AYSO soccer squads head to National Games in Hawaii

Tag : Soccer Uniforms

The U12 girls, U12 boys and U14 co-ed teams will take part in theAYSO National Games scheduled for July 11-13 in Honolulu. TheNational Games are held every two years and the three teams are theonly ones representing Virginia this year, marking the second timein 16 years this region has had a team selected.
"It's just really great," said 13-year-old U14 co-ed member TylerEggleston. "This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to go to Hawaii andplay soccer. It's just awesome. I just can't wait to do it."
There will be a total of 192 teams from around the countrycompeting with a guarantee of five games before playoffs begin July12. The championship round will be held July 13.
"It's an awesome experience," said AYSO commissioner DanielEggleston. "The kids will march into the stadium Tuesday behindtheir state banner, sort of like what they do in the Olympicsopening ceremony. It's a grand event and a very big one for AYSO."
The teams will be flying out to Honolulu in two groups with thefirst group of AYSO players and parents departing Friday and thesecond leaving Sunday. The teams will check in and receive theiruniforms Monday before opening ceremonies Tuesday. Soccer Fest willbe held Wednesday where kids will play two non-competitive gameswith kids from other participating states before tournament playbegins July 10. Each team plays two games July 10, two games July11 and one match July 12.
"I'm really excited. It's a dream vacation and a good sport toplay," said 11-year-old U12 member Matthew Danich.
This will be the second tournament the AYSO kids have competed inthis year. The first came Fathers' Day weekend in Hagerstown, Md.,with the U12 girls' team going undefeated to win the tournament.
"It's more than a lifetime's dream. It's really cool," said12-year-old U12 member Sarah Hutchinson.
"It's the greatest experience ever," said U12 girls' coach KimHudson. "Our team is tight and we've been together a long time."
Eggleston said the trip to Hagerstown prepared his teams for whatthey will face in Hawaii. For only the second time this year, eachteam will be required to play two games each day.
"It was a good experience for all three teams to go to Hagerstownand compete in a tournament atmosphere," Eggleston said. "Thatreally prepared them because most of our kids have never played ina tournament where they have to play more than one game each day." Notes Wal-Mart Distribution Center donated money covering the costs ofall three teams' uniforms this season. The 2010 AYSO National Games will be held in West Palm Beach, Fla.