New Midwest Regional Soccer Tournament Coming to Stuart Sports Complex Beginning in 2021

The newest, and potentially largest, youth soccer tournament slated for Chicagoland will be hosted by the Aurora Area Convention & Visitors Bureau (AACVB) and Aurora Area Sports Alliance (AASA) at Stuart Sports Complex in partnership with neighboring destination marketing organizations DuPage Sports Commission, Naperville Convention & Visitors Bureau, and the St. Charles Business Alliance.  

Premier Soccer Services, a soccer event and professional consulting organization, will establish a new Midwest regional soccer tournament at Stuart Sports Complex beginning in 2021. “We’re excited to be bringing our Midwest Regional tournament to the Aurora Area, Chicagoland, and the Stuart Sports Complex,” said Scott Spencer, President of Premier Soccer Services. “After looking at a variety of potential hosts, the opportunity to expand our offerings in the Midwest and here is a perfect mix to begin an annual event.”

According to Premier Soccer Services, the event is slated for June 2021 and is expected to attract over 80 teams, with an estimated economic impact to the region of over $2.2 million. Over half of the teams participating in the tournament would travel from out of state, with some teams traveling internationally to the Aurora Area.

“We’ve always had a number of competitive soccer teams from the area attend our international tournament in Houston, TX and we’re ready to begin the Midwest tournament next June,” said Spencer. 

Securing the event for the region was the result of a collaborative bid and lodging commitment by the Aurora Area CVB in partnership with the DuPage Sports Commission, Naperville CVB, and St. Charles Business Alliance.

“Hosting a tournament of this size would not be possible if not for the regional partnership with the DuPage Sports Commission, Naperville CVB, and the St. Charles Business Alliance, as well as our strategic alliance with the Fox Valley Park District” said Cort Carlson, Executive Director of the Aurora Area CVB. “This event will create a long lasting economic impact on the entire region as it brings thousands of domestic and international competitors to Stuart Sports Complex.”

Due to the strength of the collaborative bid and the quality of Stuart Sports Complex as its host venue, Premier Soccer Services has expressed interest in continuing the tournament into 2025. The size of the tournament could grow to as many as 130 teams, which would produce a greater economic impact as traveling players and families make use of lodging, gas, dining, and attractions in the region.

“As the fourth largest soccer complex in the country, and one of the Midwest’s premier facilities, Stuart Sports Complex is in a unique position to play host to this tournament,” said Pete Garlock, Director of Sales for the Aurora Area CVB. “Everyone involved worked hard to make this event a reality for our region, and we are confident this will be a mutually beneficial partnership for years to come.”