Young players prepare for futsal tournament kickoff

An eight-year-old goalie is already picturing himself kissing the trophy as excitement builds ahead of a school futsal tournament Friday.

“If I win, I will kiss the cup,” said Landon Gordon, a Grade 3 student at Pitallak School in Kuujjuaq.

The Ungava Cup futsal tournament, held annually during the winter and spring seasons, is expanding this year to include secondary students for the first time.

Futsal is like soccer, but played indoors with five players per team.

The co-ed competition brings together mixed teams of boys and girls, from Grade 1 through Secondary 5.

The tournament began in November 2024, when teams from the neighbouring community of Tasiujaq expressed an interest, said Julien Duruisseau, coach and organizer.

This year though only Kuujjuaq teams are participating. A total of six teams will compete this year at the primary level, with 42 participants registered.

Cowen Lingard, 8, said he plays both defence and offence, but prefers being on the attack.

“It’s fun playing offence because you can score,” he said, adding he’s been playing since kindergarten, when he first picked it up with friends.

Lingard said he’s feeling good about the upcoming games ahead of the tournament.

As for Gordon, he has his own routine before stepping onto the field.

“I talk to myself so I can be hyped up,” he said.

While it’s a lot of work to organize the tournament, Duruisseau said he enjoys seeing the kids play.

“The kids, whether they win or lose, are just happy to be together,” he said in a French interview.

“Well, they also love to win and there are some who will cry if they don’t.”

This year’s tournament is scheduled to take place Friday at Jaanimmarik School. Primary students are set to play from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., followed by secondary students from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.