A Ten Year Tradition – A Whole New Experience
With a special message from World Cup Champion Alex Morgan who fondly speaks out about Cypress – this is a club on the move with a cool tournament determined to deliver a great experience for youth soccer players.
Formally known as The Cypress Cup, Champions Cup X is going to elevate the youth soccer tournament experience in Southern California. Teams from across the state will play upon excellent fields, line up against the finest competition and enjoy an exciting weekend of festivities for the entire family.
Champions Cup X, is hosted by Cypress Futbol Club. Established in 1997, Cypress FC Premier continues a rich tradition of producing some of the most recognizable athletes competing at every level of soccer today.
DATE:
Saturday & Sunday August 1-2, 2015
TEAMS:
Boys & Girls, Competitive, All Levels
LOCATIONS:
Long Beach, Lakewood, Bellflower, Buena Park
SoccerToday spoke with Nick Martinez, Director of Business Development & Marketing for Cypress Futbol Club, to learn more about the club and rebranded tournament.
Diane Scavuzzo: When did you join Cypress Futbol Club Premier and why?
Nick Martinez: I am the newest Director to the team, signing on in February. Dave Sabet, Executive Director, and I played soccer together at St. John Bosco High School.
I was working on a project for US Youth Futsal and reached out to him as a resource. After a couple meetings we ended up discussing his vision for the club more than my own project. His passion for developing young athletes is intoxicating and we need more people like him in this industry. I want to help extend his teachings and philosophies the best I can.
Diane Scavuzzo: What are you goals for the Cypress Futbol Club?
Nick Martinez: As Director of Business Development & Marketing, my main objective is to reposition and reintroduce the club to a broader market in 2016. Our study is fully underway and it is exciting to see the reactions of those internally who have seen our work so far. The best part for me is this is already a quality organization with incredible tradition — I am just retelling the story.
Diane Scavuzzo: When did the Champions Cup X start? What was it called before?
Nick Martinez: The tournament is entering it’s 10th year, an accomplishment any annual event should be proud of. It was formally known as The Cypress Cup.
Diane Scavuzzo: Why change the name of the youth soccer tournament after ten years?
Nick Martinez: Because this year will be “A Whole New Experience”. We are not just organizing matches, we are organizing a celebration featuring excellent facilitates that will be staged with a Soccer Village, food, games, interactive activities. We all know tournaments are all-day affairs for families; we want to thank them for attending by providing the proper amenities. We felt a stronger title was needed to reflect this evolution.
Diane Scavuzzo: How competitive is this youth soccer tournament?
Nick Martinez: I feel the finest aspect of CCX is the balanced level of competition. We have some of the most elite clubs in the state and some of the best up-and-coming squads in the youth system. There can be an intimidation factor in the tournament circuit, but our committee works extremely hard to organize the matches so teams receive the best quality of competition.
Diane Scavuzzo: What motivates you to help youth soccer grow in our country?
Nick MartinezI have played the game of soccer my entire life.
I still play 3 times a week at age 37. I only wish back then the sport had the unprecedented popularity it does today. I want to support the soccer movement by providing young athletes access to the best programs, education and training available. Today’s youth soccer players are the future.
Diane Scavuzzo: What do you like about soccer tournaments?
Nick Martinez: In any art form you can become comfortable, complacent. Want to play better music? Play with better musicians. Become a better writer? Read all the greats. Become a Champion? You won’t get there playing the same teams time after time in leagues. Tournaments are that dose of reality. Are you truly prepared for any team you may face physically, technically, tactically and most important, mentally.