The Anticipation: Early Mornings and Long Drives
As a parent, if you haven’t attended your first big soccer tournament yet, you’re in for a treat (and some early mornings, long days and possibly long drives). We attended many tournaments like Jefferson Cup with our son, but the ones that stick out most in my memory are the huge EDP tournaments in Hammonton, NJ.
We lived in Manhattan, so our day one of the tournament began with a pre-dawn departure for the 3 hour drive to South Jersey. The first time, we had no idea what to expect but as the GPS told us we were getting close, things seemed a little…rural.
Picking up makeshift tournament signs, we made a turn off a two-lane highway and after going down a gravel road for a bit, suddenly came upon a vista of seemingly innumerable soccer pitches laid out in a patchwork before our eyes – welcome to Tuckahoe Turf Farms! This is literally what it sounds like – huge fields of turf meant for harvesting to be used in lawns around the region. I presume having thousands of kids in cleats running all over the fields helps aerate the turf, or at worst does no harm. And generates some extra income for the farm.
A Soccer Village (A Field of Dreams)
It’s quite a sight…flags marking the corners of each pitch as far as the eye can see, lots of colors due to a panoply of uniforms and tents scattered everywhere. In the middle of it all is a central lane lined with larger flags, tents, merchandise and food trucks…all in all, a small town. Once you figure out where to park and the overall lay of the land, you set out for the appropriate pitch for your team’s first match. This can be quite a hike, and it can be easy to get lost – but that’s part of the fun, scanning crowds on the sidelines of each pitch, looking for teammates or familiar fellow parents.
Game Time: Excitement and Nerves
Approaching the field, your anticipation – and even nervousness – starts to build. After all, your child is about to be tested against some of the top players and teams from Virginia to Ontario. Maybe victory and glory awaits – maybe not. But it is going to be fun no matter what. The great thing about a good tournament is that you feel part of a large community…a community of “futbolistas” as the Spaniards say. They foster a positive collective environment that benefits players, coaches, and families, and support clubs in their growth and development…a long-term process that can be distilled and accelerated in the tournament atmosphere.
Beyond the Game: Player Development and Exposure
On a more prosaic note, EDP tournaments are designed to help youth soccer players reach their full potential, both on and off the field, by providing high-quality competition and developmental opportunities. A key focus is exposure for players to college coaches and scouts, especially in showcase events, supporting aspirations to play at the collegiate level. These tournaments offer structured, fair, and challenging matches for teams of various skill levels, from local clubs to top national programs. Events cater to a wide range of ages (typically 8U to 19U, sometimes up to 23U) and are carefully bracketed to match teams by competitive level. For older age groups, especially high school-aged players, showcases are organized to maximize visibility to college coaches, with set schedules to aid recruiting.
The Weekend Routine: Matches, Meals, and Memories
Over the 2-3 days of the tournament, your team will play several games (the total being determined by how far you advance). You’ll be grabbing food between games, hiking from one field to another. Wondering about the next opponent…checking results and standings online. Hope springing eternal. Your child will be very tired after playing multiple games over a couple of days, so sleep won’t be an issue (hopefully you booked a nearby hotel early). This is good, because you’ll be busy washing sweaty, dirty uniforms and other gear – ideally, there’s a nearby laundry facility but be prepared to use the sink or tub in your room (this too is part of the fun, or try to think of it that way). Note: Upon reading this, Gloria has reminded me that it was actually she who did the dirty uniform washing part, and isn’t sure she recalls this part being quite so much fun.
Team Bonding and Club Spirit
Your team will bond and become closer. Probably your club too as when there is time, or if your team is eliminated, you might be cheering for another age group team fielded by your club. I know it’s a cliche, but in the end it doesn’t really matter how far your team advances (ok, getting to the final is kinda cool). But it’s the experience and the moments that matter, and for us, there were many. These are some of our best memories of our youth soccer journey.
Wrapping Up: Heading Home and Looking Ahead
A lot happens over the course of the event, but the time goes by quickly. Soon you are packing up and joining a cavalcade of vehicles emptying out the fields and leaving the turf to recover and reconstitute itself. The kids are tired but happy, and you start to reflect on what’s next on your soccer journey. Hopefully, more tournaments!
Pro Tip: Don’t Miss the Farm Stand!
Enjoy your tournament experiences – and, pro tip, if you do go to Hammonton, stop at the farm stand at the turnoff to enter the turf farm. You can eat a great meal there, shop the little market – and take home one of their amazing pies.
Ron Stitt
Soccer Dad & Co-Founder of US Soccer Parent
