BARBOURSVILLE, W.Va. — The Village of Barboursville has scored a major goal,earning the rights to host the 2015-16 U.S. Youth Soccer region tournament.
The municipality played host to the event in 2009 and 2010, which Barboursville Mayor Paul Turman termed a big success.
“Every hotel from Ashland, Ky., to Charleston was filled. It generated about $10 million to $12 million the week of the tournaments,” Turman said.
About 260 teams make the regionals. That adds up to about 4,000 youth athletes. Add in their coaches and families and you have another 10,000 people.
“Everybody benefits when we bring in that many people!”
The Barboursville Soccer Complex is located at the city park that covers more than 600 acres and features 16 fields—four connected by a bridge built specifically for the tournament last time around. The event draws entire families from Maine to Virginia. And while soccer is the main focus, Turman said there’s a lot for families to do in the park during down time. There are basketball and tennis courts, a fishing lake, a walking track and bike trails. There’s also shopping at the Huntington Mall.
U.S. Youth Soccer President John Sutter praised the Barboursville selection.
“West Virginia was a great host in 2009 and 2010, and we look forward to working with them again in 2015 for an even better tournament.”
Back in 2009. Barboursville had to rush to get the 16 fields ready in time for the tournament. They had just been seeded and were in good shape. Fast forward five years and Turman says those same fields are some the best in the country.
“They’re a little bit more mature now and they can stand up to a week’s competition,” he said.
The 2015 tournament begins with the opening ceremonies June 25 and wraps up with the finals on June 30.