Young athletes and spectators of all ages can count on perfect weather this afternoon at Dorchester’s Pope John Paul II Park, where Suffolk County District Attorney Daniel F. Conley will host his seventh annual Soccer for Peace tournament this afternoon.

Conley will be joined by five-time Major League Soccer All-Star Shalrie Joseph of the New England Revolution, Suffolk prosecutors and victim advocates, local crime watch groups, area residents, and kids of all ages from 2:00 to 5:00.

Every young attendee at this year’s tournament will receive a free backpack full of school supplies courtesy of Citizens Bank’s Gear for Grades program, which provides free back-to-school items to thousands of kids across New England.

This afternoon’s games mark Joseph’s second appearance at the annual event and follow his extensive participation in the 2008 tournament, when he not only joined in the games but also spoke to young players, signed autographs for them, and posed for photos with attendees. Revolution midfielders Gary Flood, Khano Smith, and Wells Thompson took part in Soccer for Peace 2007.

Each summer since 2003, Conley has welcomed Suffolk County residents to Dorchester’s Pope John Paul II Park, where kids, teens, and adults break off into teams and play one another in the world’s most popular sport. Conley’s office hosts the event as a way to build harmony, community, and leadership skills for young people while playing host to a fun, end-of-summer activity.

The tournament provides an opportunity for city youth and community members to join in an afternoon of recreation, physical activity, and positive interaction with members of the criminal justice system with the goal of promoting peace through teamwork and cooperation.

Other area businesses providing snacks, refreshments, and soccer-related raffle prizes include Stop & Shop, Best Buy, Shaw’s Supermarkets, and the Cheesecake Factory. Anti-violence programs, outreach workers, and other community partners will also be present.

Those who wish to take part are asked to register in advance with Tanya Brussa, director of community relations, either by phone at 617-619-4131 or by email at Tanya.Brussa@massmail.state.ma.us, but all who attend will be welcomed.