PRESS RELEASE
2008 Greater Springfield Area Sports Commission Champions Challenge a Success
The Springfield Soccer Club and Lake Country Soccer hosted the Greater Springfield Area Sports Commission Champions Challenge Soccer Tournament March 8-9, 2008. While the early week weather (snow, rain) made the preparations a difficult task, the weekend weather opened up with sunny skies and great soccer.
Over 140 teams competed in what has become the premier pre-season tournament in the sub-region. “This is two years in a row that Metro United has attended the Champions Challenge and we have been impressed by the facilities, organization and competition. The Springfield Soccer Club has attracted great teams and clubs from throughout the area and Lake Country Soccer has tremendous facilities. said Dale Schilly Program Director for Metro United of Southern Illinois.
The majority of the teams participating in the event came from outside the Springfield area, which meant it was difficult to find a hotel room or an empty table in popular restaurants in town during the weekend. Springfield Soccer Club would like to thank the Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau as well as the local hotel and motels who served as great hosts for the out of town guests.
On the field there were a few local teams who participated, but the only club to have teams advance out of bracket play into semi-finals and finals was the host Springfield Soccer Club. On the boys side the U11Red, U12Red, U13Red, U14 teams all advanced to the Finals before falling and receiving 2nd Place. The U15 I team captured the Championship by defeating Lou Fusz SC from St. Louis. The Springfield Soccer Club girls’ teams were not to be outdone with the U10 Girls capturing 2nd Place and the U12Red Girls losing in the semi-finals via the dreaded penalty kick shootout.
Big thanks go to all of the parents from the Springfield Soccer Club who volunteered their time to make the weekend a success. “People don’t realize the amount of time it takes from volunteers to make a tournament run successfully. Our parents were outstanding in helping as site coordinators, field marshals, etc. This is two years in a row that teams have commented that they felt welcome and appreciated and they will be back again next year.” said Jeremy Alumbaugh Director of Soccer Operations for the Springfield Soccer Club.
Springfield Soccer Club would also like to recognize the efforts of the Lake Country Soccer staff in making this event happen, despite the less than ideal weather conditions. Also, thanks to the Greater Springfield Area Sports Commission for sponsoring the tournament.
One Comment
I’m a preschool teacher in Battlefield at Little Angel’s Learning Academy. We are doing two weeks of Olympic Themed material the 2nd and 3rd weeks of this month. I am looking for an area athlete who has competed in soccer who might have a 10 minute talk that can be shared with 4 year olds about a love for competition, and who might have some trophys or ribbons to show the children. Can you help me out with a referral or three? Thanks, Kathy Spangler
Post a Comment