California Dairy Employees to Compete in “Copa de Leche” Soccer Tournament

Fourth annual event brings together dairy employees, owners starting Aug. 29.

The fourth annual "Copa de Leche" soccer tournament for dairy employees and owners will be held near Hanford, Calif., beginning later this month.

The opening-round matches of the "Milk Cup" will take place Aug. 29-30 at Wreden Ranch Dairy as well as at nearby soccer complexes in Hanford and Tulare. Tournament play will continue over the coming weeks through second-elimination trials, with the finals set for Oct. 5 at Wreden Ranch.

"We have 11 teams and are looking for a 12th team," says Cesar Rodriguez, dairy manager at Wreden Ranch.

Contact Rodriguez at (559) 901-4366 to enter the tournament or get a soccer team schedule. 

Wreden Ranch manager Cesar Rodriguez is looking for a 12th team to enter the 2013 "Copa de Leche" soccer tournament.

There is no entry fee for the dairy teams, and a dairy can enter more than one team. A team must be comprised of at least six dairy employees or owners. Each round’s plays will consist of two 45-minute matches. Tournament play begins at 6 p.m. on Aug. 29. A barbeque will be held at Wreden Ranch Oct. 5 in conjunction with the championship match.

"The dairy business has been tough, so this is a good time for the dairy people to get together, to make new friends, and for owners and workers to develop strong relationships," Rodriguez says.

The tournament is sponsored by A&M Livestock, Mill Creek Vet Services, California Dairies Inc., Zoetis, the de Jong family, Central Valley Dairy Breeders, Sierra Desert Breeders, Hoof-Tec and VSI.

The winning team will claim ownership for one year of the coveted trophy -- a restored milk can with the winning team’s name inscribed on it. The Wreden Ranch dairy team holds the trophy as the winner of last year’s "Copa de Leche" tournament.