FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 16, 2009
2010 NATIONAL YOUTH SOCCER TOURNAMENT COMING TO NEW OP COMPLEX
The best of the best are coming to Overland Park in 2010.
The United States Youth Soccer Association (US Youth Soccer) has announced that the 2010 US Youth Soccer National Championships will be played at the new Overland Park Soccer Complex, 135th and Switzer, July 20-25, 2010.
“We are excited that the 2010 US Youth Soccer National Championships will be held at the new Overland Park Soccer Complex. All of us look forward to working with Kansas State Youth Soccer and the complex staff members,” said Larry Monaco, president of US Youth Soccer.
“Each year, the nation’s top players look forward to another year of outstanding competition as teams earn their way from the state to regional and national finals competition, striving to be one of the top 60 teams in the country playing for the National Championship,” Monaco said.
“We are honored to host the 2010 US Youth Soccer National Championships, and its 60 teams, at the Overland Park Soccer Complex,” said Mayor Carl Gerlach. “Thanks to the dedicated effort of the Overland Park Convention & Visitors Bureau sales team and city staff members, we are able to host this showcase event that will have a great economic impact on the city, especially hotels and retail shops.
“US Youth Soccer is a premiere organization. Enthusiasts will enjoy watching exceptional soccer in Overland Park,” Gerlach added.
Overland Park and the Kansas Youth Soccer Association expect to receive a signed agreement from US Youth Soccer in the next week.
"Hosting the US Youth Soccer National Championships will be a wonderful opportunity for young players in the area to see some of the best teams in the country," said Alan Blinzler, president of the Kansas State Youth Soccer Association.
"When the Overland Park Soccer Complex was announced, we saw the potential this outstanding facility offered and worked closely with the City of Overland Park and the Overland Park Convention & Visitors Bureau for over a year to secure the bid.
“The vision of the City in building this complex was to host the top events in the country, and the awarding of the 2010 US Youth Soccer National Championships, the first ever such event in Kansas, speaks to that vision and the quality of the new complex. The result will be a chance for players and their families to learn more about the game and for literally thousands of people from across the country to see a what a great community we have in Overland Park," Blinzler added.
“The Overland Park Convention & Visitors Bureau, along with our hotel partners, is very excited to host the 2010 US Youth Soccer National Championship Series,” said Kelly Peetoom, director of sales for the CVB and the Overland Park Sports Alliance.
“This event will use multiple hotels and bring 5,700 room nights to Overland Park, with an estimated economic impact of $1.5 million,” Peetoom said.
“The tournament will bring to our city some of the most elite players of all ages from throughout the country, in addition to collegiate coaches. It speaks volumes for our future marketing efforts and the impact it will have on the future of soccer in Overland Park,” Peetoom said.
The national tournament has 56 regional teams that advance to the finals, with 12 national championship teams crowned. More than 10,000 teams compete in state tournaments for the opportunity to play in the national finals.
Several other regional soccer organizations have toured the Overland Park facility and are considering hosting events at the complex.
The Overland Park Soccer Complex includes 12 synthetic all-weather turf fields, plaza area with shade for teams to gather, three Corner Kick Café’s offering a diverse and healthy menu, electronic video boards to post game results and information, and wireless internet access.
It will officially open to play on Tuesday, Sept. 1. It is currently under construction. There is a public open house from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 29.
The Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead is across the parking lot from the fields. Retail shops are within walking distance. Most Overland Park hotels are within an easy 10-minute drive from the facility.
Nearly all tournament dates for 2009 and 2010 are filled.
For more information on field rental or to reserve a tournament weekend, contact Mike Laplante, manager soccer complex operations, at 913/484-5231.
###
Contacts: Mike LaPlante, 913/484-5231 (cell); Kelly Peetoom, OPCVB, 913/433-3706 (cell); Alan Blinzler, 913/488-3331
 |
 |
 |
|
||
 |
|
 |
|
||
