PRESS RELEASE

2009 Wild Wing Invitational Tournament

---PRESS RELEASE---

For the second time, Westchester will host a non-profit Soccer Tournament over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. AYSO Region 7, which is comprised of Westchester, Playa del Rey, and parts of other local communities, is the host of this extravaganza.

You may say "oh big deal, another soccer tournament, who cares?" but this event is unique in that it's not just another assortment of All Star and Select Teams tuning up for their upcoming matches. This tournament has been established or more accurately resurrected (more on that later) to reward all the volunteers in Region 7 and well beyond. The criterion for eligibility to play in this tournament rests upon the amount of dedication and commitment each player's parent and/or sibling has contributed to the AYSO organization. So the players are selected from the ranks of Youth Referees, VIP Buddies (a special group of kids that volunteer their time to help physically and mentally challenged kids enjoy the benefits of soccer and team sports), and the children of Referees, coaches and other volunteers. In other words, this tournament exists for the sole purpose of honoring all those good people that make the AYSO experience happen for everyone. That's great news, and the reason that Region 7 has undertaken this task for the local soccer community.

This all volunteer tournament will take place over the three days of the Thanksgiving Day weekend, Friday November 27th through Sunday the 29th. Boys and girls ages 8- 13, (U10-U14) will be able to participate in these matches. Tournament officials expect to field a total of 60 teams from the surrounding regions and will conduct the games on local fields with in the Westchester, Playa Del Rey area. Because of its unique format, past history suggests that this tournament will quickly sell out.

Now, for a little background information. For years Region 34 traditionally hosted a similar tournament in the South Redondo Beach area and other region's teams were happy to participate. Unfortunately, they were unable to continue the tradition and last year for the first time in memory the South Bay and surrounding communities were left without an all volunteer format "Turkey Tournament". The only other tournaments available were either geographical undesirable or were not hosting the full U10 through U14 categories or both! Considering how popular this tournament had become, Region 7 committed to bring this event back as the "Wild Wing Invitational Tournament of 2009". So, with the help of the former "Turkey Guru" Vern Hall, of Region 34, and the blessing of AYSO National, the Westchester folks have taken up where South Redondo left off!

As with any charitable cause that benefits kids and their community, Region 7 can always use donors and sponsors of all kinds. If you would like more information about the Wild Wing tournament, participation and sponsorship opportunities, make a tax deductible donation to the tournament or if you would like to volunteer in any capacity, please visit the web site at www.ayso7.org. You may also contact them via phone or email! The email address for the tournament director, Michael McDermott, is TTdirector@ayso7.org or you may reach him by phone at 310-462-1074.

See you for leftovers in November!