MIAMI BEACH, FLA. (WSVN) - Miami Beach was jam-packed with several events, including a community tournament, for the start of FIFA World Cup’s opening ceremony.
To kick off the start of a busy weekend filled with soccer-related activities, officials held a tournament for the community at Lummus Park, Friday.
The tournament, named Copa Del Sol, gives fans of all ages and skill levels an opportunity to hit the pitch and compete.
“We’re starting now with our youth cup, we have our women’s cup, our corporate cup and then our World Cup open,” said Jennifer Roche for the Miami World Cup Host Committee.
Officials say the Copa Del Sol tournament marks the start of a three-day celebration of soccer, music and cultures.
Young fans from all over South Florida made their way to Lummus Park to take part in the tournament, Friday morning.
“We come from West Palm Beach to represent our community. The key of this whole thing is development, continue growing the kids and give them the opportunity to experience different types of soccer,” said Gustavo Valvovinos, who is participating in the tournament.
“We had a lot of kids come out, play soccer and, hopefully, the superstars come out and play for the United States,” said Copa Del Sol competitor Andres Luna.
TJ Nurudean, another player competing in the tournament, told 7News that Miami is the perfect backdrop for these community soccer events.
“Miami’s amazing. The people, the ambience, everything is amazing,” said Nurudean.
Others who took part in the tournament agreed.
“Miami is like a soccer town. It’s like Latino America in America,” said a competitor.
“It brings the community together. It shows a lot of diversity, it shows a lot of culture that we have here and it’s a good amplifier to the World Cup,” said Erasmo Tejeda, a referee for the tournament.
Some of the older competitors said the opportunity to be around others who share their passion for the sport was exciting.
“Seeing people united for the same love of the game, it’s something that has no price, you know?” said competitor Juan Capote.
“I know I’m excited so I try to carry a lot of that energy. Just for me and everybody around me,” said competitor Roshaun Downer.
Miami Beach Mayor Steven Meiner even stopped by the sands to catch the crowds.
“We’re playing some soccer, we’re ready, we’re ready for the FIFA World Cup,” said Meiner.
The first round of the community tournament came to a close on Friday evening with some squads excited to move on to the next round.
“We tied one, we made it to the playoffs. Hopefully we can deliver tomorrow,” said competitor Danilo Mavarez.
Not far from there, eagle-eyed fans can find large inflatables of some of the biggest stars in soccer along Ocean Drive, including Lionel Messi, Lamine Yamal and Christian Pulisic. The giant figures give fans a perfect opportunity for fun photo ops.
“Love the inflatables and I really congratulate the City of Miami Beach for doing that project. Hopefully all of you are starting to see the city dressing all over the city,” said Alina Hudak, the president and CEO of the Miami Host Committee.
Fans can also get a glimpse of all the vibrant flags representing every country competing in the global tournament flying over Ocean and Fifth Street.
7Skyforce also flew high above Bayfront Park in Miami, where preparations are underway to set up a FIFA Fan Fest.
“I look downtown and, honestly, I feel like everything’s come together and I’m really excited,” said soccer fan Noemy Montes.
Several influencers were invited to the upcoming Fan Fest to offer fans sneak peaks at what to expect inside on social media.
Among the teases was a fan zone consisting of areas for people to watch the games, giant soccer balls and a look at several different stages, which were posted on the official FIFA World Cup Instagram account, hinting at multiple planned performances for fans.
FIFA Fan Fest begins on June 13.
WSVN-7 will be your home for all things FIFA. You can catch the first match between Mexico and South Africa at 1 p.m. on June 11.
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