Joe Connelly Bronze Boot tournament kicks off Surrey football season

The 57th annual Joe Connelly Bronze Boot tournament took place at Bear Creek Park on August 22-23, marking the start of the minor football season in North Surrey. The two-day event is the longest-running pre-season football tournament in British Columbia.

The tournament honors Joe Connelly, who has been involved with North Surrey Minor Football since the late 1960s. Connelly currently serves as the tournament chair and continues to provide guidance to players and coaches.

Thirteen teams competed across five divisions. This year, the club reported approximately 110 players on rosters alongside cheer squads. Club president Zeenath Rahiman noted that participation numbers have seen a slight decline, partly due to ongoing construction at Bear Creek Stadium. While the club has had to use fields in South Surrey and temporary practice locations, they have returned to the main fields for games.