Agenda - Council - 04/24/2007 - Laserfiche WebLink

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CASE # 15 CONSIDER YOUTH TRAVELING SOCCER TOURNAMENT By: Mark Riverblood, Parks Supervisor Background: The purpose of this case is to authorize staff to work with the Northern Lights Soccer Association to plan for and secure the Minnesota Youth Soccer Tournament this summer. The event is the season -end tournament, qualifying the Boy's North District traveling teams to move to the State Tournament. This event would be held at Elmcrest Park July 21 through the 24 2007. Last year, 97 teams participated, with four Ramsey teams advancing to the State Tourney. The event was deemed a success last year in many ways despite a very short lead time for both the youth association and the city to prepare for it. (As Council may recall, the tournament was rescheduled to Ramsey when another host community withdrew from their obligation.) Observations: If Council concurs that the tournament is a positive event for the city, Northern Lights Traveling Soccer Association (NLS) will offer to host the four day playoffs. The Minnesota Youth Soccer Association (MYSA) would make the determination by mid -May. In addition to showcasing our community, the NLS did generate a modest profit from the event and there was a significant benefit to many different businesses within Ramsey. With plenty of advance notice the whole tournament will be easier to organize for both the association and the park department. Despite the last minute -ness of the tournament in 2006, most elements went off with minimal problems. This included the fact that Super Soccer Saturday (the end of season play -offs for the `in- house' recreation teams), was also at Elmcrest Park on the same Saturday! The following points are either improvements to how the tournament may be conducted differently this year — or are otherwise germane to the consideration: • Parking was manageable last year — plus Super Soccer Saturday will be the weekend before at Central Park, (so parking and traffic issues at Elmcrest are anticipated to be even less of a concern). • Last year there were an estimated 9300 cars in and out of Elmcrest over the 4 days — this retail opportunity was appreciated by the business community (a similar volume can be expected). • It is possible that only Elmcrest Park would be needed this year (and not Central Park if feasible). • There is the potential of 130 teams participating, equating to about 2,000 kids. • A per team fee of $60 goes directly to NLS, to help defray costs like portable toilets and tents and to supplement the annual program.