FAMILIES, athletes, and community members gathered at Newton Athletic Park to celebrate the kickoff of the Annual Mosque Cup, hosted by the British Columbia Muslim Sports Association (BCMSA). The annual tournament once again brought people together through sport, community, and friendly competition.
MLA Amna Shah and MLA Garry Begg joined players, volunteers, and organizers to mark the opening of the tournament and recognize BCMSA’s longstanding commitment to creating opportunities for young people to stay active, build leadership skills, and strengthen community connections.
“The Mosque Cup is about much more than soccer,” said Shah. “It’s about bringing people together, celebrating our diversity, and creating opportunities for young people to build confidence, teamwork, and lifelong friendships. Events like this show the strength of Surrey’s vibrant communities.”
For nearly three decades, BCMSA has helped foster athletic excellence and community leadership across the Lower Mainland. Since Canada hosted the inaugural FANCA Nations World Cup in 1997, the association has grown to operate youth and adult leagues, manage local club teams such as BC Habibis, and coordinate Team Canada’s participation in the international FANCA tournament. Beginning in 1999, BCMSA also started sending youth teams to compete internationally, helping young athletes represent both their communities and Canada on the world stage.
As the tournament got underway, families lined the sidelines to cheer on players and reconnect with neighbours, highlighting the important role community organizations play in creating welcoming spaces for people of all backgrounds.
Shah and Begg thanked the volunteers, coaches, parents, and organizers whose dedication makes the Annual Mosque Cup possible and helps create opportunities for youth to succeed both on and off the field.
“Organizations like BCMSA help young people grow into leaders both on and off the field,” said Shah. “Their commitment to inclusion, sportsmanship, and community service strengthens Surrey and helps build a stronger British Columbia for everyone.”
The Annual Mosque Cup continues to celebrate the power of sport to unite communities, foster belonging, and inspire the next generation of athletes and community leaders.
