EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14) — On Saturday, May 30, the El Paso Independent School District (EPISD) crowned the champions of their inaugural Copa de District.
The tournament was created to give students a unique platform, inspired by the 2026 FIFA World Cup, to compete in, while also fostering school pride and healthy competition, according to EPISD officials.
According to the EPISD Executive Director of Athletics, David Cervantes, the tournament demonstrates the district’s commitment to its students.
“Copa de District is more than just a tournament; it’s a reflection of El Paso ISD’s commitment to bringing enriching experiences to our students and celebrating their immense talent,” Cervantes said. “By bridging the gap between the classroom and the pitch, we are teaching our students that the skills required for success are universal.”
EPISD Copa de District (Credit: EPISD)
Families, alumni and soccer fans from across the borderland were invited to kick off Copa de District on May 23.
Hundreds of student-athletes from the elementary level to the high school level participated in round one of the tournament in hopes of advancing to the final round on May 30.
The fights for the title of champion began early at 8:30 on Saturday at Bowie High School, with the participating teams vying for district bragging rights.
“This tournament was about much more than winning matches,” Cervantes said. “It was an opportunity to bring our school communities together, celebrate our students, and create lasting memories during a historic year for soccer in our region. The energy and enthusiasm we saw throughout the tournament was incredible.”
Bobby Joe Hill PK-8, Barron, Aoy, and Tom Lea elementary schools among the finalists to advance to the elementary championship round. The middle school girls final featured student-athletes from Brown and Guillen Middle Schools, and the boys middle school title was up for grabs by Hornedo and Magoffin Middle Schools. Burges and Bowie High Schools advanced to the championship match in both the Boys and Girls High School divisions.
In the end, only five campuses earned the recognition of being the inaugural Copa de District champions:
Elementary Division Champion: Tom Lea Elementary SchoolMiddle School Girls Champion: Brown Middle SchoolMiddle School Boys Champion: Magoffin Middle SchoolHigh School Girls Champion: Bowie High SchoolHigh School Boys Champion: Burges High School
EPISD plans to continue Copa de District as a tradition that celebrates community pride and athletic excellence.
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