the past, the tournament featured 20-plus teams and more than 400 adult players from across Alberta, including Banff, Canmore, Olds, Airdrie and Calgary. The event featured divisions for both men and women, with the main division being the men’s over-35 tourney that took place on multiple pitches – Mitford Park, Rangers Field and Spray Lake Legacy Field.

This year, however, the tournament will be co-ed, and games will be played seven-on-seven on smaller pitches at Rangers Field. Organizer Jim Darby said the format will make it easier for clubs nearing the end of their regular seasons to form a team.

"Trying to put a full [11-aside] team together can be a bit of a struggle,” he said.

“In the past, we had to play at other pitches, as well, but now we can split the fields in half and have everyone in the same location.”

Darby said the tournament – as well as the second annual Awards Gala night Sept. 21 – is in need of volunteers. Those interested can contact him at 403-690-7740 or [email protected]

“We are looking for planners, designers, people that are happy to sell items throughout the weekend and people that are willing to get their hands dirty by moving equipment around the pitches," he said. "We haven't gotten much interest yet, which is slightly concerning because we'll need a core of eight to 10 volunteers in order to pull this off.”

Darby added volunteers don’t necessarily need to have a soccer background.

“We have referees, we're just looking for volunteers who are willing to man an information table, put results up on a scoreboard – just doing the little things to ensure this tournament runs smoothly,” he said.

While the official registration date has yet to be decided, Darby said it should be released in soon. He suggested keeping an eye on the Cochrane Rangers Facebook page for the latest information.

"Once it's finalized, it will be posted on our website and all over social media for teams interested in participating in this wonderful tournament," he said.


Troy Durrell

About the Author: Troy Durrell

Troy is the Sports and Entertainment Reporter for the Cochrane Eagle.
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