This weekend saw 200 soccer players gather in Gatineau for the first Play from The Heart charity coed soccer tournament. The tournament raised just over $4000 for the Heart and Stroke Foundation at the brand new Complexe Branchaud-Briere. It was the first ever soccer played at the new venue, and it was met with a collective “Wow!” from the teams as they began to arrive just before 11am. After getting their swipe card for the individual team changing rooms, the teams changed and headed out to the new turf for the first time while their friends and family watched from the overhead viewing gallery or from the cafeteria. The venue is unique in the region and certainly well worth the wait. We’ve been watching the final stages of construction over the past few weeks and couldn’t wait to start hosting games there.
The level of play in the tournament was of an impressive standard, perhaps the strongest we’ve ever had at one of our tournaments. Section C,D and E were relatively straightforward with The Onetouchables,  Tournament Indies and Saudi Club respectively  cruising through with a 100% record and Mucho Enfermo, Champs are Here and Golden 11 easing through in 2nd place in their respective sections. Survivors won Section A and Dirty Burds scrambled through in second place courtesy of a head-to-head victory against Fisher Price. All of the drama was reserved for section B, 4 teams went into the final game of the section with a chance to qualify. With the game between Cafe con Leche and Friends of Buddy tied at 1-1, Cafe con Leche looked to have won the section with Won’t Skip a Beat finishing 2nd. However, a last minute winner from Friends of Buddy set up a 4-way tie on 6 points and  Yayy Team lived up to their name with a huge cheer in the viewing gallery as they realised they may have sneaked into the playoffs by the back door. Sure enough after some quick arithmetic and calculation of goal difference, it was Cafe con Leche and Yayy Team who emerged.
After an intense set of knock out games The Dirty Burds had continued their run, squeezing past Saudi Club in the semi final, to set up a show down with The Onetouchables who were looking imperious with 5 straight victories and 20 goals scored. Although the final was played at a furious pace, it was well spirited and The Onetouchables looked to have settled it early with a 3 goal burst. However the Durty Birds came back to bring the game to 5-3 with a tremendous line drive inside the far post and threw everything at their opponents. It wasn’t to be though, as The Onetouchables held on for the victory and claimed the Play from The Heart cup.
The full gallery of photographs from the tournament can be found on our online photo galleries.
Thank you to everyone who took part and we hope to do it all again next year! Everyone loved the venue and many of the teams were asking if we had leagues available at Complexe Branchaud-Briere. We do still have a few team and individual spots available in our Tuesday and Thursday Leagues:

Coed 60 and 90 minute 7-a-side leagues

Starting in the first week of October, we’re delighted to be able to offer 2 league nights of coed soccer at such a great venue. We’re doing something a little different on Tuesdays by offering the only fall and winter 90 minute league in the region for those of you who prefer a longer league game in summer AND winter. Kick-offs will be 7, 8.30 and 10pm and we have enough space for up to 18 teams.
Thursdays will feature 60 minute games with kick off times at 7, 8, 9, 10 & 11pm.
The Complexe Branchaud Briere is approximately 17 minutes from Parliament Hill.

Details and registration for all of our fall leagues can be found at www.ottawafootysevens.com.