September 3–5, 2016
The second Villages Cup, Labor Day weekend at the Polo Grounds.
Several other tournaments in Florida were cancelled that weekend after heavy rain in the days before they were due to start.
Our fields stayed in great shape even after the rain. By the time the first whistle went, the fields were perfect. No lightning, no stoppages, no cancellations.
The opening ceremony
Before the first match, the colour guard presented the colours and we had the national anthem, with every team gathered near the main field.
A beautiful day after that.
MLS goalkeeper Tally Hall came by to watch and support the young players.
What people said afterwards
> "I have to say, of all the tournaments we have been to — whether as participants or visitors — this one has been the best organised. Well done!"
> "One of our favourite tournaments. The NCSC 19U men's team will see you on the pitch next year."
> "Great tournament! It's definitely my favourite."
Who made it work
Mark Bailey and the Fernandina & Friends volunteers ran the concessions, taking shifts across the whole weekend. We could not have had such a smooth event without them.
Galaxy Whitetail Solutions helped transport our goals — the kind of job nobody notices unless it does not happen.
And every other volunteer, sponsor and vendor who turned out.
That'll do it for a great Villages Cup.
Thank you all for coming out to watch. The Villages SC appreciates all the hard work our volunteers, sponsors and vendors have done to make this year's tournament a success.
