Just as the 2018 FIFA World Cup united the globe in its love of soccer, Brock’s inaugural co-ed tournament brought together people from around the world in celebration of the sport.

Alumni Field was buzzing Saturday as members of the public, as well as the University’s staff and students — both domestic and international — faced off in the fun knockout-style event hosted by Brock International Services.

Six teams faced off in the daylong event. Many of the 53 participants registered for the tournament as individuals, finding out who their teammates were upon arrival.

One team in particular highlighted the global nature of the sport, with players from Albania, Canada, China, Kazakhstan, Iran and Russia joining forces to hit the field.

“When you play soccer, it doesn’t matter where you’re from,” said participant Nurbek Imangazin, a first-year master’s student from Kazakhstan who is studying Computer Science.

Sandra Gruosso, interim Associate Director, International Supports, was impressed by the number of people who strapped on their cleats despite the high heat this weekend.

“We were excited to see such a positive turnout,” she said. “It exemplifies the power sport can have to bring a community together.”

Brock University staff took time out of their weekend to participate with students. For Tolkin Yunusov, Academic Skills Support Specialist for Brock International Services, it was the first time he’s played since leaving his home in Uzbekistan in 2012 to come to Canada.

“It was great to have the opportunity to play with students and learn more about them on a personal level,” he said.

Also at the tournament were the St. Catharines Jets, a local house league soccer club of 12- and 14-year-olds who came out to test their skills.

“It was fun, but it was intimidating,” said player Shilyn George, a 14-year old St. Catharines resident attending Grade 9 at Jean Vanier Secondary School in Welland.

The team discovered the tournament through their coach, Michael Berman, who is also a Brock University Associate Professor of Philosophy and Graduate Program Director. Berman’s daughter plays on the team.

While the young athletes have been playing soccer for years, this was their first experience taking on teams that were bigger, faster and more experienced.

“It was a good experience that challenged us and forced us out of our comfort zone,” said 13-year-old Olivia Turavani, a Grade 8 student at E.I. McCulley Public School in St. Catharines.

The day culminated with a group of ESL students from Japan, and one student from Saudi Arabia, defeating a team of Brock University staff and students to claim the coveted first-place medals.

The group had been practising for several weeks leading up to the tournament and came prepared on Saturday with their own cheering squad and custom team T-shirts.

Everyone in attendance received a red Badger Pride t-shirt.

While the day was fun-filled, it also served an important purpose — to collect donations for the Brock University Students’ Union Food First program.

Tournament participants and supporters donated dozens of non-perishable food items for the program, which reopens in September.

Students interested in participating in future events and activities hosted by Brock International Services can find information on the Brock International website.