The competitive nature in children was on full display this past weekend at the 35th annual Barrington Invitational Soccer Tournament. With dozens of teams and approximately 1,750 players taking part in a 24-division competition on 17 separate fields, this year’s soccer extravaganza was everything it was geared up to be…and more.

“We had teams from Maine, Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island,” said tournament director Willy Gempp. “This is the biggest tournament we’ve ever had. There were about 600 games played during the two days.”

For Barrington Youth Soccer Association treasurer Louis Larisa, this annual event helped him relive special moments of his two daughters, Chelsea and Caroline, both of whom played in this tournament in the past.

“Both girls went through this program,” he said, “and both excelled at the high school level. Each was a team captain. We’re very proud of that.”

Barrington Youth Soccer Association president Tom Muccino was especially pleased with the fact that so many visiting teams were complimentary in their remarks on how well the Barrington Association ran the tournament.

“We had two great days of competition,” he said. “The kids really enjoyed themselves. And, the parents had a great time as well. Many of the out-of-towners commented on how much they enjoyed themselves.”

This tournament wasn’t just about playing soccer for the final time this fall season or receiving hard-earned trophies and medals, but rather a goodwill exchange weekend featuring some of the finest young up-and-coming talent. For Mr. Gempp, it was a lot of hard work, dedication, and high regard for the game of soccer.

“It was a labor of love,” he said.