WORCESTER, Mass — Women from around the world are competing for a chance at a FIFA Women's World Cup title in Australia, and in Worcester, local soccer players are competing in a World Cup of their own.
It's the 17th year of the Worcester World Cup, a competition and celebration of diversity in central Massachusetts. Men and women's teams representing various immigrant communities will square off tournament-style this weekend at Foley Stadium.
The Worcester World Cup is put on by Cultural Exchange Through Soccer, a nonprofit using soccer as a way to build up the community and develop the area's youth. Opening ceremonies were held Friday, and those involved are glad to see the event return.
"We come together from different cultures, different backgrounds, different nationalities, different race, gender, everything," said Anna Johnson, a committee member for the Worcester World Cup. "And we come together to celebrate something we call soccer, which we all love. A universal language that we all just enjoy."
The tournament runs through the weekend and features an international food court. A champion in both the men and women's division will be crowned Sunday night.
"I mean, the Worcester World Cup is incredibly special," said Cassie Giardina, the program director of Cultural Exchange Through Soccer. "It's one of the most diverse community events that happens in the city of Worcester every year. Worcester has tons of events, but none that represents the love for soccer and diversity at the same time."