Penticton teams were featured in three of the four finals during the Old Timers soccer tournament held at Kings Park.
The tournament attracted 20 teams, including clubs from Spokane, Bellingham, Calgary and Prince George, and went well according to organizer Dale Anderson, of the Penticton Soccer Club. In the men’s 35-plus, Penticton FC defeated Spokane Whitehouse Grill 4-3.
“That was probably one of the best finals I think I have seen in years,” said Anderson.
In the women’s recreational side, FC Barcelona lost 2-1 to the Okanagan Lady Lakers made up of players from Kelowna and Vernon. FC Barcelona was assembled for the weekend.
In the men’s 50-plus, Prince George lost to the Calgary Southside Rangers 3-1. In the 45-plus men’s, Prince George edged Penticton 3-2.
“Everybody said that they had the best time and they are going to be coming back next year,” said Anderson, who praised the efforts of vice-president Terry Peach, who he said did so much work. “We are looking at ways to try and grow the tournament from 20 teams to 32 to 48 teams is where we think we can handle it at. I think there’s an opportunity here to have a much bigger tournament.”
Along with being happy with the action on the field, Anderson was also pleased with the efforts of the young officials.
“They did a fantastic job,” he said. “SOYSA (South Okanagan Youth Soccer Association) is doing a great job in bringing up referees.”