Soccer Clubs Have a Ball at 20th Annual Soccer Tournament

The annual Portsmouth Invitational Soccer Tournament will literally kick off this Friday and continue through Sunday as finalists compete for the chance to win New England Revolution tickets and the thrilling opportunity to walk on the Revolution’s field as a team. 

Originally started by the Portsmouth Youth Soccer Club, the tournament is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. The tournament will host the local club, the Portsmouth Pirates, along with 118 other teams, seven of whom hail from out of state.

“It takes all the parents of the Portsmouth Pirates to lend a hand and their time to keep this event going and being successful,” says Jennifer Pitt, assistant director of the tournament.

The tournament has enjoyed a steady growth over the years and committee members and players alike hope it continues drawing interest from out of state clubs.

“After a year of trying out the Portsmouth tournament, they tend to come back and bring along more teams from their clubs for future years. We hope to increase the number of out-of-state teams because it brings new competition for our Rhode Island clubs along with showcasing Aquidneck Island,” says Pitt. 

This year the tournament will run concurrently at two locations: Portsmouth Middle School for the under age 10 teams and the Gardner-Seveney Complex at Glen Farm for all other age groups.

Along with the excitement of the soccer matches, which feature U-8, U-10, U-12, U-14, and U-16 age groups, spectators can spend their time enjoying various vendors selling their wares. 

In addition, spectators can look forward to a special match played by the under 6 micro-pirates on Saturday morning at 9 a.m.

“After the two games, they will travel up to the headquarters tent and receive trophies. As a special surprise we will have the mascot of the New England Revolution Soccer Team there to greet them,” says Pitt of this fun event that is sure to bring levity to the competitiveness of the tournament. “It's a great way to see the future stars of the club.”

Sponsors of the 2011 tournament include Olympic Physical, Therapy, Dick's Sporting Goods, Del's Lemonade, Nor'Easter Soccer Club, Adidas, Boston Specialty Events and NOGA.