Thousands of fans will be headed into the city of Ontario this weekend for a big Soccer Tournament. Ontario’s Marshall Park has been chosen to host the second annual US Youth Soccer Target United Cup Aug. 18-19.
Ontario Youth Sports Director, Kenn Spencer, has been working with the OYS board and the city of Ontario to get soccer fields ready for the three-day event.
“We want the recreation athlete to feel excited and have fun! The Target United Cup is a quality national tournament in a fun, family-like atmosphere. Our hope is to see a long-standing relationship with Ontario and US Youth Soccer,” said OYS Soccer Commissioner, Dominic Irwin.
Spencer says that being the first location to host the tournament last year was really an experience. We had no idea that the event would be as big as it turned out. When I pulled up last year and saw three semi-trucks and 15 workers, I started to understand how big this was going to get. Ontario Marshall Park was an easy choice for the Target United Cup. Our youth sports facilities are amazing in Ontario. The city does a great job keeping the complex looking world class. Our soccer complex with indoor restrooms and concession stand is ideal. The way the city takes care of our Ontario Parks it really special! The people at Target really work hard to make this a great event for our kids.
Target, the official retailer of U.S. Youth Soccer and an official partner of Major League Soccer, is proud to further its commitment to growing the game through the Target United Cup. The tournament will feature the Target United Cup Village, a space for players, their families and friends to come together, grab a healthy snack and sunscreen, charge up their devices, play some soccer-themed games and listen to some DJ-spun music. Each Target United Cup athlete will receive souvenirs and have a chance to patriciate in several mini games and drills.
“Having the Target Cup back in town is fantastic for our community. Good luck to all the athletes and coaches this weekend. We are excited for the thousands of fans that will be able to enjoy our many local restaurants, hotels, and retail options,” said Ontario Mayor Randy Hutchinson.
In addition to Target United Cup, the retailer recently announced a $14 million commitment to youth soccer through two new national initiatives, including an $8 million local grant program, and a $6 million partnership with the U.S. Soccer Foundation to build 100 new soccer play spaces by 2020.