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Show The Park Record Wed/Thurs/Fri, August 11-13, 2004 B-3 New tourney to focus on game experience Park City soccer club creates first annual tournament SCOTT SINE/R4WC RECORD Children from around the state competed at inaugural Park City Extreme Soccer Tournament. By APIA WALDBURGER Of (he Record staff A little vision can go a long way. For Park City resident and soccer enthusiast. Jim Gundcrson, a small dream became a very large reality this past weekend at the first Park City Extreme Soccer Tournament. "T had an idea last summer that it would he a good idea to have a tournament up here [in Park City)." said Gundcrson who organized the tournament. The idea occurred to Gunderson after traveling at least 30 minutes to attend juvenile soccer tournaments. Gunderson thought it would he beneficial if local kids playing club soccer could have a tournament that was nearby, as well allowing teams from other areas to enjoy the cooler temperatures and wellgroomed fields in the Park City area. "We have been told that we have the best fields in Utah," said Gunderson. Gunderson was also interested in offering a soccer tournament that was based on having a positive athletic experience rather than just intense competition. "Our goal was to provide lots of soccer experience for kids in good conditions," said Gunderson. The tournament was set up in a round robin format, which led into playoffs. Rather than being eliminated after losing in the playoffs, the losing teams continued to play to establish the place in which they finished. 'Hiis design allowed the teams to spend more time on the field in a competitive situation. "We offered 67 percent more games on great fields in great weather," said Gundcrson. More games also means more time spent in Park City. "As a consequence.... we guarantee they play every day." said Gunderson, who did not want teams to travel a long distance for a single elimination tournament. Gundcrson also found that it boosted tourism. "It puts heads on pillows," he said. The inaugural tournament featured 47 teams, with 29 male team and 18 female team entries from all over the state of Utah. The event was sanctioned by the Utah Youth Soccer Association, and was hosted by the Park City Extreme Club, of which Gunderson is now the president. The girls' games were played at the Trailside soccer fields, and the male teams played at Eckcr Hill Middle School. The teams ranged in ages from 11 (U11) to 15(U-15) for boys and from U-ll to U-14 for the girls. The U11 or 15 year old girls had already begun high school play. Gunderson hopes to incorporate a freshman and sophomore practice tournament next year and invite other freshmen and sophomore teams from high schools around the state. Gundcrson also would like to eventually expand the tournament. "In subsequent years, we will be providing an opportunity to Colorado, Wyoming, Idaho Falls to compete and keep it going." Whether or not the event expands, it is already a sizable undertaking. "For a first-year tournament, getting 47 teams and close to 800 teams playing soccer in Park City is quite an accomplishment." said Gunderson. Gunderson also feels that a tournament focused on extensive game experience will help youth to prepare for playing at higher levels. "[Locally] Shane Curran (Park City Extreme Club coaching director) has been doinga good job with our kids to continue to feed our high school with players." said Gunderson. No matter what the eventual benefits may prove to be. it seems as though Gundersons vision is already receiving a positive reaction from those involved. "The response ended up being very satisfactory," said Gunderson. EVERYTHING O L D IS N E W AGAIN. 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Leading up to the regular season, the team has been practicing from noon until 2 p.m. in the heal of the day to prepare for the conditions of the state tournamonl. which will be held in St, George this year. "We have a realistic goal to take No.l singles at state and for the rest of varsity to do well at stale," said McMahon. Until then, the team just wants to get some good experience in competitive match situations. "Our focus is on endurance and consistency." says McMahon. "We're as ready as we can be. The girls that are practicing all year round are going to be ready." Blue'Bear 3nn & RESTAURANT 1235 WARM SVK1NGS HOAD MIDWAY UTAH 435 654-I4OO WWW.THHBLUKBOARINNX'OM SHOWING N E I G H B O R H O O D N E A R Y O U SELECTION. SERVICE. TOURS. SHOWTIMES FRIDAY - SUNDAY 2:OO - 6:OO PM Great high-tech bikes from Specialized, Gary Fisher and Rocky Mountain (or sale and rent Tours from easy rides to major treks in Park City, the Ufntas and even Southern Utah. 25OO W. 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