BLAINE, Minn. – (July 9, 2015) – From July 10 through July 18, the National Sports Center in Blaine will be hosting their 31st annual SCHWAN’S USA Cup.
“SCHWAN’S USA Cup is a mega event,” says Barclay Kruse, the Chief Communications Officer of the National Sports Center. Kruse continues, “We have the largest youth soccer tournament- the largest soccer tournament of any size in the western hemisphere- probably third or fourth biggest in the world. This year we’ll have 1,053 teams.”
This year’s tournament is made up of teams from 71 different Minnesota communities, 19 different states and 17 different countries. The SCHWAN’S USA Cup contributes its growing success to focusing on the player’s experience.
RELATED LINKS:
Kruse comments, “We have a commitment to providing a full experience for teams. These are youth soccer players, so they have interests beyond the field.” The event provides fun events such as clinics, pin trading, and Minnesota United FC games for the participants.
With an event this large all in once place, it’s bound to make an impact. Kruse explains, “We’ve run the numbers [and] it’s $32 million dollars of economic impact in 10 days; and the bulk of that, of course, is in the Blaine area.”
Not to mention, it makes an even bigger impact on those involved over the years. Kruse recalls the stories told by parents and coaches coming back to watch their kids play in the tournament. “It’s really interesting to hear their stories… once their child started playing soccer, their dream was to bring their team, their child’s team, to USA Cup because it was the greatest experience when they were a youth soccer player.”
Despite the countless hours spent leading up to the event and over the course of the tournaments, the hard work pays off. Kruse emphasizes, “It’s fun to see people from all over the world. I mean, when else would you see teams from 17 other countries in Blaine, Minnesota?”
Just one of the perks Blaine has to offer in a community filled with opportunities. Kruse adds, “You know, I don’t want to brag, but we’re really proud of this event, and this whole community should be proud of this event.”
