Nation's Top Youth Soccer Players to Descend on Maryland SoccerPlex

After another banner year in 2013, the 2014 US Youth Soccer National Championships, the country's oldest and most prestigious national youth soccer tournament, will be held at the Maryland SoccerPlex in Germantown, Md.

"We are excited to be back at the Maryland SoccerPlex for the 2014 US Youth Soccer National Championships and look forward to working with the Maryland State Youth Soccer Association and the complex staff," said John Sutter, President of US Youth Soccer. "Each year, more than 10,000 teams play in our National Championship Series as teams test their development and skill; earning their way from state to regional events, with the ultimate goal of earning a ticket to the US Youth Soccer National Championships. Germantown was an outstanding host in 2002 and 2003, and I’m sure 2014 will be even better."

The US Youth Soccer National Championships consist of US Youth Soccer Regional Champions in the Under-13 through Under-19 Boys and Girls age groups as well as the US Youth Soccer National League qualifiers in the Under-14 through Under-18 Boys and Girls age groups to complete the field of 96 teams. This year marks the addition of four US Youth Soccer National League qualifiers in each gender division of the Under-14 age group.

Each year brings about new challenges and highlights the motivation and commitment of these youth as they continue pursuing their dreams of being one of the best youth soccer teams in the United States. The National Championships are the final stage of the US Youth Soccer National Championship Series and open to any US Youth Soccer member. The U.S. Soccer Federation initiated the open youth championships with the James P. McGuire Cup, the oldest trophy in youth sport, (Under-19 Boys) in 1935 and the tradition continues.

Annually, the US Youth Soccer National Championship Series provides the nation's top collegiate coaches with the premier stage to identify and scout the most coveted players in the country. In 2013, more than 700 coaches attended the US Youth Soccer Regional and National Championships.

Championship at a Glance:
2014 US Youth Soccer National Championships | Germantown, MD
Maryland SoccerPlex
Player Luncheon: July 21
Round Robin: July 22-25
Finals: July 26-27

For more information on the US Youth Soccer National Championships, visit http://championships.usyouthsoccer.org, the online home for the US Youth Soccer National Championship Series, providing the latest in news, information and more.

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