Organized by Heartland Soccer Association, the Kansas City Invitational tournament is kicking off this weekend with record attendance. From May 24-27, 352 teams will take over the Overland Park Soccer Complex, equating to about 5,000 athletes ages nine to 19. In 2012, the tournament drew 47 less teams compared to this year's tournament.
"The 2013 Kansas City Invitational is the largest tournament in Kansas City and Kansas history," says Shane Hackett, executive director of Heartland Soccer Association.
Drawing athletes from 11 states, the tournament will generate 3600 room nights for Overland Park and economic impact is expected to reach $900,000. About 35% of the teams are coming from outside the Kansas City metro.
The tournament's growth is complemented by Heartland Soccer Association's overall increase in participating member teams. From 2003 to 2013, the league has doubled from under 500 teams to 1,012 and is now regarded as one of the largest youth soccer leagues in the entire country.
"Soccer is experiencing exponential growth and we are at the forefront," continues Hackett. "We continue to see growth each and every season for both league play and tournaments with teams traveling from all parts of the country to experience the world-class Overland Park Soccer Complex."
The public is welcome to attend and price of admission is complimentary. For additional information including the tournament schedule, please visit www.heartlandsoccer.net.
About Heartland Soccer Association: Based in Overland Park, Kansas, Heartland Soccer Association was formed in 1977 as the Johnson County Soccer League for the purpose of promoting soccer in Johnson County, Kansas. Today it is a nonprofit and educational youth soccer association representing more than 1,000 teams, 13,000 youth players, 2,000 coaches, and 650 referees per season. Heartland is a proud member of the Kansas Youth Soccer Association, the US Youth Soccer Association, and the US Soccer Federation.
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