Five years old and still kicking, the All Nations Cup has more than ever to offer soccer fans

If you sported colors and country pride while cheering on the likes of Brazil, England and Iran during last summer's World Cup soccer tournament in Germany, but you can't wait three more years for the next round of international World Cup action, we have good news.

The All Nations Cup (formerly the World Cup of Seattle) kicks off this weekend, featuring more than 40 teams of local soccer players representing their homelands in a World Cup-style tournament. A project of the nonprofit Seattle organization Sister Communities, the All Nations Cup is also an international festival, with food, music and dance rounding out the three-weekend event.

New this year, the festival will partner with SIFF for a film exhibition to accompany the All Nations Cup Art Exhibit, which features 20 artists from around the world, and the World Grill will provide authentic food from every continent.

If you have the foot skills, show off your soccer mastery at the freestyle competition. Other events include a cultural sports exhibition that will feature netball, Aussie rules football and kabaddi; a hip-hop showcase; and a folk-music stage.

When the local tournament started in 2003, it featured just 12 teams, but it grew to 31 teams in 2004. Last year, 37 countries participated in a tournament that enjoyed the addition of a masters division, a women's regional competition and youth games.

This year, the All Nations Cup celebrates its fifth anniversary. It takes place over three consecutive weekends -- from Friday, July 13, through Sunday, July 29 -- at the Starfire Sports Complex in Tukwila. The championship game will be held for the first time at Seattle Center's Memorial Stadium.

For tickets and other event information, visit www.allnationscup.org or call Sister Communities at 206-267-9000.