This will be the 11th anniversary of the Ostrich Festival Tournament.  The tournament is held each March, coinciding with the city of Chandler's (Arizona) Ostrich Festival.   While most other areas of the country are still shrugging off the effects of a cold winter, we enjoy warm sunny weather ideal for outdoor sports. Teams in age groups U9 through U19 are invited to apply. Come and join in the fun as some of the best young teams meet for a weekend of great soccer!

What is the Ostrich Festival?  Ostrich ranching was once a prominent part of life in Chandler. Chandler and Maricopa County led the nation in raising ostriches for their stylish and expensive plumes. To celebrate the city's rich history as well as provide a first-class community event, the Chandler Chamber of Commerce created the Ostrich Festival in 1989.  You will find a variety of activities, including ostrich races, a carnival, music, and of course, ostrich burgers!

What Else is there to Do?  If great soccer and an Ostrich Festival are not enough for you, how about Major League Baseball?  March is the month of spring training, and Arizona's Cactus League is in full swing.  The Cactus League consists of the Anaheim Angels, Arizona Diamondbacks, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Colorado Rockies, Kansas City Royals, Milwaukee Brewers, Oakland Athletics, San Diego Padres, San Francisco Giants, Seattle Mariners and Texas Rangers.  There are typically 6-8 games being played every day of the month.  Stadiums are located throughout the Valley, most within easy driving distance of the soccer fields.

  Schedules

Referee Registration

Questions?  Contact Mark Thede, Tournament Director, at 480-695-4344 or by email at OstrichFestival@santansoccer.com

Important Dates:   

• Tournament Dates:                    March 13-15, 2009

• Check-In for Local Teams:          March 11, 2009

• Check-In for Outside Teams:      90 Minutes Prior to 1st Game

• Entry Deadline:                         February 15, 2009

Eligible Teams: 

• Eligible Teams:                          US Youth Soccer, US Club Soccer, AYSO, & any other USSF Affiliate Member

• Foreign Teams Accepted:           Yes

• Age Groups Accepted:               U9 thru U19

• Games will be played on fields Snedigar Sportsplex in Chandler, Red Mountain Soccer Complex (Mesa), and the Scottsdale Sports Complex (formerly CAP Basin).  Where possible, entire age groups will be schedule at one complex.  It is possible, although rare, that a few games in a specific age group may be played at another location.

• Out-of town teams will not be scheduled for Friday evening games unless they mark their application as available..  For out-of-town teams, the tournament scheduler will try, but not guarantee, to schedule games to start late morning on Saturday, and to end as early as possible on Sunday.

Play Format:   

Hotel Information:   

• Sports Teams Accommodations

• Contact:  Al Jones

• Tel:  1-800-616-1533, Ext. 104

• Non Toll-Free:  1-250-762-6224, Ext. 104

• Fax:  250-861-3304

• Email:  info6@sportaccom.com

Awards:   

• Trophies awarded to individual players on teams placing 1st or 2nd.

Application to Host (Arizona Youth Soccer Association):

• Application to Host

Tournament Rules:

• Tournament Rules