FASA (Va). hopes to continue growth of Fredericksburg Cup
By Charles Boehm
A year after half of the event was knocked for a loop by Hurricane Irene, the Fredericksburg Area Soccer Association is back at work on its Fredericksburg Cup tournament, the 2012 edition of which will take place Aug. 18-19 (girls’ weekend) and Aug 25-26 (boys weekend).
The USYSA/VYSA sanctioned tourney, which celebrates its 10th birthday this year, had grown in size nearly every year since its inception. But last summer’s Irene, the massive tropical system which cut a $19 billion swath across the eastern United States to earn the ranking of fifth-costliest storm in the nation’s history, represented, in the words of tournament director Steve VanReenen, a “smack in the face” that wiped out the entire boys’ weekend and prompted a more aggressive approach to this year’s promotion efforts.
“It has been a great success, and building steadily over the years,” FASA general manager Pete Cinalli told The Soccer Wire this week. “We think the Fredericksburg Cup has a lot to offer for teams across the region and we’re eager to keep that momentum going.”
To aid in that push, FASA has partnered with tournament software giants GotSoccer to add the Fredericksburg Cup to GotSoccer’s ranking system, meaning that participating teams can now earn points toward their state, regional and national rankings on the site.
“We think the points and the rankings that GotSoccer has available will help grow the tournament,” said VanReenen, who is aiming to meet or beat the tournament’s all-time participation record by registering upwards of 150 teams.
He also noted the event’s other strengths, starting with facilities and location.
“The Fredericksburg Cup takes place at outstanding playing facilities on quality Bermuda grass surfaces at Dixon Park and Patriot Park,” said VanReenen, “and now GotSoccer points are available.
“We’re centrally located in the state of Virginia, as well for as the mid-Atlantic region in general,” he added. “Fredericksburg is one of America’s most historic cities and with many Civil War battlefields and state parks – not to mention King’s Dominion [theme park] – nearby, there are lots of options for postgame activities.”
The Fredericksburg Cup is open to boys’ and girls’ teams in the Under-9 through U-18 age groups. Participating teams are guaranteed at least three matches, with the specifics of the tournament’s format set to be determined by the final number of participants.
[ +Visit the tournament’s website for registration details and other information ]
