Nearly every local program was represented, joined by teams traveling from as far as Rochester, New York; the Poconos; the Harrisburg-Lancaster region; Chambersburg and Altoona. Champions were crowned in every division, with medals awarded to the top two teams.

Local champions included FC Montour U15 Girls, North Union United’s 14 Chaos, 13 Strikers, 16 Gunners and CSSC Menace 12. Additional champion programs across the weekend included Northeast United, Mountain Top FC, FC 814, Lancaster FC, Celtic SC, CPU Lions, WNY Flash, PA Classics and Iron Valley United.

The tournament raised funds for PA Wounded Warriors, contributing 100% of apparel proceeds to the statewide nonprofit that supports veterans in need.

“Veterans mean everything to our community and our nation,” said Colin Gorini, founder of UnitedGoals USA. “We’re grateful for everyone who helped make the Freedom Cup possible. Together, we’re building American soccer–and giving back while we do it.”

PHOTO PROVIDED Youth soccer players compete at the Veterans Day Freedom Cup, a two-day tournament which brought two days of soccer, service and community to Hughesville recently.

Demand for assistance has surged, noted Darryl Hamm, a retired veteran and board member with PA Wounded Warriors.

“We’ve been averaging an unusually high number of requests for help,” Hamm said. “Support from events like the Freedom Cup is needed now more than ever.”

The Freedom Cup was hosted by UnitedGoals USA and co-hosted with the East Lycoming Soccer Association (ELSA), which operated concessions and helped prepare the facility for a crowd of more than 4,000 across the weekend. Dozens of volunteers and certified officials kept play running smoothly, while families enjoyed on-site vendors and mini skills contests.

Numerous community partners supported the event including KVS Computers, Members 1st FCU, Penn College, The Village Baker, Beauty in the Making, PALCO FCU, STN North Penn, JDog Junk Removal and OIP Hughesville.

PHOTO PROVIDED Youth soccer players compete at the Veterans Day Freedom Cup, a two-day tournament which brought two days of soccer, service and community to Hughesville recently.

PHOTO PROVIDED Youth soccer players compete at the Veterans Day Freedom Cup, a two-day tournament which brought two days of soccer, service and community to Hughesville recently.

PHOTO PROVIDED Youth soccer players compete at the Veterans Day Freedom Cup, a two-day tournament which brought two days of soccer, service and community to Hughesville recently.

PHOTO PROVIDED Youth soccer players compete at the Veterans Day Freedom Cup, a two-day tournament which brought two days of soccer, service and community to Hughesville recently.