5,000 expected for BI soccer tourney

Bainbridge Island FC’s 11th annual Island Cup kicks off Friday with more than 100 U10-U14 boys and girls teams.

The event is expected to bring 5,000 soccer fans to BI this weekend.

Games will be played at Battle Point Park, Sands Avenue Ballfield, Strawberry Hill Park, Bainbridge High School and Woodward Middle School

The tournament brings players, families and fans from across the U.S. and Canada as part of this official Washington Youth Soccer event.

The Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce asks locals to be aware of increased vehicle and pedestrian traffic as visitors support local lodging and restaurants.

BIFC started in 1983 as a club for recreational soccer, but evolved into a club for select soccer in 2000. About 1,000 local youth participate.