T-shirts touting grand slogans like “Pain is just weakness leaving your body,” “Life’s a pitch” and “You wish you could kick like a girl” will be running rampant in North Kitsap this weekend. Also running rampant will be roughly 2,000 soccer players. That’s at least, 4,000 cleats, shin guards and — our personal favorite — smelly socks.

There is nothing quite like a smelly soccer sock, dirty and damp with the morning dew. Worn through 90 minutes of win-or-lose drama, they are quite a sight to behold. Just make sure that you’re “be-holding” them away from your nose.

Ah, yes, Viking Cup.

For 20 years, this fine tournament has graced North Kitsap pitch, bringing with it much more than the blood, sweat and tears that comprise the world’s most popular game. When Viking Cup kicks into town, it brings to light the fact that when residents in this region take a shot on goal, it’s at the upper V or nothing. More often than not, it’s in the back of the net as well.

The event is an affirmation not just that residents here long for the days of the “soccer rocker” but see the game’s positive impacts shooting well into the next two decades. Since 1984, North Kitsap has been the proud home of the Cup and while times have certainly changed, the concept has not.

Viking Cup has always been about two things — kids and soccer.

It’s not about who was best and worst, who got burned at the 18 or who put the winning goal away in the last few seconds before the whistle. Those are just parts of the game. They’re not the reason for it.

If you’re a fan or not, check out a game or six this weekend. Watch and listen. We’re sure you’ll agree.