Kicks 4 Canines Tournament draws 53 teams, showcases local talent, community spirit
PHOTO PROVIDED Campus for the Kicks 4 Canines Tournament featured four playing fields, several vendors, food trucks and concessions and plenty of space for teams to hang out.
PHOTO PROVIDED The Elites competed in the U14 boys division on Sunday at the Kicks 4 Canine Tournament.
PHOTO PROVIED The SPCA attended the Kicks 4 Canine Tournament with numerous furry friends for players and spectators to pet and visit.
PHOTO PROVIDED Hughesville Boom were crowned champions of the U12 girls division on Sunday at the Kicks 4 Canine Tournament.
PHOTO PROVIDED From left, Kenna Ammar-Khodja, Colin Gorini, Vic Gorini and Denise Gorini pose for a photo. The Kicks 4 Canine Tournament was organized by Vic Gorini, the Montoursville girls soccer coach, and his son Colin.
PHOTO PROVIDED CSSC poses with a golden retriever before their game at the Kicks 4 Canines Tournament recently.
PHOTO PROVIDED Campus for the Kicks 4 Canines Tournament featured four playing fields, several vendors, food trucks and concessions and plenty of space for teams to hang out.
PHOTO PROVIDED The Elites competed in the U14 boys division on Sunday at the Kicks 4 Canine Tournament.
PHOTO PROVIED The SPCA attended the Kicks 4 Canine Tournament with numerous furry friends for players and spectators to pet and visit.
PHOTO PROVIDED Hughesville Boom were crowned champions of the U12 girls division on Sunday at the Kicks 4 Canine Tournament.
PHOTO PROVIDED From left, Kenna Ammar-Khodja, Colin Gorini, Vic Gorini and Denise Gorini pose for a photo. The Kicks 4 Canine Tournament was organized by Vic Gorini, the Montoursville girls soccer coach, and his son Colin.
PHOTO PROVIDED CSSC poses with a golden retriever before their game at the Kicks 4 Canines Tournament recently.
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Recently the second annual Kicks 4 Canines Soccer Tournament brought 53 youth teams to McCall Middle School in Montoursville for a weekend full of soccer, smiles and community giving.
Nearly every youth soccer program in the region was represented, alongside teams traveling in from as far as Harrisburg, Wilkes-Barre, Wellsboro, Tioga and Mount Carmel.
Funds raised from the event supported two local organizations dedicated to animal welfare: the Pet Pantry of Lycoming County and Arthur's Pet Pantry.
The tournament was organized by Montoursville girls soccer coach Vic Gorini and his son Colin, founder of UnitedGoals USA -- a tournament company focused on making youth soccer more accessible, community-centered, and purposeful.
"Our local soccer community deserves more opportunities like this," said Colin Gorini. "We want to create events that give kids a great experience and families a reason to come together -- and we're committed to giving back as much as we can along the way."
The 5v5 tournament featured seven divisions for boys and girls ages 7-14. Champions were crowned in each bracket with local standouts including Hughesville SC, Warrior Run SC, Warrior Run AYSO and North Union United. Runner-ups included FC Montour, West Branch SC, Williamsport AYSO and NU United.
"This event means so much to our soccer community," said Vic Gorini. "The smiles on kids' faces, the competition, and the way everyone comes together for a cause -- it's something special. We're proud to keep building it year after year."
Event vendors included Ascend Wellness, Biscuit Authority, Faddie's Pizza, Kona Ice, Brace Face Candy, and Divine Creations. Sponsors included KVS Computers, Dittmar Fuel, New Trail Brewing Company, Montoursville AYSO and the Law Office of Lisa A. Rynard.
Dozens of volunteers helped power the event behind the scenes, including players, coaches, and supporters from the Montoursville Lady Warrior Soccer Program who staffed key parts of the weekend.
With strong turnout, local support, and a growing charitable mission, the Kicks 4 Canines Tournament has quickly become a summer tradition in Lycoming County.
All T-shirt proceeds benefited the pet pantries (Pet Pantry of Lycoming County and Arthur's Pet Pantry).