The saying, “If you build it, they will come” couldn’t be more true for the Town of Bridgton’s Kendal and Anna Recreation Complex starting this coming weekend.

This Friday, July 17, thousands of players, coaches, staff, parents and spectators from all across New England will be pulling into the Ham Complex for the annual North East Regional Cal Ripken 10-year-old baseball tournament.   The tournament will run from July 17 to July 23 and will showcase the best 10-year-old baseball players in New England.

The schedule for the double-elimination tournament (free admission) is as follows:

Friday, July 17

Noon, Opening ceremonies; lunch served (public welcome)

1:45 p.m. The Cap Memorial Inc., which assists youth athletics in area communities, will honor various groups for their commitment to the annual golf tournament.

3 p.m. Skills competition for tourney participants.

Saturday, July 18

Game 1: Connecticut vs. Maine (Skowhegan), 10 a.m.

Game 2: New Hampshire vs. East Mass., 12:30 p.m.

Game 3: Rhode Island vs. West Mass., 3 p.m.

Game 4: Host Sebago-Long Lake vs. Vermont, 5:30 p.m.

Sunday, July 19

Game 5: Winner GM 1 vs. Winner GM 2, 3 p.m.

Game 6: Winner GM 3 vs. Winner GM 4, 5:30 p.m.

Game 7: Loser GM 1 vs. Loser GM 2, 10 a.m.

Game 8: Loser GM 3 vs. Loser GM 4, 12:30 p.m.

Monday, July 20

Game 9: Loser GM 6 vs. Winner GM 7, 3 p.m.

Game 10: Loser GM 5 vs. Winner GM 8, 3:30 p.m.

Tuesday, July 21

Game 11: Winner GM 5 vs. Winner GM 6, 3:30 p.m.

Game 12: Winner GM 9 vs. Winner GM 10, 3 p.m.

Wednesday, July 22

Game 13: Loser GM 11 vs. Winner GM 12, 5 p.m.

Thursday, July 23

Game 14: Winner GM 11 vs. Winner GM 13, 3 p.m.

Game 15: If necessary, at 5:30 p.m.

Tourney champion advances to the Cal Ripken World Series to be held in Jonesboro, Ark.

The Bridgton Recreation Advancement Group (BRAG) has been working hard to prepare the Ham Complex for the upcoming tournament and camp. A new batting cage was just installed, the fields have all been seeded and fertilized, additional drainage has been installed and a new enlarged parking lot is being completed this week.

BRAG is also working closely with Bill Brockett of Bill’s Picnic Tables to provide better seating for existing concession area.

Volunteers are still needed to assist the tournament. If you are interested in helping please contact BRAG at info@todaysbrag.com or call 318-3096.

Brit Soccer Camp

The Challenger Sports British Soccer Camp is returning for its third year next week at the Ham Complex. Soccer players from 3 to 18 years old will be sharpening their skills and preparing for the fall soccer season at the extremely popular camp. More details to come.