Snap Soccer set an attendance record at the 2023 Publix SuperCup with more than 300 teams from all over the country and the organization says they could see it getting even bigger!
The competition began in 2007 as the Flora-Bama Showcase in Partnership with Perdido Bay FC with just 75 teams attending. In 2013 it was rebranded as the Publix SuperCup. By that time the tournament had grown so large that the team made the decision to split it into two weekends, one boys and one girls, in order to accommodate the high demand of teams wanting to attend.
This year the SuperCup drew 307 teams to Foley, AL from as far as Illinois, Tennessee, and Arkansas. Snap Soccer Operations Director, Zack Touchstone said the continued growth and popularity is due to the perfect storm of factors.
“The Publix SuperCup really brings together so many wonderful things,” Touchstone explained. “There are multiple levels of competition at a top-notch facility, drawing a range of teams from several states. Youth soccer teams love the opportunity to compete against teams from other parts of the country and the Publix SuperCup gives them that. We had a few brackets with teams from 5 different states! Also, we have a full time staff that is committed to enterprise level customer service. With teams flying and driving in, it’s important to maintain great communications and a solid schedule. Like I said, It’s not just one thing that makes this event successful, it’s all those pieces put together.”
The success of the event resulted in $1,764,564 in economic impact for the City of Foley. Foley’s Executive Director of Leisure Services David Thompson said the strong partnership between Snap and the City is the reason the event can put up those kinds of numbers.
“Snap Soccer has a long standing reputation as one of the best event operators in the business,” Thompson said. “They want to work with us and Publix SuperMarkets year after year to improve the visitor experience. Together we all strive to make sure every Publix SuperCup attendee has fond memories of their time in Foley and looks to come back year after year.”
Despite the record-setting year, Snap Soccer doesn’t plan to rest on their laurels.
“The Public SuperCup has been a September staple in the soccer community for more than 15 years,” Touchstone said. “We are already in conversations with clubs who are looking to come next year”
For more information on the Publix SuperCup or any Snap Soccer events contact Zack Touchstone at zack@snapsoccer.com
