Hundreds of soccer players from throughout the Midwest descended on the Naperville Polo Fields over the weekend, allowing children not only a taste of high-level competition, but also a diversion from last week’s terrorist attacks.
John Hannan–tournament director and assistant director of the host team, the Chicago Magic–said that despite flight cancellations, all but 14 of the 200 teams in age groups ranging from 8 to 14 made it to Naperville.
“Some of the teams weren’t able to make it because of the planes, but we still had a fantastic turnout,” Hannan said. “Four years ago, this tournament had only 75 teams, and now look where it is.”
Brian Riordan, of Geneva, came to watch his 12-year-old son play, but he found himself watching the other matches as well.
“I didn’t play soccer as a kid, but I did join an adult novice soccer league and got a chance to explore the sport a little,” Riordan said. “I really enjoy watching the teams play.”
Seven of the teams had already won state championships elsewhere, and organizers of the three-day event made sure many of those champions got a chance to play one another.
Josh Cohen, 13, of the Cleveland United soccer team, said he played at the Polo Fields last year and couldn’t wait to come back.
“We came last year and won two games and lost one,” Cohen said. “I’m probably involved in about eight tournaments a year. This is one of the better ones.”
