The Youth Diversity Cup: A History of Growth and Partnership
About Me
The Diversity Cup Soccer Tournament began as an initiative by the Calgary Police Service's Middle East Police Advisory Committee. The goal was to use soccer to provide youth from diverse backgrounds an opportunity to interact with other cultures and the Calgary Police Service.
The Turning Point (2008–2009)
After another staffing gap in 2007, the tournament gained significant momentum in 2008. Key new partnerships were formed with the Community Life Improvement Council (CLIC) and the Calgary Learning Village Collaborative (CLVC). The CLVC's work in schools brought in more teams, allowing the focus to shift back to youth (with 10 teams participating). CLIC's funding and media exposure helped the event begin to snowball.
2009 was the tipping point. With crucial support from both the Calgary Board of Education and the Calgary Catholic Board of Education, the tournament successfully hosted 30 youth teams. The committee standardized its organizational template and began utilizing field monitors to track logistics.
Early Years and Resilience (2002–2006)
The inaugural tournament was held in August 2002 for youth ages 14–19. After a staffing transition forced a hiatus in 2004, the tournament was re-established in 2005. Although it initially focused on a modest six adult teams, this period secured crucial partnerships with the Calgary Minor Soccer Association, Calgary Parks, and the City of Calgary's Community and Neighborhood Services. In 2006, the committee gained experience, refined logistics, and added a small resource fair for families.
Major Success and Sustainability (2010–Present)
By 2010, the Diversity Cup hosted 35 teams. Key partners were solidified, with Kidsport stepping up to provide essential gear like shoes and shin guards. The Calgary Board of Education fully approved the tournament, cementing the school boards as the primary source for teams.
In 2011 and 2012, the tournament hosted 43 and 40 teams, respectively, becoming widely recognized by local schools and community agencies. Crucially, the Kiwanis Clubs of Calgary fully adopted the tournament, providing a degree of financial and organizational sustainability that allowed the Diversity Cup Committee to focus resources on enhancing the event itself.
Impact and Legacy
While it is difficult to quantify the tournament's overall tangible effect on surrounding communities, the numerous letters of support and appreciation from teams, schools, and individual participants confirm its success. The Diversity Cup has consistently fulfilled its primary mission: providing an opportunity for youth who might not otherwise have the chance to play soccer, directly impacting specific young people, their families, and their schools.