Summary

• Qualico Communities BC helped launch the inaugural Qualico Cup, bringing together more than 1,000 young athletes from across the region.
• The tournament drew an estimated 2-3,000 players, coaches, families, volunteers, and spectators over three days in Surrey, B.C.
• The Qualico Cup was created in partnership with the Surrey Football Club, the Badwal family, and Pooni Group.

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Surrey, BC – More than 1,000 young athletes took to the pitch this summer as the inaugural Qualico Cup transformed Surrey Athletic Park into a celebration of sport, community, and opportunity.

Powered by Surrey Football Club, the Badwal family, Pooni Group, and Qualico, the new pre-season tournament welcomed approximately 74 teams from across the region and drew an estimated 2-3,000 players, coaches, families, volunteers, and spectators throughout the weekend. The event was designed to provide a first-class competitive experience while promoting player development, sportsmanship, and community connection.

The tournament was also a natural fit with Qualico’s focus on community connection and its support for healthy lives, giving local children and families another way to gather, play, and feel part of the community.

Building on community momentum

The idea for the Qualico Cup grew out of a successful youth soccer camp held earlier this year featuring Vancouver Whitecaps midfielder Jeevan Badwal. Developed through partnerships between Qualico, Pooni Group, and the Badwal family, the camp generated enthusiasm for creating something that could have a lasting impact on young athletes and their families.

“Pooni Group works closely with Qualico on community engagement and originally approached us with the idea of hosting a soccer camp featuring Jeevan Badwal from the Vancouver Whitecaps,” said David Genet, Land Acquisitions Analyst, Qualico Communities BC. “The camp was a great success, and we saw an opportunity to build on that momentum rather than make it a one-time event.”

Qualico provided the initial funding that helped launch the tournament and worked alongside partners through planning, coordination, and delivery. Team members remained involved throughout the process, from early discussions to tournament operations and event-day execution.

Creating opportunities for youth

Throughout the weekend, young players competed in an environment designed to foster skill development, teamwork, and confidence ahead of the regular season. Professional soccer players also attended the event, meeting participants and presenting trophies to winning teams.

Reflecting on the inaugural event, David said perhaps the strongest takeaway was the sense of community that emerged throughout the weekend.

“Looking back on the first Qualico Cup, what makes us most proud is seeing the community come together. It was rewarding to watch young athletes compete, make memories, and enjoy the game alongside their families and friends.”

Organizers also received overwhelmingly positive feedback from teams and spectators, many of whom praised the atmosphere, organization, and quality of competition.

Looking ahead

Qualico has committed to supporting the Qualico Cup for the next five years, with plans to welcome more teams and continue creating a meaningful experience for players, families, and the broader community.

“Seeing the energy throughout the event and hearing positive feedback from participants and spectators reinforced the value of creating opportunities like this for local youth.”

Long after the trophies were handed out, the tournament’s impact could be seen in the moments shared among players, families, volunteers, and community partners.