Wethersfield’s Soccerpalooza Now a National Kickit 3v3 Regional Event

Soccerpalooza has hit the big time, according to the Connecticut Convention & Sports Bureau. In only four years, the Wethersfield George D. Ritchie Soccer Club’s (WGDRSC) annual soccer tournament has become the New England Regional event for the national KickIt 3v3 Tour. The tournament will be held on Saturday, August 3 and Sunday, August 4 at Mill Woods Park in Wethersfield, Conn. Spectator admission for Soccerpalooza is free. Players still can register to play at www.kickit3v3.com

WGDRSC started Soccerpalooza four years ago to promote youth soccer within the town and as a fundraiser for the club. GDRSC now is partnering with KickIt 3v3 and the Connecticut Convention & Sports Bureau in what they hope will become a tournament that attracts teams from across New England.

“We are very excited to grow our tournament for the benefit of our club, our youth players, and for the Town of Wethersfield,” explained Stathis Manousos, President of Wethersfield George D. Ritchie Soccer Club (WGDRSC). “What began as a tournament with teams mainly from Wethersfield and the surrounding communities will now attract even more players from across New England. From a soccer perspective, it has improved the level of competition,“ adds Manousos. “From an economic development perspective, it brings new visitors here who, otherwise, might never have visited Wethersfield, which offers wonderful historic attractions and a variety of recreational and entertainment opportunities.”

“It’s always terrific to see a community-based sports event grow and succeed,” adds Curt Jensen, Sports Marketing Director for the Connecticut Convention and Sports Bureau (CTCSB). “The Connecticut Convention & Sports Bureau looks forward to assisting this tournament as a strategic partner and welcoming over 1,000 players, parents and new visitors to our state.”

Bryce Thornburg, Tournament Director for the Kick It 3v3 Tour, said, “We are thrilled about the addition of the 2013 New England Regional and our partnership with the Wethersfield community. We have a lot of fun activities planned for the kids, including prizes, samples, games and soccer drills. There also will be a Saturday night barbecue with live music by Jeff Pitchell and Texas Flood that will be open to the public.” Pitchell is a Billboard Award-winning international recording musician, songwriter, and actor who has performed with J. Geils and Rick Derringer, among others. The concert will feature high energy rhythm & blues, rock, soul and funk.

Mill Woods Park is located at 154 Prospect St. in Wethersfield and offers many features including a concession stand, a swimming area; a playground; skateboard park; dog park; tennis courts; basketball court; bocce courts; walking paths; and a nature center.

To register to play in Soccerpalooza, go to www.kickit3v3.com. For more information about the tournament, visit http://www.wethersfieldsoccer.com/ or call (860) 250-4735.