Mark your calendars for Jan. 18-21, 2008. During that weekend, Councilwoman Neely, the Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department and the Arizona Youth Soccer Association will host the U.S. Youth Soccer Olympic Development Program Region IV Championships. Featuring some of the nation’s top youth soccer players, this premier tournament will take place at the newly-built Reach 11 Sports Complex and the Rose Mofford Sports Complex.

The U.S. Youth Soccer Olympic Development Program, or ODP as it is more commonly called, is a national program for elite players that identifies and develops youth players throughout the nation to represent their state associations, regions and the U.S. National Teams in soccer competition.

“The city of Phoenix is honored to host the ODP Regional IV Championships. This tournament will enhance our dedication to providing future premier tournaments in a state-of-the-art facility like the Reach 11 Sports Complex,” said Neely.

“The ODP tournament is evidence that Reach 11 already has become a premier soccer venue," said Sara Hensley, director of the Parks and Recreation Department. "This complex is exceeding our expectations in becoming a true multi-sport and event location."

“U.S. Youth Soccer Region IV is excited to come to Arizona for our ODP Regional Championships. The 14 state associations in the West will be bringing their best players to compete in this tournament. These are the players you will see in the future on the men's and women's national teams. We look forward to working with Arizona Youth Soccer Association and the city of Phoenix to make this a fantastic event on Jan. 18-21, 2008. It will be a great opportunity for people in Arizona to come and watch some of the best youth soccer players and games they will ever get a chance to see at this level,” said Jolene Woodhave, region IV director.

“We understand that this is a high-profile event, and with an amazing complex like REACH 11, we hope to keep it here for many years to come. Bringing this tournament to Phoenix demonstrates our desire to be a world-class destination for youth soccer tournaments, and our local visitor industry will work hard to deliver a level of hospitality and service that is as memorable as our sunny weather and scenic beauty,” said Marc Garcia with the Greater Phoenix Convention & Visitors Bureau.

In addition, the championship will coincide with the introduction of the first-ever 8v8 ODP friendlies, a developmental tournament featuring the nation’s younger ODP athletes playing eight players per team, which will be held at Pecos Park.

For more information on tournament sponsorship opportunities, contact the Arizona Youth Soccer Association at 602-433-9202