Historic Coppa Caruso soccer tournament revived in Sudbury

Coppa Caruso soccer tournament kicks off this week in Sudbury, reclaiming its original name after a decade. More than 30 teams are set to compete.

An annual soccer tournament in Greater Sudbury has rebranded, reverting to its original name to celebrate its Italian roots. More than 30 teams from across Ontario will compete in the Coppa Caruso later this week.

The tournament, first held in 1992, was renamed the Sudbury Star Cup after the Sudbury Regional Competitive Soccer League took over in 2012. Organizers say the decision to restore the original name reflects a desire to honour the tournament’s legacy and its deep ties to the Caruso Club, a local Italian venue that played a historic role in developing soccer in the region.

‘Going back to our roots’

Cody Cacciotti, vice-president and historian for the soccer league, emphasized the importance of reconnecting with the tournament’s heritage.

“Our league was fortunate enough to celebrate our centennial season last year,” said Cacciotti. “What our board of directors has been trying to do is really play into the heritage and the tradition, and the history of the soccer league here in Sudbury and kind of going back to our roots. Even when we changed the name, a lot of people were still referring to it as the Caruso Club tournament because of the legacy it had created.”

Most games will be played at the James Jerome Sports Complex.

A renewed partnership

The rebranding follows a renewed partnership between the Sudbury Regional Competitive Soccer League and the Società Caruso, the Italian cultural organization that originally founded the tournament.

Stephanie Sindori, president of the Società Caruso, also expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration.

“I am beyond excited to announce our return as the proud title sponsor of the Coppa Caruso,” said Sindori in a news release earlier this year. “This partnership reflects our ongoing commitment to community, sportsmanship and celebrating the vibrant spirit that unites us all.”

Speaking with CTV News last week, Sindori repeated the sentiment.

“We were really excited, because as a younger board we’re trying to get re-involved in the community,” she said.

“So not only are we an Italian Club for our members, but it’s important for us to be involved in a lot of cultural events and sporting events… events that allow other members of the community to become more comfortable and find time to spend at Caruso (Club).”

The club will host a banquet for the tournament on Saturday night.

The tournament has also secured sponsorship from David Anselmo and the Northern Ontario Film Studio for the next five years.

“As a proud sponsor, I am honoured to support an event that not only showcases exceptional athletic talent but also strengthens our community’s bonds,” Anselmo said in the same release. “This tournament stands as a rich cultural testament to Sudbury’s soccer heritage, dating back over a century.”

Tournament details

The 2025 Coppa Caruso will run from Aug. 8 - 10, featuring divisions for Men’s Open, Women’s Open, Men’s Over 35 and Men’s Over 45 along with youth competitions at the U10, U12 and U14 levels.

Organizers say the event marks a full-circle moment for Sudbury’s soccer community, blending tradition with a renewed vision for the future.