The Haines Junction teams gave a good account of themselves at the Toonie Festival.

The Festival took place at the Canada Games Centre Nov. 25-27.

Funds and food were once again collected for the Whitehorse Food Bank.

The Star stopped in Saturday during the U10/11 Boys 5 versus Haines Junction game and spoke with one of the parents from The Junction, Josee Lemieux-Tremblay. Her son, Isaac Tremblay-Gordon, was playing in the game. She said the tourney was going well.

“A lot of good practice. I think it’s a good exposure for a young child to be exposed to those kind of tournaments. Whether or not they win the games, it’s awesome to have outside practices, outside of Haines Junction local practices, it’s good for them.”

According to Lemieux-Tremblay, her son is really enjoying himself at the tournament.

“He loves it. He is enjoying soccer. He loves it in school. They’re doing practices every week and I think it’s a good opportunity for them for bonding with their friends. He’s got a nice bunch of teammates there and they’re all cheering each other.”

The Haines Junction team, which was a mixed team, was coached by Lee Drummond, who thought the game was “pretty good.

“The Haines Junction crew seemed to match up quite well.”

When asked how the tourney’s been going this year, Drummond replied, “Really well. We’ve definitely had some games in the past where we don’t match up too well and this year, I think things are matching up a little bit better, so the practice is paying off.”

Drummond was asked what the difference is between this year and last year.

“I guess there’s a few keen students who are helping motivate others and really get things going. I think when they see a couple of them working a little harder at it, then it motivates the whole group.”

Drummond said it means a lot for the kids to play in the tournament.

“They’re extremely excited and really happy to play some extra games with different kids.”

Drummond’s opposing coach, Ian Parker, was quite pleased with the game.

“Really happy with how are boys are improving and developing, but also just really happy to see Haines Junction here and see the effort that those kids put in, the effort that the coaches make to bring them out here. I’m always really happy to see the kids from the communities come in to Whitehorse to play with us.”

When asked what the tournament’s been like so far, Parker responded, “It’s been fun. It’s a nice balance. It feels special to the kids because it’d outside their regular soccer times, they have referees, there’s timing, so it feels like more of a game situation. And the kids feel that and recognize that. At the same time, there’s not a lot of emphasis on what the score is, who’s winning medals.

“It’s a competitive spirit but also it’s a festival of soccer in this town. There’s a lot to celebrate about soccer in this town. It feels like it’s just exploding.”

As for the festival, Parker said, “It’s a fundraiser for the Food Bank and it gives the kids a chance to play in a slightly more competitive atmosphere without too much emphasis on first, second, third.”

The next game featured Whitehorse U12/13 Boys 5 team versus Haines Junction.

Ashley McLaren, a teacher in charge of the U12/13 mixed team from The Junction, thought it was a good game.

“I think the kids just wanted to come out and play and have some fun.”

When asked what she thought this tournament meant too the kids, McLaren replied, “I think it means a lot. Some of them don’t have opportunities for sports inside the Haines Junction community, so being able to come out and drive to Whitehorse and play with other Whitehorse schools is something special for them.”

Martin Turpin oversaw the U12/13 team 5 boys.

“I think it was fun,” he said. “The kids had fun.”

His son Tate, 11, despite battling a leg injury, gave a good account of himself.

“It was fun. The skill level was pretty good.”

Tate was having a good time at the tournament.

“It’s really fun. I enjoyed it.”

Tate was asked what he looks forward to at these tournaments.

“Having fun, learning and scoring,” he replied.

Tourney organizer Travis Banks said the tournament was going really good so far.

“We’ve got ages groups participating this weekend from under six years old up unto 14 years old.”

“It’s been great. There’s lots of smiles and lots of games. Busy weekend with lots of family and so far, lots of donations to the food bank as well, so that’s really good.”

Banks said they have about 400 kids registered this year, and Haines Junction brought five teams of approximately 10 players each, so well over 400 players were involved.

“The best thing is just seeing the amount of families and kind of making it feel like more of a soccer community. During the regular league, each night is kind of its own age group, but on a weekend like this, you’ve got siblings playing and watching, and grandparents coming and it’s like a festival, so there’s a lot more.

“And then the communities get to come down and play some games against Whitehorse teams, which they don’t get a lot of gameplay either, so it’s just great to see everybody out.”

Banks added a “big thank you” to Haines Junction for coming to the tourney.

“Canada Games Centre staff was obviously great dealing with all 400-some-plus people for soccer on the weekend and yeah, it’s been great.”

In the end, $764.40 was raised for the food bank, plus food donations.