By Jim Stewart

Seventy-six teams in ten divisions competed in the second annual Heart of Caledon soccer tournament at the Caledon East Soccer Complex and surrounding area pitches on Saturday and Sunday.

Caledon Soccer Club President Gabriel Borges expressed his satisfaction about the growth of the tournament in its second year of operation.

“Over 30 teams competed here in 2024, but this year, we've attracted 76 teams from U13 to the Men's Division. Two of our Caledon teams—the U14 Girls and the U14 Boys—are advancing to the semifinals.  Both teams are defending champions.”

Borges disclosed that the majority of the defending champs from 2024 returned to the tournament to defend their titles.

“It's great to see so many teams return this year. It shows that we're providing a level of competition that is really good. It also shows that the tournament meant something to the coaches, players, and parents. It's also great to see so many strong teams from Aurora and Barrie back with us this weekend.

One of the big reasons for the growth of the tournament is we shifted it from a July event to August to avoid conflict with various league and provincial playoffs.”

The amiable CSC President and his staff were busy at the CESC pavilion sorting game sheets, updating standings, and setting up championship games on Sunday morning amid some rainy conditions.

He offered insights into the best part of running such a big soccer tournament.

“Seeing all of these kids happy and playing in a big tournament in Caledon. After a goal, we can hear the roar of the parents all the way over to the pavilion and we can see how pumped the kids are—it's a nice feeling to have helped create that.”

Borges and his staff have been so successful at building the Heart of Caledon tournament that they had to use surrounding fields to house all the new teams registered to play this past weekend.

“We used Humberview, Jack Garratt, Johnston Sports Park, and Fire Hall Field. The Town of Caledon has noted the tournament's importance. Mayor Groves was here at 9 on Saturday morning to officiate the opening ceremonies. Councillors have been here both days. The Town has helped us secure the additional permits we needed. Because we're growing at such a rate, we'll have meetings for the 2026 tournament in the Fall instead of waiting for the new year.  It's a great feeling that the tournament has grown so much. We're too big for the Complex—which is a great problem to have. Giving so many kids a tournament to come to, just as their season ends and the school year starts, gives them something to look forward to in August.”