San Tan Ostrich Festival Tournament

                         March 13-15, 2009

 

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

 

Age Group Entry Fee
U9-U11 $385
U12 - U16 $445
U17 & Above $475

 

                    Important Dates

          Eligible Teams

                    Hotel Information

          Referee Registration

Play Format

          Tournament Rules

                    Team Check-In

          Field Maps & Driving Directions

                    Application to Host

          Weather & Driving Restrictions

 

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:   

Age Group Players Must be Born on or after Game Format Game Length Ball Size
U9
August 1, 1999
8 v 8 Including Goalkeeper
(2) 25-Minute Halves
4
U10
August 1, 1998
8 v 8 Including Goalkeeper
(2) 25-Minute Halves
4
U11
August 1, 1997
8 v 8 Including Goalkeeper
(2) 30-Minute Halves
4
U12
August 1, 1996
11 v 11 Including Goalkeeper
(2) 30-Minute Halves
4
U13
August 1, 1995
11 v 11 Including Goalkeeper
(2) 35-Minute Halves
5
U14
August 1, 1994
11 v 11 Including Goalkeeper
(2) 35-Minute Halves
5
U15 August 1, 1993 11 v 11 Including Goalkeeper (2) 40-Minute Halves 5
U16 August 1, 1992 11 v 11 Including Goalkeeper (2) 40-Minute Halves 5
U17 August 1, 1991 11 v 11 Including Goalkeeper (2) 45-Minute Halves 5
U18 August 1, 1990 11 v 11 Including Goalkeeper (2) 45-Minute Halves 5
U19 August 1, 1989 11 v 11 Including Goalkeeper (2) 45-Minute Halves 5

 

 

 

 

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):

Tournament Rules:

Team Check-In:    (Teams Located in the Valley Only)

  • All teams are required to do an initial check-in.  One team representative must come to the official team check-in.

  • Location:  Holiday Inn Ocotillo     1200 W Ocotillo Rd, Chandler, AZ 85248 (northwest corner of WOcotillo Rd & S Alma School Rd)

  • Check-in is available from 6:00pm until 8:30pm on Wednesday evening, March 11th.

  • Team representative must provide finalized roster, laminated player passes, medical release/waivers, and birth certificates.

  • Tournament entry fee for late entries must be paid at this time.

  • Check-in process will take approximately 20 minutes.

Team Check-In:    (Out-of-Town Teams Only)

  • All teams are required to do an initial check-in.  One team representative must check in the team prior to the first game.

  • Location will be main tent at the soccer complex where your first game is held. 

  • Check-in must be done at least 90 minutes before the first game.  Please recognize that tournament officials may not be readily available.

  • Check-in process will take approximately 20 minutes.

  • Team representative must provide finalized roster, laminated player passes, medical release/waivers, and birth certificates.

Teams and Schedules

Field Maps

  • Red Mountain Soccer ComplexEast of Power Rd in Mesa, north of University Dr.

  • Scottsdale Sports Complex (formerly CAP Basin):  Princess Drive, east of Loop 101

    • Address:  8081 East Princess Dr     Scottsdale, AZ 85255

    • Mapquest Link

Weather & Driving Restrictions Update