The country's most prestigious national youth soccer tournament is coming to Overland Park, Kansas, July 23-28. This is the second time the US Youth Soccer National Championships has made its way to the award-winning Overland Park Soccer Complex since 2010. The tournament will host more than 2,000 athletes ranging in age from 13 to 19, representing 24 different states.
With the growth of 60 participating teams to 88 in 2013, this will be the largest National Championship tournament in US Youth Soccer Association's history.
"We last called Overland Park home in 2010 and are excited to bring the US Youth Soccer National Championships back this year," said Todd Roby, director of marketing and communications for US Youth Soccer. "The Overland Park Soccer Complex, City of Overland Park and our member Kansas Youth Soccer State Association provide one of the best environments for the 88 teams that have earned the right to play for the National Championship. For several months now, teams from across the country have been 'on the Road to OP' and are anxious to arrive, play the best soccer of their lives while creating memories that will last a lifetime."
The tournament is projected to generate over 8000 hotel room nights for Overland Park and the Kansas City metro. When including the impact on local restaurants and attractions, the total economic impact of the tournament is projected to reach $4 million.
"We are truly honored to host the 2013 US Youth Soccer National Championships at the Overland Park Soccer Complex," said Mayor Carl Gerlach. "This is a result of the great partnership involving the Kansas State Youth Soccer Association, the Overland Park Sports Alliance, the city and support of the outstanding local soccer community."
Over 500 local volunteers will provide assistance in the areas of set-up, hydration, traffic control and tear-down. Several local event supporters including Cinzetti's Italian Market, Chick-fil-AOverland Park, Salty Iguana, Goodcents Subs and Pastas, Panera Bread, Ritz Charles, Jack Stack BBQ, Sonic and Futbol Club Eatery and Tap will be providing complimentary meals to referees as well as dining specials for the athletes.
"A tournament of this caliber could not be successful without full community support," said Justin Stine, director of the Overland Park Sports Alliance. "Preparations for this tournament began over a year ago and the local organizing committee has worked tirelessly to meet and exceed the expectations of US Youth Soccer. The incredible participation of our local restaurants and soccer club organizations, the city and host hotels, all make Overland Park shine."
Admission to all of the games is free, and the public is encouraged to come and cheer on some of the country's most talented athletes. In addition, the U19 Boy's championship game will be televised live on Saturday July 27 at 6:30pm on Fox Soccer. For a complete tournament schedule, visit http://championships.usyouthsoccer.org/. For media credentials, please visit http://championships.usyouthsoccer.org/Media/.
About Overland Park Sports Alliance: For more than a quarter of a century, Overland Park has played host to in excess of million athletes in national and regional competitions, representing 20 different sports at some of the nation's finest amateur athletic facilities. A division of the Overland Park Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Overland Park Sports Alliance supports the sports market in Overland Park by providing a variety of services to tournament organizers, sports rights holders and their respective athletes.
About Overland Park Soccer Complex: In 2012, Livability.com ranked Overland Park as the #1 Soccer City in the country. The Overland Park Soccer Complex is nationally recognized for the quality of its tournament-ready fields and the incredible amenities offered on-site such as meeting space, Wi-Fi and free parking. In addition, the facility stands out with its proximity to major highways, 36 hotels, hundreds of shops and restaurants, and the above and beyond customer service extended to each group.
About US Youth Soccer Association: US Youth Soccer is a non-profit and educational organization whose mission is to foster the physical, mental and emotional growth and development of America's youth through the sport of soccer at all levels of age and competition. US Youth Soccer is the largest member of the United States Soccer Federation, the governing body for soccer in the United States. US Youth Soccer registers more than 3,000,000 youth players between the ages of five and nineteen.
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