Just for kicks

As the end of the school year draws closer, elementary school children in the Newport-Mesa area have more on their minds than just the final day of classes.

There’s excitement in the air because of a special soccer tournament. It’s called the Daily Pilot Cup, a huge youth soccer extravaganza that begins Tuesday and ends May 31 in Costa Mesa.

The tournament, in its 10th year, is bigger than ever, with 191 teams — 27 more than last year — competing in three divisions spread over two grade levels for boys and girls.

When Pilot Cup Director Kirk McIntosh started the tournament in 2000, he had an idea it would grow, but not this large. He just wanted a fun tournament for his daughters to play in. But everyone seemed to want to play.

This year, there will be 100% participation from the public schools in the Newport-Mesa Unified School District. That’s the rarity that sets the Daily Pilot Cup soccer tournament apart from other big-time youth events. This tournament features young players competing with their classmates, representing their school.

Many play to win, some play to learn. But as trite as it may sound, all play to have fun.

— Steve Virgen

For schedules, tournament rules and daily updates, visit www.dailypilot.com/pilot_cup