Interest continues to grow in Duluth area soccer programs

By news@duluthnewstribune.com

December 21, 2009 at 11:00 PM

As 2009 winds down, area soccer players look back at another successful season.

On June 22, soccer players, parents and Duluth city officials gathered to proclaim June as Celebrate Soccer month.

Each summer more than 3,000 children participate in the various soccer programs available in Duluth. As the interest grows each year, so does the level of skill. The Duluth area has been fortunate enough to produce a state high school champion and many state finalists on the high school and club levels.

Hundreds of soccer players from across Minnesota traveled to Duluth to compete in Minnesota Youth Soccer Association-sanctioned tournaments and league games. These events exemplify the camaraderie, sportsmanship and competitiveness that soccer provides. The families, friends and enthusiasts who travel to these events add thousands of dollars to the local economy.

Organization facts

In 2008, Arrowhead Youth Soccer Association served nearly 2,500 players and had more than 400 people volunteer their services.

In its 11th year, the Duluth/ Växj' Soccer Exchange is a volunteer-based, nonprofit organization that supports an annual soccer and cultural exchange with Duluth's sister city of Växj', Sweden, culminating in the Sister City Soccer Cup.

Gitchee Gummi Soccer Club has about 280 players and hosts the Head of the Lakes Tournament in Duluth each June.

East Select Soccer has about 200 players and each June hosts the Lake Superior Open.

Interest continues to grow in Duluth area soccer programs

As 2009 winds down, area soccer players look back at another successful season. On June 22, soccer players, parents and Duluth city officials gathered to proclaim June as Celebrate Soccer month. Each summer more than 3,000 children participate in...