Fifty-two teams from three states gathered in the friendly city for the tournament.
COLUMBUS, Mich. (WCBI) – Hundreds of families will arrive in Columbus this weekend for the Columbus Orthopedics Riverwalk Spring Soccer Invitational.
Fifty-two teams from three states gathered in the friendly city for the tournament.
Jason Spears, director of Golden Triangle Elite, said he wants to instill a love of soccer in area children.
“Most importantly, we want to really reinvigorate the love of soccer in our community, get more kids interested in soccer, hold bigger tournaments, get more kids involved in recreational “It's about being able to participate in the competitive side of things and not just play as a player. Bring players from all over the world to our friendly cities,” Spears said.
But this influx of people also has other benefits for cities. It is economic revitalization.
“People will drive up and stay in a hotel tonight,” Spears said.
He said most hotels in the area are booked through the weekend, which is good news for Columbus.
“People will be walking downtown, eating, maybe enjoying the concert that's going on next door. It's going to be a great time for this community and it's going to have a big impact,” Spears said. Ta.
Greg Lewis is the director of the Columbus Recreation Department. He said he would like to hold more tournaments in soccer and other sports.
“I'm really overwhelmed when it comes to soccer and it's been a while since so many people played soccer in this city so it feels good,” Lewis said.
Lewis said he hopes to make the tournament an annual event.
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