I still feel the summer warmth lingering in the evening air as I make my way across NAIT’s sprawling campus. The familiar sounds of cleats on turf, whistles blowing, and enthusiastic cheers guide me toward the soccer fields where something special is happening this weekend.
NAIT’s annual preseason soccer tournament kicked off yesterday with an impressive display of athletic talent, but what caught my attention wasn’t just the competition—it was the rows of donation bins overflowing with soccer equipment at the entrance.
“We’ve been partnering with Sport Central for three years now,” explains Marco Papalia, head coach of NAIT’s men’s soccer team, as we chat on the sidelines. “The response from the community has been incredible. Last year we collected over 200 pieces of equipment, and we’re on track to surpass that this weekend.”
The tournament features eight men’s teams and six women’s teams from across Alberta competing in friendly but fierce matches that help coaches evaluate talent before the regular season begins. But beneath the competitive spirit lies a deeper purpose.
Sport Central, an Edmonton-based charity that has provided over 195,000 kids with sports equipment since 1991, has set up collection points throughout the venue. Spectators and participants are encouraged to bring gently used soccer gear—everything from cleats and shin guards to balls and jerseys.
“The timing is perfect,” says Sheldon Oleksyn, Executive Director at Sport Central. “As families prepare for back-to-school and the fall sports season, many are cleaning out closets and finding equipment their children have outgrown. Instead of letting those items gather dust, they’re giving them a second life with a child who might otherwise not get to play.”
I wander between the fields, watching matches unfold while chatting with spectators. The tournament atmosphere feels festive despite the competitive nature of the games. Parents cluster in camp chairs, university students cheer on their schools, and I notice several families dropping off donations throughout the afternoon.
Emma Conroy, captain of NAIT’s women’s team, takes a moment between matches to share her perspective. “Many of us grew up taking for granted that we’d have the equipment we needed to play. But that’s not everyone’s reality. I love that our tournament creates an opportunity to address that gap while celebrating the sport we love.”
The tournament runs through Sunday evening, with championship matches scheduled for the final day. Admission is free, though attendees are encouraged to bring a donation if possible.
“We’re accepting equipment in all conditions,” Papalia adds. “Even items that seem too worn can often be refurbished by Sport Central’s volunteers. Nothing goes to waste.”
As I watch a particularly intense match between MacEwan University and SAIT, I strike up a conversation with Dylan Thompson, a local soccer dad whose daughter dreams of playing collegiate soccer someday.
“We brought in three pairs of cleats she outgrew this year,” he tells me. “Knowing another kid will get to experience the joy of the game because of something that would have just sat in our garage—that feels good.”
According to data from the City of Edmonton’s Recreation and Sport Strategy, participation in youth soccer has grown by approximately 15% over the past five years, but economic barriers continue to prevent many children from joining organized sports. Initiatives like this tournament’s equipment drive help bridge that gap.
Beyond the charity component, the tournament serves as a showcase for Alberta’s collegiate soccer talent. Scouts from higher-level programs and even some professional teams can be spotted taking notes on standout players.
“This is where the next generation of Canadian soccer talent develops,” explains Carla Rosenthal, a former national team player who now works with soccer development programs across the province. “Events like this not only build community but strengthen the sport’s foundation in our region.”
As the sun begins to set over the fields and the day’s final matches wrap up, I make one last circuit of the donation area. The bins that seemed so empty this morning are now overflowing with colorful boots, balls, and uniforms—each representing an opportunity for a child to discover the joy of sport.
The tournament continues through the weekend at NAIT’s soccer fields, with matches running from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. Those interested in donating but unable to attend can still drop off equipment at Sport Central’s main facility in Edmonton year-round.
In a city that sometimes feels divided by differences, it’s heartwarming to see sport bringing people together for a common cause. That’s the real victory happening on these fields this weekend—one that extends far beyond any final score.
