The Kappa Classic will mark its 15th anniversary this year by having three teams from overseas compete in the three-day event from March 21 to 23 at the National Sports Centre.

Zane Stowe, the Kappa Classic committee chairman, is excited about how the tournament has grown in stature since its inception in 1999 and said adding an international component to the tournament was a natural step.

John Smith Soccer Academy from Milford, Massachusetts, will be the first overseas team to compete, bringing three teams to Bermuda to compete in the under-10, under-12 and under-14 boys’ age groups.

“We’re entertaining a foreign group which will put three teams into the classic from overseas this year,” Stowe said. “That is the direction we have been wanting to go for some time, but this year is the first time we’re going to make it happen.”

The tournament has grown to become one of the most popular youth events, catering to more than 1,000 youngsters over the three days.

Top Bermudian professionals Nahki Wells, Jonte Smith and Rai Simons have played in the tournament, which sees preliminary round matches on the Friday evening, group play on the Saturday and the finals on the Sunday.

“What tends to make the event is obviously the relationships that come with it, with grandparents, uncles, aunts, moms and dads all participating and that’s what adds to it being the biggest football-related tournament in Bermuda,” said Stowe. “We’re able to make this happen through contributions from the Department of Tourism who have come on board to assist us with transportation and other things and hopefully it will enhance our tourism.”

The tournament will involve youngsters from under-eight to under-14 in the boys and under-10, under-12 and under 14 girls.

Teams can register online at www.bermudakappas.bm. All sides must complete the online registration by February 15. Late applications will not be accepted.

For more details contact Stowe at zstowe@northrock.bm or on 232-1909 after 4pm.