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US Youth Soccer 2021 National Championships Kick Off!
Elite Competitors Battle in Sunny Bradenton-Sarasota, FL Area
FRISCO, Texas (July 20, 2021) — US Youth Soccer (USYS) is excited to kick off its 2021 National Championships today at the Premier Sports Complex at Lakewood Ranch in the Bradenton-Sarasota area, on Florida’s West Coast.
The USYS National Championships feature the top 104 boys and girls (13U – 19/20U) teams in the country, all vying for a national title in their age group. With 32 State Associations represented, the event features teams from all over the country who have produced numerous on-field accomplishments to advance to play in the pinnacle of youth soccer competition.
“We look forward to delivering another top-flight programming experience for these elite teams,” said USYS CEO Skip Gilbert. “Given the heritage and history of the USYS National Championships, we’re excited to see our players challenge themselves following the enormous hurdles they’ve faced this past year. Coming off of victories at their Regional Championships and National League competitions, these teams are primed to compete on a national stage. This unique Florida location, amidst sand and surf, will only make our National Championships even more memorable for these teams and their guests.”
The National Championships begins with group play July 20-22 for all age groups. On July 23, the 13U age group will crown its champions following the final matches for both boys and girls. July 24 will feature semifinal matches for boys and girls teams in the 14U-19/20U age groups, and the 14U-19/20U age groups will hold their championship finals on July 25.
Teams competing at the National Championships advanced to this stage by winning their respective USYS Regional Championship or by finishing at the top of their groups at the USYS National League Playoffs — establishing themselves as some of the top teams in the country.
“We are thrilled to have been selected as host for the 2021 US Youth Soccer National Championships, coming to Premier Sports Campus in the Bradenton-Sarasota Area this summer. We are honored to host this historic youth soccer championship in Lakewood Ranch and are thrilled to work with US Youth Soccer to make this event memorable for the athletes and attendees,” said Elliott Falcione, Executive Director of the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau.
“On behalf of Sarasota County, we are thrilled to welcome teams and families to our region this week as they compete in the USYS National Championships. Over the last 6 months US Youth Soccer has worked diligently with Premier Sports Campus and a multitude of other partner organizations to produce a top-notch Championship experience. We appreciate all of the work that has gone into this event and are confident attendees will remember it for years to come,” said Shelby Connett, Director of Sports of Visit Sarasota.
“Florida Youth Soccer Association is proud to be the host state for the 2021 US Youth Soccer National Championships at Premier Sports Campus in the Bradenton-Sarasota Area. This is an undoubtedly unique year, but in conjunction with destination representatives Premier Sports Campus in Lakewood Ranch, and the Chargers Soccer Club, FYSA is committed to making this a safe and exciting National Championship. The outstanding Florida attractions, accommodations, and (most importantly) worldclass soccer facilities will all be on display for the entire soccer community.”
This year’s event is being played at The Premier Sports Campus, which touts 23 FIFA-regulation Celebration Bermuda grass fields on a 140 acre campus. Many games will be streamed live for free via links available only on the US Youth Soccer website: https://www.usyouthsoccer.org/national-championships/.
The Bradenton-Sarasota Area is located on Florida’s west coast. With its own airport (Sarasota Bradenton International Airport), some of the world’s best beaches, award-winning dining options, historical parks, museums and nature preserves, the destination is a hidden gem that families can discover and explore again and again.
About the United States Youth Soccer Association (US Youth Soccer)
US Youth Soccer, the largest youth sport organization in the country, is on a mission to provide worldclass support, resources and leadership, helping every member fulfill their goals, on and off the field of play. US Youth Soccer registers nearly 3 million players annually. Through its programming, resources and leadership, US Youth Soccer is advancing the game for its 54 Member State Associations, 10,000 clubs and leagues and nearly 1 million administrators, coaches and volunteers. US Youth Soccer connects families and communities to the power of sports and its shared love of soccer. US Youth Soccer provides a path for every player, offering programs that provide a fun, safe and healthy environment for players at every level of the game. We Are Youth Soccer. For more information, visit www.usyouthsoccer.org.
About the US Youth Soccer National Championship Series
The US Youth Soccer National Championship Series is the country’s oldest and most prestigious national youth soccer tournament, providing approximately 185,000 players on more than 10,000 teams from US Youth Soccer State Associations the opportunity to showcase their soccer skills against the best competition in the nation. Emphasizing teamwork, discipline and fair play, the US Youth Soccer National Championship Series also provides the nation’s top collegiate, pro and international coaches with the premier stage to identify and scout the most coveted players in the country. Dating back to 1935, the USYS National Championships culminates with the presentation of the famed McGuire Cup.
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