Participating in the soccer matches, which will continue till March 22, are nine male and eight female teams that scored good results in total standings of local tournaments held last year.

This year's local tournaments are drawing attention of soccer experts and fans as they are held in a round robin to correctly assess the competence of every team.

The Ministry of Light Industry Sports Group and the April 25 Sports Group won the male and female soccer matches respectively in the national championships last year.