A new chapter is set to unfold in the St. Louis region as first‑responders from police, fire and emergency medical services gather for the inaugural Guns 'N Hoses First Responder Soccer Cup.
Scheduled for May 30 at World Wide Technology Soccer Park in Fenton, the tournament will bring together officers, firefighters and EMS crews in a day of competition, camaraderie and community outreach.
All proceeds will benefit The BackStoppers, a nonprofit that provides financial assistance to the families of fallen and catastrophically injured first responders, continuing a mission that has become a lifeline for many.
A tradition in the making
Organizers have promised a spectacle that goes beyond the matches, featuring K9 demonstrations, SWAT and BEARCAT vehicle displays, and a surprise appearance by a helicopter that will add a dramatic flair to the event.
Local soccer legends, including alumni from St. Louis CITY SC, are slated to make appearances, lending star power and helping to draw attention to the cause.
For participants like Officer Sean Miskovic of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, the tournament is more than a game; it is a chance to give back to the families of colleagues who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
Heather Wiegmann, a firefighter with the St. Charles County Fire & Ambulance District, will compete in memory of Lieutenant Sarah McCarthy, who died in the line of duty, underscoring the personal motivations driving each player.
The event’s organizers envision the soccer cup becoming an annual tradition that unites the police, fire and EMS communities, fostering lasting relationships and raising ongoing support for charitable causes.