Aggies FC, the Colorado Rapids and the Ricardo Perez Youth Soccer Fund helped bring first responders, families and the Northern Colorado community together through soccer
The inaugural Northern Colorado First Responder Soccer Showdown was a tremendous success this past weekend, adding a new and highly popular attraction to NoCo Hero Fest 2026 at Front Range Village in Fort Collins.
The idea for the First Responder Soccer Showdown was sparked in part by the worldwide excitement generated by the 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. As the tournament brought the global soccer community together across North America, it created a unique opportunity to celebrate the sport’s power to unite people, strengthen communities and build connections close to home.
The soccer portion of the event was extremely well received by participants, spectators and the general public. First responders took the field for friendly competition, while children, families and community members were invited onto the portable soccer field for open play throughout the afternoon.
The opportunity to meet local first responders, kick the ball around and enjoy the world’s game created a fun, welcoming experience for people of all ages.
Aggies FC, Fort Collins’ pre-professional women’s soccer team, joined the Colorado Rapids and the Ricardo Perez Youth Soccer Fund in providing the support and resources necessary to make the soccer experience possible.
“The response to the soccer event exceeded our expectations,” says Scott Westcoat of Aggies FC. “The field stayed active, the public embraced the open-play opportunities, and families had the chance to interact with first responders in a completely different setting. It was fun, positive and exactly the kind of community experience we hoped to create.”
Representatives from Poudre Fire Authority, Fort Collins Police Services and the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office stepped onto the pitch and embraced the competitive spirit of the inaugural showdown.
“The energy from the first responders, families and everyone who joined us on the field was incredible,” says Ricardo Perez of the Ricardo Perez Youth Soccer Fund and a Larimer County employee. “Soccer gave people an opportunity to connect, have fun and recognize the individuals who serve our communities every day.”
Organizers extended their appreciation to Canvas Credit Union and the Canvas Foundation for bringing NoCo Hero Fest back to Northern Colorado and creating a free, family-friendly celebration honoring the region’s first responders.
Special recognition was also given to Aggies FC, the Colorado Rapids and the Ricardo Perez Youth Soccer Fund for helping turn the First Responder Soccer Showdown from an idea into a successful community activation.
“This was a great example of how sports can bring a community together,” Westcoat says. “We are proud that Aggies FC could help support the event alongside the Colorado Rapids and the Ricardo Perez Youth Soccer Fund. Based on the response we received, we believe this can become an even bigger Northern Colorado tradition in the years ahead.”
The inaugural showdown demonstrated the potential of using soccer as a platform to celebrate first responders, strengthen community relationships and create shared experiences for residents throughout Northern Colorado.
