2,500 Athletes, $5.5 Million Impact In Massive Montco Soccer Tourney

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, PA — The recent massive youth soccer tournament in Montgomery County drew in 2,500 players from 15 states as well as some $5.5 million in economic impact, according to tourism officials.

The numbers made what authorities had believed to be true, official: the US Youth Soccer Eastern Presidents Cup was the largest sporting event in Montgomery County history.

"Valley Forge Sports continues to show why Montco is a hotbed for all sports," the Valley Forge Tourism and Convention Board's Director of Sports Jon Scheuren said in a statement. "The destination provides everything a tournament needs to be successful and exactly what a family needs to have a great experience."

All told, 120 teams competed in the weekend event, with games hosted at the Proving Grounds in Conshohocken and Plymouth Whitemarsh High School this past weekend. In addition to the thousands of athletes, family members, and fans, 60 referees from around the country participated.

Several other major events are upcoming, including the Pottstown Rumble, the largest grass doubles volleyball tournament in the world, the We Run the World Flag Football Tournament, which is the country's largest all-girls flag football tourney, national lacross championships, and much more.

The tourism bureau estimates the 10 natonal championships or tournaments held in Montgomery County this year will generate 13,500 hotel room nights, along with $11 million in economic impact for Montgomery County.