IDAHO FALLS, ID (KIFI) – The Idaho Falls Shootout Tournament brings 185 soccer teams to the Idaho Falls area for some beautiful competition. More than 300 matches were played throughout the tournament.
“First of all, we're having a great time. The weather is perfect. It's a great time,” said tournament director Mary Murray.
This tournament started here in Idaho Falls in the '90s, but back then only 30-40 teams participated. It has grown a lot since then.
“Soccer is a really beautiful sport and game and it's just becoming more popular with kids and they love it. And it's fun to watch, especially from the girls' side. You see them really come in and thrive, and it's a sport that they love,” said Brandon Lee, director of the Idaho Falls Football Club.
“There's so much energy this weekend, it's unbelievable. You're watching kids from ages 6 to 19 play. It's been a lot of fun. It's really, really well run. “And we're really excited to invite people to come here from other states and show them what Idaho Falls is all about,” said Executive Director of the Idaho Falls Football Club. , said Alex Minton.
With so many teams, not all of them are from Idaho Falls. Some came from out of state, some from the other side of the state. Tournament organizers talk about how the tournament has become a boom for the local economy.
“We love eastern Idaho, we love its culture and what it has to offer. So it's fun to bring teams here from Montana, Utah, Nevada, the west side of the state and more to work together. “Have a great tournament weekend,'' Murray said.
“We and the people know that when you have this many teams coming from out of town and out of state, it's a big boost for the economy, and it's great to be a part of that,” Lee said. he said.
The tournament also featured a top soccer tournament that included special needs teams and 6-year-olds.
Murray said tournaments can also build community.
“The reason we host this tournament is to provide fun activities for youth in sports and to build community and youth sports. And soccer brings so much soccer to kids. And , just winning and losing gives them ownership, it gives them responsibility, and they get more out of it.'' They have a sense of belonging, and that's just good for the all-around person they are.'' Murray said.
The tournament concludes on Saturday, but many teams left the weekend with smiles and medals in hand.