Language and culture clubs stare into the Bursen field, awaiting their time to compete in the World Language and Culture Club World Cup Soccer Tournament on Wednesday, Oct. 9. This soccer tournament is an easy-going match among culture and language clubs to fight for the golden squirrel trophy. 

The tradition started in 2014, and since then, the number of participants has grown larger each year. The idea was handed down to German teacher and club sponsor Shannon Murray, who hosts the game and develops logistics and strategies with the German club students.

“The purpose of the World Cup is to bring together as many language and or culture clubs as possible,” Murray said. “We want students to unite and connect to discover the beauty of diversity through a sport that unites the world.” 

With eight clubs participating this year, the different teams competed in easy recreational soccer with 10-minute elimination matches, Murray said. It was important for the teams to ensure that playing time was fairly distributed to each student competing and to have a playful game against peers. 

The German club created posters for each club so participating clubs could show their support on the sidelines, Murray said.

“Just like the real world cup, people come together and connect, despite cultural differences, and we like to see that notion mirrored in our experience with our students, ” Murray said. 

German, French, Italian, Latin, Spanish, Latinos Juntos, Polish, and Serbian clubs connected to share a meaningful experience with their club advisers and have the opportunity to play with other students in different clubs, Murray said. With the soccer matches being refereed by Latin teacher Sean Sweany, counselor Jane Bauer, and coach Micheal Bodenhagen, the games were played with the sole purpose of building comradery among students.

“I like meeting new people and using French on the field,” French club member and returning World Cup competitor Nicholas Reilly ’26 said. “I like winning, and that’s what we are going to do.”  

Language clubs on the field yelled chants, and even though it was a recreational game, the intensity and suspense were still present. 

“I definitely think it’s fun that the [German exchange students] are a part of it, and it’s cool to see that they get to participate in a fun LT event,” Reilly said, “But also, it will make it difficult not being on their team.” 

The French club won the World Cup the previous year, but two years prior, the German club won—partially due to the German exchange students. So, this year, with the German club recruiting the German exchange students, the French club was prepared to face a challenge. 

This year, the French club, once again, took home the Golden Squirrel after a final match going into overtime with the Serbian club.