2015 Media Guide. The world will be here July Where will you be?

Transcription

1 2015 Media Guide The world will be here July 2015 Where will you be?

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS 3 LETTER TO THE MEDIA 4 GENERAL INFORMATION/INFORMATION FOR WORKING MEDIA 5 TOURNAMENT INFORMATION 7 WHAT S COOL AT THE CUP 8 ABOUT THE NATIONAL SPORTS CENTER 8 DID YOU KNOW? 9 FAMILIAR FACES AT USA CUP 10 SCHEDULE OF NOTABLE EVENTS

3 2015 Tournament Media Guide SCHWAN USA CUP th Ave. NE Blaine, MN Press, We hereby invite representatives of the media to cover SCHWAN S USA CUP to be held at the National Sports Center in Blaine, Minnesota from July 10-18, USA CUP will be celebrating its 31st year this July. Over the course of the tournament's history, over 17,000 teams have played almost 50,000 games, while millions of visitors from across the world have called Blaine home for two weeks in mid-july. USA CUP has always been a unique tournament amongst the many youth tournaments that populate the rapidly expanding U.S. youth soccer scene, mostly due to the idea that USA CUP is about more than just soccer. With a wide variety of activities ranging from our Olympic-style opening ceremonies, to the athlete-friendly Grand Dance, the tournament creates memories that will last a lifetime and gives visiting athletes a chance to focus on much more than just soccer. In the ever-intensifying world of youth sports, we feel that this broad focus is one of the most important aspects of the USA CUP experience. One of the things that we hear consistently from visiting teams is that USA CUP provides a week full of experiences, both on and off the field. The opportunity for players from countries as distant as Japan and Brazil to interact with their American, Canadian and English counterparts is truly spectacular and perfectly embodies the spirit of soccer as a global game. This year s USA CUP will feature 1,153 teams from 19 states, five Canadian provinces and 16 different countries. We invite you to visit our tournament, to meet the athletes and join in this globe-spanning celebration of soccer's most basic ideals. No matter if the athletes are celebrating a win or the opportunity to travel to the tournament, the world will be here. Where will you be? Sincerely, Barclay Kruse and Jacob Sevening, Schwan s USA CUP Media

4 GENERAL TOURANMENT INFORMATION WHAT: The 31 st Annual Schwan s USA CUP. Schwan s USA CUP is a youth soccer tournament with divisions covering boys and girls U6 through U19. We also offer a one-day adult tournament as part of our USA CUP Indoor Tournament. WHERE: The tournament will be held at the National Sports Center (NSC) in Blaine, Minnesota. WHEN: USA CUP Weekend Tournament July USA CUP Week-long Tournament July WHO: 1,153 teams from 19 states, 5 Canadian provinces and 16 countries MEDIA CONTACTS: Media Center, July Barclay Kruse, Media Director (cell) bkruse@mnsports.org Jacob Sevening, Media Intern (office) (cell) jsevening@nscsports.org WEBSITE: SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook Mobile Application USA CUP (iphone & Android) INFORMATION FOR WORKING MEDIA MEDIA CENTER The media center is located on the second floor of the Schwan Center in Suite 1. Please report to the media center to pick up media credentials and receive updated information for the day. MEDIA CENTER HOURS July 10-18, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., INTERNET CONNECTION The media center will have hard-wired Internet connections as well as a wireless network connection. The password for the media wireless Internet will be available in the media center during the tournament. CAMPUS ACCESS FOR THE MEDIA USA CUP is a free event, but we ask that working media wear media credentials at all times. USA CUP is a youth sports event and wearing credentials will prevent parents and coaches from questioning why media may be taking photographs and notes at a youth event.

5 The media center will have updated game schedules throughout the day, access to rosters, locations of the games and the times they will play, event information, golf cart transportation for media around the campus and other information as needed. TOURNAMENT INFORMATION NATIONAL SPORTS CENTER With 46 fields that make up one site, the National Sports Center makes up the largest contiguous soccer complex in the world. The NSC also boasts an soccer stadium that can accommodate up to 10,000 fans, the Schwan Super Rink, a cycling velodrome and Schwan Center featuring the Sport Expo Center, an indoor sports hall with FieldTurf, as well as a dormitory with full kitchen service. Complementing the facility is the PGA-designed National Youth Golf Center, with its showpiece, the 18-hole Victory Links Golf Course. OPENING CEREMONIES NSC STADIUM SCHWAN s USA CUP is holding its very own Olympic-style Opening Ceremonies on Tuesday, July 14, at 7:30 p.m. in the NSC Stadium. The Opening Ceremonies will include an Olympicstyle parade of teams, skydivers and fireworks. This is the only time in the tournament where all the players will be in the same place at once. This year s Opening Ceremonies will be followed by the fourth annual Rock the CUP celebration, featuring DJ of the Minnesota Timberwolves and Minnesota Lynx, Generation Now. MINNESOTA UNITED FC Minnesota s very own professional soccer team is once again set to bring pro soccer to Schwan s USA CUP with three games during the tournament. United will host Ottawa Fury FC July 11 and Jacksonville Armada July 15 in NASL league matches, and the Loons will play a friendly with Club Leon of Mexico s Liga MX on July 18, where former Minnesota United player Miguel Ibarra will play one half with United and one half with his current team, Club Leon. All three Minnesota United FC games will kick off at 7 p.m. MEDIA OFFERINGS The NSC will be offering webcasts of all tournament games on fields U1 and U2 as well as the Opening Ceremonies. Live viewing of these webcasts will be free of charge, while DVD copies will also be available following the initial broadcast for $20. More information: gamecast-tv NSCtv at USA CUP, the tournament s daily online video show, will kick off its newest season on July 10. Episodes will be presented free of charge each day throughout the tournament. NSCtv will cover human interest stories, big games and all the activities happening during the tournament. More information: nsctv-at-usa-cup The Daily Kick, USA CUP s online daily newspaper will feature full coverage of the big stores at USA CUP, and can be found in the evening of each day of the tournament at the-daily-kick Facebook Mobile Application USA CUP (iphone & Android)

6 TOURNAMENT INFORMATION (CONTINUED) COMPETITION FORMAT There are two tournaments within the Schwan s USA CUP format: Weekend tournament, July 10-12, and Week-long tournament, July Teams may register for either tournament or both. The vast majority of teams play in one or the other. AGE DIVISIONS U9-U19 boys and girls at each level teams will play in World Cup-style groups for round-robin pool play before being seeded into tiered single-elimination playoffs. At each age group, teams are seeded into a tiered playoff based on their records in pool play. Teams are guaranteed three games (weekend) or four games (week-long). A few years ago, Schwan s USA CUP added an indoor tournament that is designed to appeal to the age divisions listed above that are historically offered at USA CUP. This year, the USA CUP Indoor Tournament will be held in the Sports Hall and will offer divisions for U6-U8 and adult. SCHWAN S HOMESTAY PROGRAM More than 150 international players will stay with Twin Cities-area families this year through the Schwan s Homestay Program. This unique program gives the hosts and guests alike the opportunity to experience the truly international language of soccer. Players from a wide-ranging selection of countries are involved in this year s program, including players from Haiti, Japan, Mexico, England and Costa Rica. ECONOMIC IMPACT The economic impact of the 2015 Schwan s USA CUP is estimated at $32.3 million.

7 WHAT S COOL AT USA CUP 2015 Now in its 31st year, the Schwan s USA CUP keeps finding new ways to top itself. Here are a few of the highlights of USA CUP #MyUSACUP We ll be using the #MyUSACUP throughout the tournament as a means for players, coaches and spectators to share their USA CUP stories on any social media platform. With over 1,100 teams at USA CUP, there are thousands of stories to tell at the tournament, and by hearing these stories from participants, we hope to share as many as we can through our daily coverage of USA CUP. Working media is encouraged to check #MyUSACUP as one source of story leads. WORLDWIDE REFEREE CORPS Last year, about 20 Chinese referees came from Shanghai to officiate games at USA CUP, the first time the tournament had ever had Chinese referees. This year, that number has doubled. About 20 officials will be coming from Shanghai again this year, and 20 more will be coming from Beijing. These referees are some of the best China has to offer, and two of whom, Fang Yan and Qin Liang, will be traveling to USA CUP from Canada, where they refereed multiple games at the FIFA Women s World Cup. In addition to China, the referee corps at Schwan s USA CUP will feature international officials from the Bahamas, Brazil, Canada, China, Costa Rica, Great Britain, Jamaica, Italy, Mexico, Netherlands, Portugal, Romania, and St. Kitts and Nevis. U.S. refs hail from the following states: Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Jersey, North Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, and Wisconsin. KICK CANCER USA CUP is committed to showing participants and spectators that there is more to the tournament than just soccer. One of the ways we re doing that this year is our Kick Cancer day on July 15. For the third year, we ll have four cancer charities at the tournament raising awareness for their causes. USA CUP will donate $1 for every goal scored and every shutout recorded that day, and CenturyLink will match our donation. Teams can also donate online to the charity of their choice, and the team that donates the most will receive VIP treatment for one of its games at USA CUP. BIGGER AND BETTER The National Sports Center is already the world s largest contiguous soccer complex, and it s getting even bigger this summer. Construction has begun to add 20 new fields on 77 acres on the north side of the campus, meaning that even though this is the largest USA CUP yet, tournaments in the coming years are bound to grow even more. TRUCKIN USA CUP is also stepping up its food game this year with its Taste of the CUP event. Already wildly popular at events around the Twin Cities, USA CUP will have up to 20 food trucks on site in the main parking lot every day of the tournament. Whether you want a foreign dish or just a burger and fries, there s something for everyone at Taste of the CUP. HOMECOMING GAME For the first time since his transfer to Club Leon in early June, Miguel Ibarra will return to National Sports Center Stadium on July 18 to play against his former club, Minnesota United FC. As part of the friendly match, Ibarra will play one half for both Club Leon and United. Minnesota United will also host the Ottawa Fury on July 11 and Jacksonville Armada on July 15 in NASL play leading up to the team s third match during USA CUP week against Club Leon.

8 THE NATIONAL SPORTS CENTER Opened in 1990, the National Sports Center was constructed by the State of Minnesota as a center for amateur athletics. A non-profit corporation, the National Sports Center Foundation (NSCF), operates the facility on a self-supporting basis. State funds were used to build many parts of the campus, but no operation subsidy is provided. And in recent years, nearly all new construction has been completed with a majority of nonstate funds, including sponsors and partnering associations. About NSC Stadium The NSC Stadium hosts Schwan s USA CUP feature games and ceremonies, national team soccer games, national championship rugby and lacrosse games, and even concerts and marching band festivals. The stadium has variable seating and standing-room configurations that can accommodate approximately 10,000 fans for soccer, and more for special events like concerts or the USA CUP Opening Ceremony. The stadium is also the home of Minnesota United FC, which is expected to join Major League Soccer as an expansion franchise by United will play three games during USA CUP week against Ottawa Fury FC, Jacksonville Armada and Club Leon of Liga MX. About the fields One of the most striking aspects of the National Sports Center is the sheer number of fields that make up the campus. The facility currently has 46 multi-purpose fields. In addition to soccer, some of the sports played on the NSC s fields include rugby, lacrosse, ultimate and youth football. The NSC has been recognized by the Guinness Book of Records as the largest soccer complex in the world. The recognition plaque from Guinness is currently on display in the NSC offices. Victory Links Golf Course Perfect for coaches, parents and other visitors looking for a break from the hustle and bustle of the tournament, Victory Links Golf Course is the only open-to-the-public, PGA Tour-designed golf course in the state of Minnesota. Spread out over a full 400 acres, the links-style course is perfect for both seasoned golfers and those looking to play at a more relaxed level. BY THE NUMBERS More than 1,000 volunteers contribute their time during the Schwan s USA CUP. Positions range from assisting with activities and referee transportation to field management, greeting teams at the airport and more. Eleven clubs have competed every year: Blackhawks SC, Blaine SC, Bloomington Youth SC, Burnsville Fire SC, Coon Rapids Soccer Assn., Eagan Traveling Soccer, North Suburban Soccer Assn., Northern Lights (Anoka) SC, St. Croix SC, Valley United SC and White Bear SC. Canada (Manitoba) is the only foreign country to send a team every year. 67 countries have played in Schwan s USA CUP over the years: Albania, Argentina, Aruba, Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Belize, Bermuda, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Cayman Islands, Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Estonia, Egypt, England, Finland, France, Germany, Guatemala, Haiti, Holland, Hungary, Iceland, India, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Liberia, Morocco, Mexico, Nigeria, Norway, Northern Ireland, Panama, Peru, Philippines, Pakistan, Poland, Puerto Rico, Romania, Russia (USSR), Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Scotland, Sweden, South Korea, Slovakia, Spain, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Tunisia, Uganda, Ukraine, Venezuela, U.S. Virgin Islands, West Indies, Wales, West Malaysia. The 2015 tournament features teams from 71 different Minnesota communities: Albertville, Andover. Anoka, Apple Valley, Arden Hills, Bemidji, Blaine, Bloomington, Brainerd, Buffalo, Burnsville, Byron, Cambridge, Champlin, Chanhassen, Chaska, Chisago Lakes, Circle Pines, Cloquet, Coon Rapids. Cottage Grove, Duluth, Eagan, Eden Prairie, Edina, Elk River, Farmington, Forest Lake, Golden Valley, Hastings, Isanti, Lakeville, Lino Lakes, Mahtomedi, Maple Grove, Mendota Heights, Minneapolis, Minnetonka, Mounds View, New Hope, New Prague, North Oaks, Oak Grove, Orono, Owatonna, Pine Island, Plymouth, Princeton, Prior Lake, Ramsey, Richfield, Rochester, Rockford, Rogers, Rosemount, Roseville, Saint Paul, Shakopee, Shoreview, South St. Paul, Spring Lake Park, St. Cloud, St. Francis, St. Louis Park, St. Michael, Stillwater, Waconia, Wayzata, West St. Paul, White Bear Lake, Woodbury. There are 19 states represented in this year s competition: Alaska (8 teams), Colorado (1), Florida (1), Hawaii (3), Illinois (61), Iowa (23), Kansas (3), Michigan (13), Minnesota (662), Missouri (4), Nebraska (10), North Dakota (13), Ohio (2), Oklahoma (1), South Dakota (41), Texas (2), Utah (1), Wisconsin (96), Wyoming (3). There are 5 different Canadian provinces represented at the 2015 tournament: Alberta (5 teams), Manitoba (31), Ontario (46), Saskatchewan (8), Yukon Territory (2). 16 different countries will be represented in this year s tournament: Aruba (2 teams), Brazil (16), Canada (92), Cayman Islands (4), Colombia (4), Costa Rica (13), Ecuador (3), Haiti (3), Iceland (3), Japan (2), Mexico (21), Norway (3), Sweden (2), Uganda (2), United Kingdom (2), United States (980)

9 FAMILIAR FACES AT USA CUP Former USA CUP Players Zlatan Ibrahimovic Swedish National Team and Paris Saint-Germain, Ligue 1 Taylor Twellman ESPN Analyst, former MLS and U.S. National Team player Tony Sanneh Former MLS and U.S. National Team player Manny Lagos Current Minnesota United FC coach, former MLS and U.S. National Team player Leslie Osborne Former U.S. Women s National Team player Brianna Scurry Former U.S. National Team player Aya Sameshima Japanese Women s National Team, 2011 Women s World Cup Champion Saki Kumagai Japanese Women s National Team, 2011 Women s World Cup Champion Asuna Tanaka Japanese Women s National Team, 2011 Women s World Cup Champion Niklas Backman Dalian Aerbin, Chinese Super League Mario Aparicio Toronto FC, MLS Eric Miller Montreal Impact, MLS Teal Bunbury New England Revolution, MLS Guest Appearances at USA CUP Pelé Most famous soccer player in history Samuel Eto o Cameroon International currently playing for Turkish side Antalyaspor Landon Donovan Former U.S. National Team and MLS star Roberto Donadoni Former Italy National Team coach Sergio Arturo Bernal Hernandez Former Mexican National Team player Hugo Perez Former U.S. National Team and NASL and MISL professional player Michelle Akers Former U.S. National Team Natasha Kai Former U.S. National Team Thori Staples Former U.S. National Team International Team Appearances U.S., Canada, Norway, Australia and Sweden Women's National Teams U.S. Under 17 Boys National Team Ecuador Under 17 Boys National Team Professional Team Appearances Major League Soccer Chicago Fire, Kansas City Wizards (now Sporting KC) LA Galaxy, Montreal Impact, San Jose Earthquakes, Seattle Sounders, Portland Timbers International Squads Tottenham Hotspur (Barclay's Premier League) Academy Team, Burnley (England Championship), Cruz Azul (Mexico Primera) Academy Team, CSD Cumunicaciones (Guatamala Liga Nacional), Dorados de Sinaloa (Mexico Liga de Ascenso), Guadalajara Chivas (Mexico Primera), Swansea City AFC (Barclays Premier League), Club Leon (Liga MX)

10 SCHEDULE OF NOTABLE EVENTS FRIDAY, JULY 10, 2015 ALL WEEK TASTE OF THE CUP The Hub SATURDAY, JULY 11, :30 a.m. Noon IMG ACADEMY SEMINAR NSC Sports Hall Classroom 7 9:30 p.m. MN UNITED FC V. OTTAWA FURY FC NSC Stadium SUNDAY, JULY 12, 2015 All day WEEKEND TOURNAMENT CHAMPIONSHIP GAMES 1:10 4:10 p.m. TRIP TO MINNESOTA TWINS GAME Target Field TUESDAY, JULY 14, :30 9 p.m. OPENING CEREMONY NSC Stadium WEDNESDAY, JULY 15, 2015 ALL DAY KICK CANCER The Hub 7 9:30 p.m. MN UNITED V. JACKSONVILLE ARMADA NSC Stadium THURSDAY, JULY 16, :30 a.m. Noon IMG ACADEMY SEMINAR NSC Sports Hall Classroom 3 4 p.m. TONY SANNEH FOUNDATION YOUTH SOCCER CLINIC NSC Campus SATURDAY, JULY 18, 2015 All day USA CUP CHAMPIONSHIP GAMES 7 9:30 p.m. MN UNITED V. CLUB LEON INTERNATIONAL FRIENDLY NSC Stadium