Yesterday marked the opening ceremonies of the three-day shootout, which this year drew about 5,000 kids on 368 teams from nine states, as well as Mexico, England and Poland.
Shootout is 'like a humongous party'
by Kristen Davis
The Arizona Daily Star
Sat. Jan. 23, 1999
Halloween isn't for another nine months, but you wouldn't know that driving along Craycroft Road yesterday afternoon.
Hundreds of costumed soccer teams wlaked along the street en route to Fort Lowell Park, site of the ninth annual Fort Lowell Shootout youth soccer tournament.
Yesterday marked the opening ceremonies of the three-day shootout, which this year drew about 5,000 kids on 368 teams from nine states, as well as Mexico, England and Poland.
The Revolution, an under-13 boys team from the Phoenix suburb Ahwatukee, was outfitted in millitary uniforms. Soccer tournament pins decorated their black berets and warned of their experience in big events.
"We all have 5 or 4 (pins)," said Jesse Heeney, the team's drill instructor, who sported 14.
Some teams chose a more event-festive look, such as hair spray painted in team colors, antenna headbands topped with mini soccer balls, face-painted logos and plastic soccer balls over ponytails.
"It's like a humongous party that everyone was invited to, like a carnival or something," said Kendrah Walker of Flash Flood, and under-12 girls team from Tucson. Her hair was dyed blue and sprinkled with glitter hearts.
Most of the soccer enthusiasts came for the competition, but enjoyed the offbeat events staged yesterday.
Arcadia, Calif.'s Ice, an under-13 girls team, was among those who circled Ferdie Ato Adoboe as he attempted to establish a Guinness world record for "Speed Juggling." The coach and former professional soccer player juggled the ball on his feet- touching it about 200 times a minute- in 30-second and one-minute intervals.
The crowd was silent as the ball fluttered on his shoe. The act was videotaped and will be sent to officials to review.
"The ball stayed perfectly straight. I don't think that I could ever do that. It's impossible to do even when you're not trying for speed," said Monique Latta, the Ice's center back.
Players looking for competition yesterday found it in the Soccer Olympics, which included a shootout, dribbling relay, accuracy shooting and juggling contests.
"It's a pretty cool, big test of skills," said Heeney, the Revolution's juggling contestant. "If you can pull off 50 juggles, you're off to a good start."
Players also took part in a parade, before which they milled around the park, talking to fellow soccer players.
"I've never been to a tournament where people wear blue wigs and stuff," said Tracy Rodarte of Albuquerque's Rio Grande Salsa under-11 girls team. "My favorite part has been walking around and seeing allthe funky people.
"I think this will probably be more fun (than the games). Tonight we just get to goof off and do whatever."
Last night was likely the only time all 368 teams will be together. Games will be played all of today and tomorrow on 56 fields throughout east and central Tucson.
"This is massive," said Cheryl Gallagher, a member of England's under-16 girls team. "In England tournaments we just play football (soccer), that was it. Over here they make such a big deal about it and that's good. It's really made us feel special."