Nike X Venice Beach FC Neighborhood Toma Tournament
This past Sunday, June 22, Venice Beach Football Club hosted the VBFC x NIKE Toma El Juego neighborhood tournament at Estadio de Dogtown as part of Nike’s citywide showcase. VBFC entered eight girls’ teams and eight boys’ teams in a knockout tournament for local bragging rights and a shot at the city finals. Built on momentum from last year’s Nike events, the Venice chapter brought its signature style and some of LA’s best teenage players. Big-name matchups filled the estadio as teams battled for a place in the final.
From the moment the gates opened, the court buzzed with energy. The day began with the girls’ tournament: fast play, tight touches, and years of futsal skill on display as the crowd cheered. After two hours of open pickup, four teams advanced to the finals — Beach FC Girls, Talita Pereira’s South Bay Girls, Jai Scipio’s Toma Hero representing VBFC, and one other.
The boys followed, with eight talented teams competing for spots in the semis and finals. Key matchups featured Taj “Beachboy” Eagleston and his squad, Dono Mark — last year’s MVP — and six other strong teams. VBFC U15 academy boys were mixed into teams and added quality throughout the day.
Media crews captured every tight touch, cut, and finish, while the court — framed by palm trees, “ESTADIO DE DOGTOWN” barricades, and VBFC banners — felt like LA grassroots soccer. DJ Nam, an electric crowd, and emcees Tru Artis and Vinny IG kept the atmosphere alive. New VBFC apparel, airbrush art by Anice, Craig Stecyk’s VBFC x Nike x C.R. Stecyk III mural, smoke flares, and Venice’s coastal backdrop completed the scene.
Atlético Madrid and Brazil captain João Miranda returned — after his icon appearance last weekend, the Atlético legend came back to inspire the kids and watch the next wave of talent show Los Angeles football to one of Europe’s best.
The Venice TOMA chapter celebrated local culture and football, and VBFC showed what this movement is: not just competing, but owning the moment. Two of our teams — one girls, one boys — advance to represent the neighborhood in the next round, bringing Venice energy.
The top boys, captained by “Beachboy” Taj Eagleston, won against one of the toughest pools ever at the Estadio. The winning girls, coached and led by Sunday pickup legend Talita, also move on to the final.
Toma El Juego continues. Nike’s Toma series rolls through LA this summer with chapters in other neighborhoods, but Venice set the tone. The final is later this summer — stay tuned.
