More than 7,500 Players Will Take to the Field in Annual Soccer Classic

(East Meadow, N.Y.) More than 7,500 players from top youth soccer teams from the greater New York area will take to the fields this weekend in the 2009 East Meadow Soccer Tournament sponsored by Covanta Energy.

“Each year, the region’s top players look forward to heading to Long Island for one of the largest soccer tournaments in the Northeast. With more than 400 teams playing in the tournament, it is a great opportunity for them to meet and play with their peers,” said Steven Epstein, director of East Meadow Soccer Club. “The East Meadow Soccer Tournament is a fun and competitive tournament, which is made possible through the dedicated efforts of the East Meadow Soccer Club, the tournament’s numerous volunteers, and Covanta Energy.”

Seventy divisions of over 415 soccer teams will play in a round robin tournament of more than 1,100 games that will be held at fifteen locations on more than 50 fields Nassau County. For the third year in a row, the two-day tournament will result in the final playing for the Covanta Cup. The boys and girls top flight in the high school age bracket will compete for the prestigious Cup at the main stadium at Mitchell Athletic Field in Uniondale, NY. Following the conclusion of the games, an awards ceremony will be held and a $500 college scholarship will be awarded to the Most Valuable Player of the Cup in both the Girls and Boys division. In addition, one lucky player participating in the tournament will be selected at random to receive a soccer ball signed by David Beckham and Pele. 

 “For the past 21 years, Covanta Energy has sponsored the East Meadow Soccer Tournament as part of our efforts to support the local community. We are thrilled to continue our long standing partnership with the Tournament this year and wish the participants good luck,” said Ken Straitz, facility manager of Covanta Hempstead.

The East Meadow Soccer Tournament was started in 1978 as a small festival for local area soccer teams in Long Island to prepare for the upcoming fall soccer season. It is an approved tournament of the U.S.Y.S.A., Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association, and Long Island Junior Soccer League – affiliated with United States Soccer Federation and the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA).

For a complete tournament schedule, please visit http://www.gotsport.com/events/?eventid=5804.