Soccer tourney headed to Springfield this weekend

Roughly 1,200 people are expected to converge on Springfield this weekend for a regional soccer tournament.

The 2010 Ozarks Coca-Cola/Dr Pepper Cup youth soccer tournament is scheduled for April 10–11 at Lake Country Soccer in Springfield, and Lake Country Executive Director Kelly Ross said about 100 teams are expected ranging from 8 to 18 years old.

Despite the impressive numbers of people headed to town, Ross said this year's attendance likely will be down from previous years, which average roughly 120 teams a year.

"Travel considerations are part of the issue, along with the economy, employment status, conflicts with other tournaments in the region, and the quality of teams we're able to attract to our event," Ross said.

A drop in attendance is a big deal for Lake Country Soccer, which Ross said gets roughly 15 percent of its annual revenue from this tournament and similar-sized events in March and October.

"When our numbers are down for tournaments, it impacts our bottom line, which means we have to work harder to try to bring in more teams and players for our regular league-play activities," Ross said.

The tournaments also impact the city as a whole. The Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau estimates direct spending of at least $100 per person per day for youth athletic events, according to spokeswoman Susan Wade. At that rate, the city stands to receive nearly a quarter-million dollars in revenue from the two-day tournament.

This weekend's event is free for spectators; more information is available at Lake Country Soccer's Web site.

In an effort to boost visitor numbers, LCS is adding a fourth regional tournament in August 2010, Ross said, noting that the organization is still seeking a title sponsor.