Not all first-time events go off smoothly and without a hitch.

As the old adage goes: ‘third times the charm’.

But in the case of the 1st annual Mac’s Powerplay Cup, which takes place June 28 to July 1, the writing is on the wall for the soccer tournament to have an incredible first time showing.

The tournament will host 84 Tier I and Tier II teams from across Alberta, Saskatchewan and British Columbia in the U12 to U 18 divisions.

The Edmonton Strikers Soccer Club serves as the tournament’s host team.

Tournament director and Edmonton Strikers coach Ameen Kadri, says the tournament offers players an opportunity to play at an elite level against the best of the best.

But having as many teams from across Western Canada show up in the first year has been incredible, says Kadri.

“Our vision was to build a showcase atmosphere where we can attract the highest level of soccer not only in the province, but Western Canada, and we have done that,” says Kadri.

“Having the teams coming from those three provinces in our first year is a really big accomplishment.”

Games will be played at Sister Annata Brockman School in Edmonton, and Fuhr Sports Park and Heather Glen Fields in Spruce Grove.

Players will face pressure to impress as scouts from MacEwan, Concordia, NAIT and Olds have confirmed their attendance for the tournament.

The Edmonton Strikers themselves will field all 17 of their club teams.

“It’s just a great opportunity for them to be involved — they’re almost like ambassadors for the tournament,” says Kadri.

FC Edmonton will also make their presence known, as the FC Edmonton Reserve squad will play a free game on Saturday night.

Also, the tournament has partnered with Special Olympics Edmonton to bring four teams together to play a game at Heather Glen Sports Park. The players will be given new team jerseys donated by the Edmonton Strikers and the Powerplay Cup committee.

As it stands, Mac’s has signed on as a platinum sponsor for the next four years, and Kadri hopes the tournament will continue to grow in the future.

However, the tournament has set a cap of 96 teams.

For more information, visit www.powerplaycup.com.