As anticipation builds ahead of KOHCTS Soccer 2026, Ottawa is preparing for more than just another football tournament.
The community-focused event will bring together players, families, youth organizations, and local institutions for an afternoon that celebrates the power of sport to inspire unity, promote inclusion, and encourage safer communities.
Scheduled for Saturday, August 8, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., KOHCTS Soccer 2026 will be held at the Ottawa Technical Secondary School Field, located at 485 Donald Street, Ottawa, Ontario.
Organized by the Canadian Hope Transformation Initiative (CHTI), the tournament is built around the message “Kick Out Hate Crime Through Sports (KOHCTS),” highlighting football’s ability to bring people together while encouraging positive social change.
Founded by community organiser Emmanuel Tobi, the Canadian Hope Transformation Initiative (CHTI) created the KOHCTS Soccer Tournament with a vision of using football to bring people together and strengthen ties between young people and law enforcement. The initiative is built on the belief that sport can break down barriers, encourage meaningful conversations, and inspire positive change within the community.
He told Guardian Nigeria:
“Football is a universal language. We want people from all walks of life to share the pitch and work toward a community free from hate.”
Unlike traditional tournaments where the focus is solely on winning, KOHCTS Soccer 2026 has a broader purpose. The event is designed to create meaningful connections between young people, community leaders, and local organizations, using football as a common language that transcends age, culture, and background.
The tournament will feature teams including Ottawa Police, Box-2-Box Academy, NAS Long Inland Deck, and 2-0 Moorvale Street Academy. Their participation reflects the spirit of collaboration that defines the event, where friendly competition goes hand in hand with community engagement and mutual respect.
For many young athletes, stepping onto the pitch will represent more than an opportunity to showcase their football skills. It will also be a chance to learn valuable lessons about teamwork, discipline, leadership, and respect—qualities that extend far beyond the game itself.
📅 SAVE THE DATE! ⚽
🏆 KOHCTS Ottawa Soccer Tournament 2026
Get ready for a day of football, community, unity, and positive change!
Venue: Ottawa Technical Secondary School Field
Date: Saturday, August 8, 2026⚽More than a tournament — it’s a movement.#KOHCTS #Ottawa #Soccer pic.twitter.com/WTe3QDj7l6
— Princetobby247 (@emmanueltobby) July 22, 2026
Organizers believe that initiatives like KOHCTS Soccer 2026 demonstrate how sport can become a powerful platform for youth empowerment and crime prevention. By creating positive spaces where young people can interact with mentors, coaches, and community representatives, the tournament aims to inspire hope while encouraging constructive pathways for the next generation.
The event has also received backing from several community partners, including the National Association of Seadogs, Ottawa Police, OSU, the Office of Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe, and the City of Ottawa. Their support reflects a shared commitment to building stronger neighborhoods through collaboration and community-driven initiatives.
As the countdown continues, excitement is growing among participants and supporters who see KOHCTS Soccer 2026 as more than just an afternoon of football. It is an opportunity for families to come together, for young people to be inspired, and for the wider community to reinforce the values of inclusion, respect, and unity.
When the first whistle blows on August 8, the focus will not only be on the scoreline. KOHCTS Soccer 2026 aims to leave a lasting legacy by showing that football can be a force for positive change, bringing people together to build stronger, safer communities—one match at a time.
