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International Polo Club Palm Beach Hosted The American Youth Soccer Organization National Games

WELLINGTON, Fla. – The lush, open grounds of the International Polo Club (IPC) was the playing field for more than 3,000 youth soccer players. With laced-up cleats and unfathomable energy they competed in the American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) National Games, July 4-11.

“The opportunity to host the AYSO National Games was exciting,” said John Wash, president of club operations for IPC. “IPC was honored to have hosted this weeklong competition which had a significant economic impact and to have welcomed so many talented young athletes to our facility. The event was an incredible way to promote understanding and friendship through sport and highlight Palm Beach County as a world-class travel destination.”

The AYSO National Games are held every two years at rotating sites. Working in concert with the Palm Beach County Sports Commission, IPC won the bid to host the 2010 AYSO National Games two years ago. Without the 250 acres offered by IPC the event would not have taken place in Palm Beach County.

With an estimated 10,000 visitors spending on average more than $1,500 for the week on transportation, lodging, meals and entertainment, the AYSO National Games generated an estimated $8 million, $4 million of which is approximated to have been spent on meals and entertainment locally.

The AYSO is the one of the largest youth sports organizations in the U.S. with more than 50,000 teams and 650,000 players. AYSO provides soccer development and instruction for kids ages 4 to 19 in all 50 states and some U.S. territories. It is an opportunity for children from all over the country to come together for fun, sportsmanship, soccer and cultural exchange.

The line-up of events began with the opening ceremonies on July 6 at Palm Beach Central High School. Over 5,000 spectators, soccer players and coaches gathered to officially begin the games. SoccerFest, which took place July 7, shuffled players and coaches into random, one-day teams and served as an opportunity to meet new friends and learn from others.

The games ended on July 11, returning the IPC grounds to members and polo enthusiasts.

About International Polo Club Palm Beach

International Polo Club Palm Beach is located in Wellington, Florida - in the heart of South Florida’s famed horse country. IPC is host to major tournaments and world-class events throughout the Palm Beach Polo Season, including the Highest Goal Polo played in the U.S. and such prestigious competitions as the Iglehart Cup, Joe Barry Memorial Cup, Ylvisaker Cup, C.V. Whitney Cup, and USPA Piaget Gold Cup, culminating with the 107th playing of the coveted USPA U.S. Open Polo ChampionshipTM. The world’s polo elite descend upon Wellington each season to enjoy their love of the sport and the lifestyle in the most prominent and well-equipped polo facility in the nation. IPC features eight manicured polo fields and the Piaget Field, the Nespresso Grande Pavilion, private boxes and viewing stands, tennis courts, a croquet field, a state-of-the-art spa, a lushly landscaped pool deck, après polo celebrations and a fabled gourmet Sunday brunch. The 2011 Palm Beach Polo Season begins on Jan. 2 and concludes on April 17.

For media inquiries please contact Shamin Abas or Elizabeth Rose of Shamin Abas Public Relations, 561.366.1226 or email [email protected] or [email protected].