A Community Kick‑off
PH Coffee in Kansas City is turning the global excitement of the World Cup into a local celebration by hosting The Pendleton Cup, a 3v3 soccer tournament that runs every Saturday from June 11 through July 19, skipping July 4th. Owner Eric Rosell organized the event to create a welcoming space for neighbors, especially children, to engage with the tournament atmosphere while building connections across the Northeast community.
The tournament is deliberately open to all skill levels, offering multiple age brackets so families can participate together. Participants are encouraged to pre‑register, and the event is completely free, providing water, Gatorade, and a commemorative T‑shirt for every player.
Partnerships and Safety
Local businesses and community‑focused organizations such as RevEd and the Latinx Education Collaborative are sponsoring the event, reinforcing its mission of inclusivity. Rosell emphasizes that the tournament serves as a safe space for everyone, particularly in the current political climate, ensuring that all participants feel respected and protected.
Watch Parties and World Flavors
Beyond the matches, PH Coffee will host watch parties for every World Cup game, allowing fans to cheer together in a lively setting. The café will also roll out a World Cup‑inspired menu featuring drinks that represent the four countries whose citizens call Kansas City home: Argentina, England, the Netherlands, and Algeria, adding a culinary dimension to the celebration.
At the conclusion of the tournament, players will be invited to a pizza party, capping off the experience with food, fellowship, and a sense of accomplishment. This blend of sport, community service, and cultural celebration illustrates how a simple coffee shop can become a hub for neighborhood unity.
Looking Forward
As the tournament progresses, the organizers hope to expand the model to other neighborhoods, using soccer as a bridge between diverse groups and fostering a spirit of togetherness that extends far beyond the final whistle.