EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA YOUTH SOCCER HOSTED PRESIDENTS CUP REGIONALS IN VALLEY FORGE

Plymouth Whitemarsh High School and The Proving Grounds played host to the US Youth Soccer Eastern Presidents Cup for the first time in June as 120 teams came to the area to compete for a regional title and a chance to move on to the national event in Wichita.

Eastern Pennsylvania was well represented with 17 teams in the competition field and 11 of those teams played for a regional title by weekend’s end. Three were crowned regional champions - Steel United PA 14U Girls, PA Classics 17U Girls and Lancaster Elite 18U Girls and seven total teams qualified for the national event.

“By all accounts, the Presidents Cup was an absolute success,” said Chris Branscome, Chief Executive Officer of Eastern PA Youth Soccer. “US Youth Soccer, the state associations, the families, the teams, Valley Forge, politicians, The Proving Grounds, the high school and the referees were all overwhelmingly pleased.”

The five-day tournament showcased the Valley Forge region as a destination. Hotels were in close proximity to the fields and to an array of activities for players and families to enjoy in their down time.

“This has been terrific,” said US Youth Soccer CEO Skip Gilbert in an interview at Plymouth Whitemarsh High School. “We couldn’t ask for a better host. We hope to be able to return here with many of our events in years to come.”

Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board (VFTCB), Valley Forge Sports, Colonial School District and the County of Montgomery were partners in hosting the event, which generated an estimated economic impact of $5.5 million.