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Tuesday, June 16, 2009

23rd Annual Spirit Kick-Off Classic

This soccer tournament is the largest in Pennsylvania. It attracts teams from throughout the Northeast. Last year over 440 high caliber teams participated, with teams coming from as far south as Virginia, as far west as Ohio, as far north as Canada, and all points in between! We hope your team is one this year. The tournament, for girls and boys U-9 through U-16, occurs over two weekends in August.

Boys Weekend: August 15-16, 2009 (including U-15 and U-16 Girls teams)

Girls Weekend: August 22-23, 2009

General Information

The Spirit Kick-Off Classic is an unrestricted tournament and offers one of the most competitive youth soccer competitions in the eastern region. When the caliber of competition is combined with its sportsmanship and Chester County, Pennsylvania hospitality, it is truly a memorable top level tournament! In past years teams, players, parents and referees have traveled to the Downingtown area from over 11 states to join in the spirit of competition. Share the excitement on a soccer-packed weekend where good competition, camaraderie, fun activities and new friends await!

The Spirit Kick-Off Classic offers top-notch competition at all age levels. Many of the region's premier and club level teams will compete in the tournament. Past participants have included many state, regionally and nationally ranked teams.

History
The first Spirit United Kick-Off Classic took place in 1986 under the direction of the Spirit United Soccer Club of Downingtown, PA. The tournament was begun to promote excellence in soccer and sportsmanship and to provide youth soccer players with an opportunity to compete against other high caliber teams from throughout the northeastern United States. The first tournament had 34 teams and 510 players participating, primarily from the Chester County, PA area.

From this meager beginning, the tournament has grown in numbers and stature. In 2007, the tournament attracted over 400 teams, over 5,000 players and over 50,000 soccer fans. It is ranked as a Premier level tournament (both boys and girls) by GOTsoccer.com (www.gotsoccer.com).

Applications
The entry fee for all applications is $725 ($600 for U-9 & U-10 teams) and must be submitted with your team application.

In order to properly evaluate your team's application, it is imperative that each team submits correct/complete information. We reserve the right to contact league administrators and tournament directors to verify the information submitted. Applications for the Kick-Off Classic should be submitted online.

Rosters
You may enter U-11 through U-16 teams with a maximum of 18 players; a maximum of 14 players for U-9 and U-10 teams. Players must be registered with a national affiliate of the USSF, typically either US Club Soccer or with their respective state or national association (US Youth Soccer, AYSO, etc), and must be born during or after the year indicated by the Age Division in which they are to compete. A maximum of four (4) guest players per team are permitted. Authorized player passes/cards will be verified against the official team roster at registration.
• Teams from outside Region I or Connecticut and New Jersey must have a "Permission to Travel Form signed and stamped by their Association if registering using US Youth Soccer credentials.
• No such permission to travel is required for teams traveling as US Club Soccer registered teams.

Tournament Hotel Reservation Policy
***Spirit United is requiring all tournament teams and participants to reserve rooms through our designated registration system. Click here for details.

***Teams not following this procedure will not be considered for tournament acceptance. In addition, rooms are non-commissionable to travel agencies or 3rd party reservation companies.

Spirit United has taken the initiative and secured rooms at local “team friendly” hotels. By doing this Spirit United has guaranteed tournament participants room availability at top quality hotels with competitive prices, great proximity to playing fields, and team oriented amenities.

Field Locations
The Spirit United Soccer Club, the tournament's host, has access to over 50 fields within a 25 mile radius of Downingtown, PA. These fields are professionally maintained and are convenient to the PA Turnpike and US Route 30.

Format
In the opening round games, teams are bracketed into groups; size based on number of applicants. Each team is guaranteed a minimum of three games. Winners and/or wildcards will advance to the elimination stage of the tournament until one team is crowned champion. All games are played on manicured grass fields in the Downingtown area. Trophies and/or medals are awarded to all finalists, and souvenirs to all players and coaches. The Kick-Off Classic is hosted by the Spirit United Soccer Club and is sanctioned by EPYSA and US Club Soccer, affiliates of USSF and FIFA.
*except U-9 and U-10 and subject to change Age Groups (Premier, "A" & "B" Club level)


The week is full of additional activities including a Welcome Reception for team officials, referees and sponsors. Player interactive areas and challenge activities are available all weekend long. Players and team photographs throughout the event and other special attractions add to the event. And historical sites (e.g., Valley Forge, Independence Hall, Longwood Gardens, PA Dutch Country and entertainment venues (e.g., Hershey Park) are all within a one hour drive.

Information is available on the Kick-Off Classic web site under Hotel & Travel Reservations, as well as Entertainment & Attractions.


If you have any additional questions, please contact the Spirit United Soccer Club:
Phone: 484-889-6363
Email: kickoffclassic@comcast.net
Fax: TBA
Mail: Spirit Kick-Off Classic, P.O. Box 71, Downingtown, PA 19335

Future Dates
2010 Spirit Kick-Off Classic
August 21-22 & 28-29, 2010

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