2010 U.S. Youth Soccer National Championships schedule set

The traditional 48 teams have advanced to the national championships via success through the first two legs of the annual US Youth Soccer National Championship Series where more than 10,000 teams began their journey at the US Youth Soccer State Championships. 

 

State champions advanced to their respective US Youth Soccer Regional Championship, four in all, where over 900 teams competed from all corners of the country. In addition to these 48 regional champions, eight teams have punched their tickets to the national championships via success in the national league. 

 

The league consists of teams, Under-15 through Under-17 Boys and Girls, who qualified for league play through their respective US Youth Soccer Regional League. Established in 2007, National League representatives have captured a combined eight US Youth Soccer National Championships. In 2008, seven of the eight championship finals slots in the Under-15 and 16 age groups were won by National League teams, which resulted in the league\'s first four National Championships, and the league notched four more National Championship titles in 2009.

 

The annual Player Luncheon will be held at the Overland Park Convention Center in Overland Park, Kan. The luncheon serves as the kickoff to the weeklong event highlighting the achievements of these national qualifiers. The event is not open to the public. 

 

The teams will play matches Wednesday, July 20 through Friday, July 22 to determine who will advance to play for the national titles. Round robin match times are scheduled for 8, 10 a.m. and Noon. Teams will earn three points for a win, one point for a tie and no points for a loss. The team with the most points at the conclusion of Friday\'s play will advance to play for the national championship on Saturday, July 24 or Sunday, July 25.    

 

 

Each year brings about new challenges and highlights the motivation and commitment of these youth as they continue pursuing their dreams of being one of the best youth soccer teams in the United States. The national championships are the final leg of the US Youth Soccer National Championship Series and open to any US Youth Soccer member. The U.S. Soccer Federation initiated the open youth championships with the James P. McGuire Cup, the oldest trophy in youth sport, (Under-19 Boys) in 1935. Since its creation in 1974, US Youth Soccer has added 11 divisions to the national championship tournament, most recently with the Under-14 and Under-15 Boys and Girls divisions in 2001 to create the current format. 

 

The US Youth Soccer National Championship Series provides over 185,000 players on more than 10,000 teams, from US Youth Soccer\'s 55 State Associations, the opportunity to showcase their soccer skills against the best competition in the nation while emphasizing teamwork, discipline and fair play.