Event Held in Memory of Cleveland Grimes, Former TSSA Board Member and Executive Vice President
The Tennessee State Soccer Association (TSSA) will be hosting its 2024 Cleveland Grimes Friendship Cup this weekend at the Richard Siegel Soccer Complex in Murfreesboro. The recreation soccer festival will be held at the same time as TSSA State Cup Finals, creating a fully vibrant soccer atmosphere throughout the facility.
“We are excited to host the Friendship Cup again this spring in Murfreesboro,” said Hans Hobson, CEO of the Tennessee State Soccer Association. “This end of year Recreational Event is something we continue to grow, and we are looking forward to seeing everyone.”
The TSSA Friendship Cup is held in memory of Cleveland Grimes, who previously served as a TSSA Board Member and Executive Vice President. Grimes made countless contributions to soccer throughout his lifetime, coaching and refereeing at all stages of the game in addition to his various leadership roles. However, it was at the recreation level that he truly found his love for the sport.
The Cleveland Grimes Friendship Cup will host age groups ranging from 6U to 18U, but all teams and players must be registered with the Tennessee State Soccer Association as a Division 4 Recreation Team. Each team will play a minimum of three games over the weekend with boys, girls and coed sides all being invited to participate. The games will also be used as an opportunity for young referees to receive exposure to an event outside of their hometown club. Further, 13U to 18U teams with limited rosters will be offered a small-sided playing format (6v6 or 7v7) on a reduced-sized pitch.
The theme of the Cleveland Grimes Friendship Cup will be “all about having fun” and celebrating grassroots soccer. In addition to the soccer activity, there will be various forms of entertainment throughout the weekend to provide a full festival atmosphere.
