Nearly 50 boys and girls soccer squads from across the region will be in Aberdeen Saturday and Sunday participating in the annual Dacotah Bank Cup tournament at the Moccasin Creek Soccer Complex.

Action starts at 8 a.m. each day. The last games are set for 8 p.m. on Saturday and 4 p.m. on Sunday.

“There should be some very talented and gifted kids,” said Jason Brunson, tournament director.

As opposed to last weekend, when temperatures soared into the triple digits, this weekend looks to be ideal for action with temps in the 70s and 80s.

“That is absolutely great that we’re not going to have heat,” Brunson said.

The event is free and open to the public.

“The only cost is if you want to support the local concession stand and get a nacho or a walking taco or something like that,” Brunson said.

While there is a full slate of games each day, Brunson said he is grateful to have experienced volunteers to help things run smoothly.

The tournament is a highlight for both local and traveling players, according to Brunson.

“A lot of teams look forward to it as a reoccurring event that’s on their summer calendar,” he said, “and we’re greatly appreciative of that and glad that they enjoy the event.”

Teams from both South Dakota and North Dakota will be competing. A complete schedule of events can be found at the following link:

https://events.htgsports.net/?eventid=10211#/scheduleresults

Brunson said that local teams have fared well during past Dacotah Bank Cup events.

“Our local teams are very competitive, almost every group and every age division,” Brunson said, “so it’s an added bonus I guess to have success and not have to travel.”

When asked what he enjoys most about the two-day event, Brunson said, “Probably just all the laughter and the fun experiences the kids get to have, the fantastic kids and spectators alike out on the soccer field enjoying a magnificent game.”