Soccer Fans Encouraged to Attend the 2012 Alabama Soccer Festival During the SEC Women’s Soccer Championship

GULF SHORES AND ORANGE BEACH, AL – Ten teams began their quest on Monday, Oct. 29 for the SEC title over a week of grueling match-ups as the SEC Women’s Soccer Championship returned to the Gulf Coast to mark the 20th anniversary of the competition.

In addition to the championship, U6 through U12 boys’, girls’ and co-ed teams will face off in the action-packed 2012 Alabama Soccer Festival. In the middle of an intense week of collegiate soccer, fans attending the festival will be able to celebrate these rising stars of youth soccer.

“As an SEC corporate sponsor, Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism is deeply honored to once again welcome returning and new SEC athletes to the area as well as U6-U12 boys’ and girls’ teams for the Alabama Soccer Festival,” said Beth Gendler, vice-president of sales for the Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Sports Commission. “This year is particularly exciting with the addition of Missouri and Texas A&M to the SEC and an improved festival for rising young athletes.”

Presented by Compleat Angler and Baumhower’s restaurants from Nov. 3-4, the 2012 Alabama Soccer Festival is bound to pack a punch. Participants will take part in exciting, free activities including a skills competition, cookout Saturday night, entry to SEC games and much more. Each team will receive a minimum of two games, and the winners will be announced during the SEC championship game on Sunday.

“The SEC is very excited to be celebrating its 20th Anniversary Soccer Tournament and playing for the ninth straight year at the Orange Beach Sportsplex,” said SEC Assistant Commissioner (championships) Leslie Claybrook. “Our student-athletes, coaches and administrators love the facility and love being in Orange Beach competing for an SEC Championship and earning the automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. The Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Sports Commission have been great partners in making the SEC Soccer Championship the best in the nation.”

The championship began on Monday, Oct. 29 and runs through Sunday, Nov. 4 at the Orange Beach Sportsplex as 10 teams vie to be crowned SEC women’s soccer champions. Championship play will be broadcasted live on Nov. 4 at 2:30 p.m. on ESPNU. Admission is $5 for adults per game and $2 for children (K-12) per day.

All proceeds from the 2012 Alabama Soccer Festival will benefit the Alabama Youth Soccer Association to support future athletes. For additional information, visit www.alabamasoccerfestival.com.

To view the complete schedule of SEC games, go to www.secdigitalnetwork.com/SECSPORTS/CHAMPIONSHIPS/2012SoccerChampionship.aspx.

“We’d like to send a huge thank you to the City of Orange Beach and Parks and Recreation for putting on this championship quality event each year,” said Beth Gendler, vice-president of sales for the Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Sports Commission. “We are extremely fortunate to work with such fine individuals in Orange Beach, and we’re excited to celebrate another year of exhilarating SEC play in our area.”

For information on upcoming athletic events along Alabama’s Gulf Coast, visit www.gulfshoresorangebeachsports.com, or call 1-800-745-SAND.