We Threw A Soccer tourney, here’s WHAT went Down
A PHOTO DUMP FROM THE INAUGURAL MOKA POT CHARITY INVITATIONAL
On June 6, Hartford's coffee community traded espresso machines for shin guards as five local cafés gathered at Colt Park's Field of Gems for the inaugural Moka Pot Charity Invitational. Representing cafés from across the city, teams from Victus Coffee, Semilla Cafe + Studio, Story and Soil Coffee, Cafe Amore, and DoNo Cafe battled through a day of small-sided soccer, DJs, food and drink vendors, vintage gear, and plenty of neighborhood pride—all in support of Active City. What started as a simple idea—five cafés competing for one oversized Moka Pot and a year's worth of bragging rights—turned into a packed afternoon celebrating Hartford's growing soccer and café cultures.
After a day of group play and semifinal round, Cafe Amore and DoNo Cafe advanced to the championship match. When the final whistle blew, Cafe Amore emerged as the inaugural Moka Pot champions. The prize? The Moka Pot itself. For the next year, the trophy will live inside Cafe Amore until a new challenger claims it in 2027. A huge thank you to every player, volunteer, vendor, supporter, and spectator who helped make the first Moka Pot Charity Invitational such a memorable day. Special thanks to photographer Brandon Barzola for capturing the action. Scroll through the photos below and relive a day that proved Hartford's café community can compete just as hard on the field as they do behind the counter.
relive the Moka Pot All Summer and support Active City by Having a Sip of A fresh Brew from our ‘A Field of Gems’ official coffee roast from Ovelle Coffee Available here and at all 5 Cafes
A Field of Gems is an exclusive roast by Ovelle Coffee for the Inaugural Moka Pot Charity Invitational for Cafeteria.FM.
Ovelle Coffee is part self-discovery, part adventure into the unknown—born from the passion and partnership of Ian and Sasha Ovelle Fay. Beyond the cup, Ovelle is dedicated to community impact through coffee education and sustainable standards that support producers and future generations alike.
Roasted for brewing in a moka pot.
Dark Chocolate | Blackberries | Honey
Proceeds from each sale support Active City and youth sports in Hartford.