A soccer tournament and leadership development opportunity for Latino young adults.

Catholic Extension Society and the Southeast Pastoral Institute (SEPI) have partnered up to offer a unique experience that will captivate young adults from Extension Dioceses and will encourage them to learn more deeply about their faith and leadership, while also competing in a soccer tournament. Participants will gather with other like-minded young leaders to learn, sharpen their leadership & team building skills, and compete for a soccer cup.

The experience will start with a series of three online sessions on ministry and sportsmanship this fall, followed by the in-person Main events: SEPI’s Young Adult Ministry Regional Conference and the Copa Católica Championship, from November 7th – 9th, in Atlanta, GA.

The conference will feature leadership workshops for young adult leaders and will end with the Copa Católica tournament championship and award presentations.

Copa Católica championship guidelines:

  • 12 teams
  • 7 players on the field, including the goalkeeper.
  • Maximum of 10 players per team
  • Games are 14 min each; 7 minutes per half.
  • 12 teams will represent their diocese at the Copa Católica. Each team will receive:
  • Conference registration stipend for team members
  • Entry to leadership workshops led by SEPI
  • Travel and lodging stipend for the team
  • Copa Católica Starter’s Kit, with sports and leadership ministry materials.

For more detailed information on the Copa Católica click here.

Para más información detallada de la Copa Católica haz clic en este enlace.

*Any additional expenses will be the responsibility of each team

The winning team will take home the Copa Católica and a $1,000 stipend for their ministry provided by Catholic Extension Society.

Highlights from the first edition of the Copa Católica

“The anticipation was strong, 7 teams from different states across the southeast of the United States traveled to Alabama to take part in the tournament. Sunday morning finally came, and the atmosphere was festive, teams had fans cheering, taking pictures, the players were ready and eager to start and let the ball roll. Then came the initial prayer, the starting whistle and the ball rolled…” Read more.
Check out the video recap of the first Copa Católica here and start rounding up your team!

To Apply:

Applications must be completed and submitted by your Catholic Extension Society diocesan primary contact.

Applications are available here. The deadline is July 3rd, 2025.

The following items must be attached to the application:

For More Information, Contact:

Giovanni Abreu, Copa Católica Commissioner at SEPI: 678-914-2301 or Abreu.esp@gmail.com.

Verónica Ávila, Director of Mission Programs, at (312) 795-5128 or vavila@catholicextension.org

For details on how to participate in the tournament, contact Giovanni Abreu directly.