2017 US Youth Soccer National Presidents Cup Kicks Off
The second day of the 2017 US Youth Soccer National Presidents Cup opened play on Friday as top teams from across the nation come together in Florida.
The US Youth Soccer Presidents Cup is designed for teams seeking additional challenges to play against teams of similar abilities for a national title. The cup provides a progressive, competitive experience to teams that might not otherwise get the opportunity to participate in a series of elite competitions.
Youth Soccer News: The 2017 US Youth Soccer National Presidents Cup kicked off Thursday at the Lake Myrtle Sports Park in Auburndale, Florida. The four-day event features 40 US Youth Soccer boys and girls teams in the U13 through U17/18 age groups that advanced to the National Presidents Cup via success in their respective US Youth Soccer Regional Presidents Cup events.
The US Youth Soccer Presidents Cup offers teams the challenge of competing from state to regional to national levels. The Presidents Cup provides teams with a progressive, competitive experience that highlights competition and community.
U15 Boys OHA Stars FC (NE) displays these qualities as it is made up of all refugee players from Somalia, Sudan and Karen. OHA tied VE Gunners (PA-E), 1-1, in Thursday’s opening match with head coach Osuman Issaka excited about the team’s start.
“Our program is run by the Simple Foundation, which is a nonprofit,” said Issaka. “It’s a great program with integration versus assimilation, helping them integrate in the U.S. and using soccer as a vehicle for it. They love it. It’s the first time, for some of them, flying and the first time for all of them to be in Florida. They’re enjoying it.”
The US Youth Soccer National Presidents Cup will continue preliminary games through Saturday, July 15. Consolation and championship matches will take place on Sunday, July 16.
To view all of Thursday’s results visit here.
