The Diocese of Norwich has plans for an exciting sports opportunity for its youth coming in March 2025 when it hosts the New England Catholic Youth Organization (NECYO) Basketball Tournament in Middletown, CT.
The tournament will take place on Friday, March 28, Saturday, March 29, and Sunday, March 30. Over 500 athletes and 100 coaches from dioceses across New England will gather to compete for the Catholic Regional Championship in various age groups.
“This event is a real collaborative effort from the schools, principals, and athletic directors across the diocese,” says Tournament Chairperson Liza Roach, youth and young adult minister for the diocese. “We have many people sharing their expertise and time to help make this tournament successful. We eagerly and enthusiastically look forward to making it happen.”
“Although the spirit of competition will be alive and well throughout the tournament, there will also be a spirit of hospitality and camaraderie shared among Catholic schools across New England,” Roach added.
The tournament will be hosted at several local schools, including Xavier High School, Mercy High School, Portland Middle School, Portland High School, and John Paul II Regional Catholic School.
Roach noted that this year’s tournament is especially exciting for the diocese following St. Bernard School’s landmark victory winning the 7th and 8th Grade Catholic Schools Division in 2023. “That victory proves to everyone that we may be small, but we are a mighty diocese,” said Roach.
The closing day of the tournament will begin with a special Mass celebrated at St. John’s Church in Middletown, at which time all the athletes and their families will receive a special blessing. The day will culminate with the Championship Games in each division, followed by an award ceremony. Winning teams will receive trophies, and each player will be awarded a medal.
The Office of Faith Events is seeking adult and youth volunteers to assist in various roles throughout the weekend, including running scoreboards, helping with registration and check-in, collecting entrance fees, leading opening prayers/pledge before each game, and assisting with event logistics.
Anyone interested in volunteering their time in supporting this exciting event may contact Liza Roach at lroach@norwichdiocese.net or call her at 860.848.2237 ext. 305.
“This is the first opportunity we have had to host this tournament and we are excited and enthusiastic about athletes and coaches coming to the Norwich Diocese,” said Andrea Hoisl, director of the Diocesan Office of Faith Events, which is overseeing the tournament. “We hope that the teams, coaches, and parents will have an enjoyable weekend, whether they win or lose.”
Join us in making this special event a success and in supporting our young athletes as they compete and grow in faith!