One of northern Ontario’s biggest charity soccer tournaments with the largest prize pool in Northern Ontario makes its triumphant return this summer.
The Coppa Giovanni is back on the pitch July 5th to 7th in the Soo. It promises to be three days of family fun, sportsmanship and inclusivity. Organizer Tom Katagis hopes this year’s tournament will be bigger and better than last year’s.
As someone who took part in the legendary Marconi tournament, Katagis knows how passionate Soo soccer players and fans are, which is why he spearheaded this event to showcase the game to the city of Sault Ste. Marie. The tournament is also a tribute to Tony Celli, a longtime pillar of the local soccer community.
The 2023 Coppa Giovanni saw 12 teams complete in a World Cup-style format for bragging rights and a lucrative payday. The winning teams took home a $3,000 prize, the same prize for this year. New for this year is a women’s open and recreational division.
To date, Katagis has 10 teams confirmed for the tournament, including last year’s winning teams from the Soo in the men’s open division and Sudbury SC Italia in the 35+ men’s division. He’s hoping to double the number of teams this summer with the potential for teams from southern Ontario and Michigan to join on the field.
Thanks to an influx of sponsors for 2024, the soccer tournament has more activities and attractions this summer. Face painting, a dunk tank, and bouncy castles are available for attendees. Local band Silent Nin9 will serve as the evening entertainment, and anyone from the community is welcome to attend and watch the games.
All of this wouldn’t be possible without Coppa Giovanni’s local sponsors, the lifeblood of this event. This year’s Platinum sponsors include Algoma Steel, Viacore, Twin Equipment & Tool Rental, and GFL Environmental. The generosity of these platinum sponsors has allowed this event to become the largest charity soccer tournament in Northern Ontario.
Other sponsors who have graciously donated to the tournament include the Gold sponsors: Superior Environmental, Rainone Construction, Carpet One and S&T Group, and Silver Sponsors: Young’s Insurance and Kaptive Studios.
The prizes alone should attract teams from near and far to compete in the Coppa Giovanni. Last summer, 1,500 attendees came out to watch the matches. For spectators, admission is by donation, which helped the Coppa Giovanni rase $2,500 for the Soup Kitchen.
Following Canada Day on the Monday and tying into Giovanni’s Italian festival on Sunday, July 7, the Coppa Giovanni headlines and action-packed week of sports, entertainment and community in the Soo.
The Coppa Giovanni soccer tournament happens July 5th to 7th this summer at Strathclair Field.
Teams can register for the men’s open division, the men’s 35+ division, the men’s 45+ division, or the women’s open division. For more information, visit CoppaGiovanni.com.
