MIAMI — A three-day community soccer festival is bringing players and fans together from across South Florida this weekend.
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Organized by the Miami Host Committee, Copa de Sol is designed to showcase the power of soccer when communities, cultures and generations unite.
The event has drawn soccer fans from throughout the region, with participants signing up to compete in matches running through Sunday.
About 160 teams are competing on a 4-versus-4 mini pitch.
Organizers said the festival is the result of about two months of planning and is focused on creating a community-centered experience.
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“It’s all about community,” said Alina Hudak, president and CEO of the Miami Host Committee. “It’s a very fast, rapid-pace tournament. We’ve got youth teams that have been playing all day. They’re going to be playing throughout the weekend. We have corporate teams. We have women teams. We have influencers. So it’s just an opportunity to be excited.”
Fans attending the event said their passion for the sport brought them out.
“I just love soccer,” said Joshua Leconte. “It’s a good event. I love soccer. That’s why I came.”
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