Manhattan Kickoff Classic adds Development Academy divisions
The Manhattan Kickoff Classic, one of the highest level showcase tournaments in Region I, has added U.S. Soccer Development Academy divisions for the 2015 event.
Seven clubs have committed to send Development Academy teams, including Beachside SC, Continental FC Delco, World Class FC, Empire United, Lehigh Valley United, New York SC and Players Development Academy (PDA). Beachside SC, New York SC and PDA will have teams competing in all four Academy age groups, U13-14, U15, U15-16 and U17-18. Development Academy teams will play two full-length games each with an option for a third.
“This has proved a very popular concept for top DA clubs,” said Tournament Director Jason Kahan. “We are very happy with the response and can confirm there are enough applicants to ensure that brackets for all four age groups.”
The 2015 Manhattan Kickoff Classic will be a three-day event taking place from Feb. 27-March 1 on 100 turf fields around New York City. 2015 will be the tournament’s seventh edition after the 2014 event was cancelled due to a snowstorm. More than 900 boys and girls teams were accepted to compete in 2014. Accepted teams included 77 State Cup champions, nine regional champions and one national champion side.
In addition to attending Development Academy programs, other leagues represented at the Manhattan Kickoff Classic include Elite Clubs National League (ECNL), US Club Soccer National Premier Leagues (NPL), US Youth Soccer Regional and National League sides and elite level international competition. In 2014, accepted teams represented New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Maryland, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Delaware, Vermont, Maine, Florida and Canada.
Age groups for the 2015 event will range from U-8 to U-18. The U-8 to U-10 age groups will play a one-day tournament with each team playing four short matches. U-9 to U-12 matches will be played on small sided fields, with select U-11 and U-12 divisions playing full sided. Showcase ages (U-16 to U-18) play three 70-minute games, while most other divisions play 3-4 games and/or a playoff. Applications close Jan. 20, 2015.
