SAND SPRINGS, Okla. โ The 24th annual Westside Alliance (WSA) Soccer Club Cup tournament honoring Kinsey Wright opened Friday at Case Community Park and Jenks Sports Complex in Sand Springs.
FOX23 spoke with Kevin King, one of WSA's assistant coaching directors, at Sand Springs on Saturday, the second day of the tournament.
King said approximately more than 210 teams will participate in the tournament, with five to six states represented.
“This is a good event not only for Sand Springs, but also for Tulsa, Jenks and the surrounding areas,” King said.
King said his favorite part of the tournament is seeing all the players and families from across the soccer community come together.
“I think everyone, not just in the Tulsa area, but in different states, gets to see a new team and enjoy being part of the soccer community. I think that's the best part of this production.” said Mr. King.
King said all players will be wearing pink bands in honor of Wright, a WSA soccer player who died in a car accident on his way to soccer practice in October 2023.
“We just wanted to honor her memory and hope that she is still with us in the memory of this event,” Dr. King said.
At the end of the tournament, multiple awards will be presented in Wright's honor to players who exemplify the qualities of being a great teammate, as well as an award for Best Goaltender in Wright's position.
Message banners and a tribute video in memory of Wright will also be posted at the event.
The tournament continues until Sunday.
For more information on the WSA and Wright's tournament memorial, click here.