BARBOURSVILLE, W.Va. — The upcoming U.S. Youth Soccer Region 1 Championships is being hosted in Barboursville for the first time since 2010, and Mayor Paul Turman expects an economic success.
Over 250 boys and girls teams from ages 11 to 19 will be represented from 13 states from Maine to Virginia. Between players and their families needing several days’ worth of rooms for the tournament, the event is a boon for hotels, Turman said.
“Parents and grandparents like to follow, and it’s nearly a week’s vacation. So we certainly appreciate them coming and staying in our hotels,” Turman said. “From Ashland, Ky., to Charleston they’re all full they tell me.”
He expected the event to be even more of success than it was in 2009 and 2010. Barboursville will also host next year’s tournament.
“It’s a pretty large affair and it’s estimated that (it will make) between $10 to $15 million,” Turman said. “We did this in 2009 and 2010. It went very well; they liked our hospitality here. Our volunteers made things easy for the parking and helping give directions.
“They wanted to come back and we’re glad they’re doing so.”
The opening ceremony will be Thursday night and the tournament runs until Tuesday, with each team guaranteed to play at least three matches.
Marshall University’s new turf soccer complex will host some of the action.