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Players Can Get Kicks This Weekend

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By STEPHEN HAMMILL, The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 14, 2007

CITRUS PARK - For soccer lovers, this weekend will provide a chance to put feet to ball as hundreds gather for the Five-A-Side Frenzy.

The tournament takes place Saturday and Sunday at the Ed Radice Sports Complex, 14720 Ed Radice Drive.

"This gives soccer players and want-to-be soccer players the opportunity to be part of the beautiful game," said James Ward of the United Soccer League. "This is one of the biggest events on our calendar."

The event is open to kids, teenagers, college-age students and adults of all skill levels. Brackets and schedules are sorted by age group, skill level and gender.

The Five-A-Side Frenzy was launched last year on a pilot scale. In it, teams square off in games of futsal, which features a smaller playing surface than soccer.

"This year, we want to involve the community at large," Ward said.

The league is providing soccer equipment for kids in the Boys & Girls Clubs of Tampa Bay, whose members also can participate in the tournament at no charge.

"It is a great opportunity to get some of our kids into soccer," Ward said.

Started in 1986, the United Soccer League is the largest organization of soccer leagues in North America. The soccer tournament is part of its third annual SoccerFest, held Thursday through Tuesday in Tampa, the home of the organization's headquarters.

The SoccerFest is held in conjunction with the Tampa Bay Sports Commission and comprises the soccer league's annual general meeting and the Super Y-League North American finals.

The annual league general meetings will draw representatives from the league's various tiers of professional soccer.

Organizers said they expect 10,000 participants.

Players and teams can register by visiting www.uslsoccer fest.com.

Reporter Stephen Hammill can be reached at (813) 865-1523 or at shammill@tampatrib.com.

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