This will be the 10th anniversary of the Ostrich Festival Tournament.  The tournament is held in March  in beautiful Chandler, Arizona.  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 U10 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.

Final Schedules (Revised 7:45pm, 3/4/08)

Referee Registration

Questions?  Call Mark Thede, Tournament Director, at 480-695-4344

Important Dates:   

• Tournament Dates:                    March 7-9, 2008

• Check-In for Local Teams:          March 5, 2008

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

• Entry Deadline:                         February 8, 2008 (NOTE: Deadline is extended to February 13th)

Eligible Teams: 

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

• Foreign Teams Accepted:           Yes

• Age Groups Accepted:               U10 thru U19

• Games will be played on fields in the Tempe-Chandler-Gilbert area.  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.

• In general, out-of town teams will not be scheduled for Friday evening games.  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.

Hotel Information:   

• Sports Teams Accommodations

• Contact:  Neville Devir

• Tel:  250-762-6224  ext 105

• Fax:  250-861-3304

• Email:  info9@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