LAKELAND - The 2024 Lakeland Cup will be rolling into Lac La Biche’s Bold Center from Feb. 24-25.
The Lakeland District Soccer Association is presenting the Lakeland Cup in partnership with Lac La Biche FC as hosts.
According to Melissa Foglietta, the executive director of the Lakeland District Soccer Association, this year’s competition will include 250 players on 17 teams.
Competing this season at the Lakeland Cup are U13 boys and girls, U15 boys, and U17 boys' and girls' teams.
“All divisions are playing a round-robin tournament except the U13 Boys,” Foglietta said. "As there are six teams, they will be placed into pools of three with crossover games. The U13 Boys are the only division with playoff games.”
Foglietta said this is one of the busier indoor Lakeland Cups since she came on with the Lakeland District Soccer Association. She says more than 500 people could be in the community for the soccer event.
Next step
The Lakeland Cup is a qualifier for provincial indoor soccer championships taking place in Edmonton from March 15-17. She said the Bonnyville U15 girls and Cold Lake U19 girls' teams will automatically attend provincials as they are the only teams in their divisions this season.
Foglietta said the indoor season in general keeps athletes invested by building their skills year-round, staying fit, and continuing to make friendships that they can take to their outdoor season teams.
“The indoor game has far fewer stoppages during game play, so you'll improve your speed and cardio from all the short-distance sprinting,” she explained. “It is also a great time to develop footwork and practice passing in tight windows.”
