In a world often divided by political boundaries and cultural differences, there exists a remarkable event that transcends these divisions, bringing nations together on a common ground: the Rimland Soccer Tournament. As the sport of soccer continues to hold the power to bridge gaps and foster mutual understanding, this tournament stands as a shining example of how the beautiful game can serve as a catalyst for international harmony. This tournament showcases not only exceptional athletic prowess but also the potential for cooperation and camaraderie among nations.

Upcoming Tournaments

• Meridian 3v3: June 3 – June 4, 2023;
• Hammers Classic: July 29 – July 30, 2023;
• Baker Blast: June 2024;
• Phillips 66 Rimland Challenge: August 2024.

Venue Details

Situated at 5238 Northwest Drive, Bellingham WA, the Phillips 66 Soccer Park stands as a premier soccer destination in the Northwest region. This expansive venue encompasses over 31 acres of verdant landscape, providing a captivating backdrop with Mt. Baker in the distance. Complete with state-of-the-art amenities, the park boasts two illuminated turf fields, a well-appointed concession and restroom facility. 

A mere 10-minute drive from the heart of Bellingham and a 20-minute journey from the Canadian boundary, its location is undeniably strategic. Additionally, should there be an influx of participating teams, the nearby Ferndale High School, only 5 minutes from the Phillips 66 Soccer Park, is primed to host with its three pristine grass fields. The vicinity promises a plethora of attractions, from majestic mountain vistas to the serene coastline. Furthermore, visitors have convenient access to hotels, shopping zones, and entertainment hubs.

Tournament Participation Criteria

The Phillips 66 Rimland Challenge prides itself on delivering top-tier tournament experiences for both female and male teams. To maintain competitive integrity, team acceptance hinges on a tri-fold criteria: 1) Geographic diversity, prioritizing out-of-state teams, 2) Demonstrable team prowess, and 3) Track record in past tournaments. Our ultimate goal is to curate a balanced competitive environment. Given sufficient team entries, we are open to introducing a secondary bracket within specific age categories.

Game Structure

The Rimland Challenge is designed with the intention of fostering the most robust competition levels. Where feasible, each age bracket will feature two distinct divisions: the PREMIER (advanced) and COPA (intermediate). We aim for each team to compete in a matrix setting with four teams, guaranteeing a minimum of three games. Specific game durations and formats are as follows:

• U9-U12: 50-minute games (split into 25-minute halves) on a 30 yd x 50 yd pitch. U9 & U10 will play in a 7 v 7 format;
• U11 & U12: 9 v 9 format on a 50 yd x 90 yd pitch;
• U13-19: Standard 60-minute games (comprising 30-minute halves) with 11 players a side on full-sized fields. Notably, U18 and U19 categories will be amalgamated;
• We retain the discretion to adjust or merge age divisions, ensuring an equitable competition landscape.

Weather and Lightning Safety Guidelines

Though we are rarely met with severe weather conditions characterized by heavy rainfall and frequent lightning, we are fully equipped to handle such situations should they arise during games. We will continue games during rainfall, provided that the playing surface remains secure for our players.

Should there be any visible lightning strikes, we will immediately signal to vacate the fields using air horns. Field marshals and referees will guide attendees to their vehicles for safety and ask them to wait until the weather improves. A clear duration of 15 minutes without any lightning is mandatory before we consider resuming the game. Once deemed safe, the air horns will sound again to signal the continuation of play. Please note that to adhere to our schedule, some games might need to be adjusted in terms of postponement or duration.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Rimland Soccer Tournament stands as a testament to the unifying power of sports and the celebration of diversity within the beautiful game. Through its captivating matches and spirited atmosphere, the tournament has not only showcased the exceptional athletic talents of teams from the Rimland region but has also fostered a sense of camaraderie and cultural exchange among participants and spectators alike.