The NEW LA Galaxy OC Summer Invitational
The 2017 LA Galaxy OC Summer Invitational is preparing for kickoff in the coming months as the Cal South Soccer Class I tournament welcomes top clubs for a weekend of great soccer action. Held on August 5th and 6th, this is a youth soccer tournament for boys and girls in the U8-U19 age groups.
Youth Soccer News: If you are a competitive youth soccer player, then the summer is known as tournament season. The excitement of preparing and competing in a great youth soccer tournament can be great for player development — and, for creating a lifetime of action-packed soccer memories.
While there are many youth soccer tournaments in the USA, participating in the new 2017 LA Galaxy OC Summer Invitational — hosted by Los Angeles Galaxy Orange County — is a great opportunity to test skills in a highly competitive competition.
Presented by adidas, LA Galaxy Orange County will host the inaugural LA Galaxy OC Summer Invitational in the beautiful City of Irvine.
“This is a new summer youth soccer tournament,” says Tim Woodcock, LA Galaxy Orange County Director of Operations.
“The Orange County Great Park in the City of Irvine is open and the fields are great — we have a fabulous opportunity to replicate our ten year track record of success with the Tournament of Champions youth soccer tournament — and we are very excited,” said Woodcock.
“I remember when we launched the Tournament of Champions in 2007,” says Woodcock. “We had 138 teams the first year and then we quickly grew to over 200 teams and for the last two years we maxed out at 340 teams. We look forward to the LA Galaxy OC Summer Invitational being as successful as the Tournament of Champions.”
After 27 years of coaching, Woodcock is an expert on preparing for youth soccer tournaments. His advice? Simple – use common sense and be intelligent.
“When you compete in youth soccer tournaments, you have to be prepared to play multiple games in a weekend. Players need to build up enough muscle and endurance so their bodies can compete successfully in possibly a 4 game schedule. So, players have to be physically fit — and, players must hydrate prior to the tournament and refuel and rehydrate throughout the competition,” says Woodcock.
“You have to eat the correct foods — at the right times,” says Woodcock. “There is not always enough time to eat a full meal in-between games so our players often drink chocolate milk after a game. Bananas, power bars and other light foods are also great options.”
“And, finally — often players forget to properly cool down and stretch after the game – this is essential if you want to avoid pulling a muscle and preparing your body to be able to compete again.”
The 2017 LA Galaxy OC Summer Invitational Details
Dates: August 5th and 6th
Ages: U8-U19 Boys & Girls
Fees: U8-U9 $595 | U10-U11 $795 | U12-U19 $825
Field(s): OC Great Park, Irvine CA
Multi Team Discounts Available
Contact: tournaments@lagalaxyoc.com
All teams are guaranteed three matches with finalist playing four. Teams in age groups U8-U12 will play 25-minute halves and U13/U14 will play 30’s.
Teams will play in age brackets for 2017-2018 seasons and will use their 2016-2017 or 2017-2018 player passes.
Register here.
