Maple Ridge RCMP wraps up youth soccer tournament aimed at building connections with students
The Maple Ridge RCMP has wrapped up a weeks-long youth soccer tournament that brought police officers, emergency responders and local high school students together on the field in an effort to strengthen relationships and promote positive community engagement.
The “United Youth Soccer Classic,” organized by the detachment’s Family and Youth Resource Team (FYRST), concluded June 17 with a championship match between Team RCMP and students from Westview Secondary School.
Police emerged victorious in a dramatic penalty shootout after several weeks of competition against students at all five secondary schools in Maple Ridge.
While the scores often favoured the students throughout the tournament, organizers said the focus was less on winning and more on creating opportunities for youth and police to connect in a positive setting.
Maple Ridge RCMP Insp. Martin Guay said the event was about inspiring unity and community pride with the young students.
“This was a great engagement opportunity that allowed our officers to literally be on the same playing field as youth in our community and make connections that we otherwise wouldn’t have been able to,” Guay said.
The tournament was launched by FYRST to coincide with the international soccer excitement taking place across North America this summer. The team works to build resilience among young people by strengthening connections with schools, families, community resources and peers.
More than 100 students participated in matches over the course of the tournament, while hundreds more attended as spectators, cheering on their schools and interacting with police officers, firefighters and community partners.
Westview Secondary principal Cathryn Blanco said the event provided a memorable way to close out the school year.
“This was a fun and memorable way to wrap up the school year and a fantastic event,” Blanco said. “Everyone involved enjoyed a great afternoon of friendly competition, connection, and community spirit. When students, first responders, and community members come together in this way, it helps strengthen the connections that contribute to safe, healthy, and thriving communities.”
The championship match also drew city officials, school representatives and local business and community partners.
Mayor Dan Ruimy said events like the tournament help foster stronger relationships between youth and law enforcement.
“Events like this are important because they help build real connections,” Ruimy said. “They give our students a chance to get to know the officers in our community in a positive way, and they show what can happen when schools, police, and the community all work together.”
The RCMP also thanked staff and students at the participating schools, along with Maple Ridge Fire & Rescue Services and community sponsors, for helping make the tournament a success.
Police said the strong turnout and positive response from students demonstrated the value of community-based initiatives that encourage healthy recreation and positive interactions between youth and first responders.
