[Foley, AL, November 2019] — As the fall travel soccer season comes to a close, thousands of soccer players are heading to Foley, AL to take part in the Snap Soccer Coastal Academy Cup, November 23 – 24. Many teams have used the event as a way to close out their fall season and its easy to see why.
Snap Soccer Operations Director, Zack Touchstone, said that over 160 teams from 6 different states are coming in town for the event. The Coastal Academy Cup will feature divisions for both boys and girls, ranging in age from U8 – U15 as well as special combine brackets for players born in 2008. The combine brackets are set up in a partnership with Alabama FC, an E.C.N.L. program based in Birmingham, AL. Directors from ALFC will be in town to watch both the girls and boys groups in hopes of finding future ECNL talent. This is the second year that Alabama FC has partnered with SnapSoccer on this event.
Now in its fifth year, Touchstone said word is getting around about the Coastal Academy Cup.
“It has grown every year,” Touchstone said. “We are nearing max capacity.”
Touchstone contributes the event growth to the amazing facilities, wonderful staff and local attractions. In order to keep teams coming back, the Snap Soccer staff continues looking for ways to make the tournament a real draw.
A unique element this year is a free night at the Park at OWA for all registered players and coaches on November 22 from 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. John Guidroz, Snap Soccer Founder said, “We wanted to offer something different and allow families to make memories while they attending the event”. “Oftentimes soccer families are don’t get to hang out with other players or meet new families. Purchasing tickets for all these kids is our way of attempting to connect the soccer community while they are in town”. Family and friends travelling with those participating can get in for a discounted rate.
Foley Sports Tourism (FST) Deputy Director, Don Dukemineer, said it’s these types of additional activities prove how great a partner Snap Soccer is.
Dukemineer explained. “The night out at OWA allows visitors to experience some of what Foley has to offer. We hope this will encourage them to return and discover more, whether it be for another tournament or a relaxing vacation.”
The Coastal Academy Cup is open to the public. There is a $5 charge for parking. For more information on the Coastal Academy Cup, visit the event website.
