When is a tournament too big?

[Unregistered]

Looking at the Mt Hood challenge as an example the distance from Athey Creek to Hillsboro High School. Why have such a wide geographical area between your game fields? Seem like most clubs limit their tournament entries based on field availability, which seems contrary to the Mt Hood Challenge. Is this all about lining the pockets of the tournament director? Kind of makes you wonder?

[Unregistered]

Looking at the Mt Hood challenge as an example the distance from Athey Creek to Hillsboro High School. Why have such a wide geographical area between your game fields? Seem like most clubs limit their tournament entries based on field availability, which seems contrary to the Mt Hood Challenge. Is this all about lining the pockets of the tournament director? Kind of makes you wonder?

I agree that traveling all around is not ideal. However, I would prefer that than play at the Chinook Cup tournament. That was such a joke last year. From schedules being changed many, many, many times, poor organization/communication, bad or no show refs, etc..... I would drive all over the metro area for a competant, well ran tournament.

[Unregistered]

I agree that traveling all around is not ideal. However, I would prefer that than play at the Chinook Cup tournament. That was such a joke last year. From schedules being changed many, many, many times, poor organization/communication, bad or no show refs, etc..... I would drive all over the metro area for a competant, well ran tournament.

Here is a crazy suggestion......................skip Mt Hood as Mike Morris is an egotistical ass and the tourney is tring to grow beyond its capability (characterized by the spread in games locations as described).

Skip Chinook Cup as it was ridiculous last year. This year the changes to the schedule might not occur, but the qualityof the available fields is down.

Big surprise here.......how about you skip the tournaments and train instead? I know, it is a radical concept, but yo just night be better prepared for fall league.

[TurfEater]

It's too bad Portland doesn't have a soccer facility like 60-acre park in Redmond/Seattle. They're even adding new fields and improving the parking situation. It's great when all the teams from a particular group are playing at the same time right next to each other. Not to mention it allows for good concessions/etc. It makes for a great feel to the whole tournament.

I guess it's too much to ask the Oregon soccer community to direct some of the significant finances spent on this game to buy some farmland and build some grass fields?

[Unregistered]

It's too bad Portland doesn't have a soccer facility like 60-acre park in Redmond/Seattle. They're even adding new fields and improving the parking situation. It's great when all the teams from a particular group are playing at the same time right next to each other. Not to mention it allows for good concessions/etc. It makes for a great feel to the whole tournament.

I guess it's too much to ask the Oregon soccer community to direct some of the significant finances spent on this game to buy some farmland and build some grass fields?

True - the problem with big tournaments in our area is that the tournament turns into just 'games' for those that have to play far away from the tournament headquarters and the kids don't get the full experience of having all of the stuff the home field has. For instance, t-shirt sales, various vendors, etc. At Crossfire, everything's inclusive where everyone has access. Sure, if they reach the finals, they might get to play at the host field - but most of the teams won't and tshirts may have been sold out or vendors leave smaller venues because there's not enough business. Yes, we're here for soccer, but all of the extras make it a fun tournament.

[Soca lova]

It's too bad Portland doesn't have a soccer facility like 60-acre park in Redmond/Seattle. They're even adding new fields and improving the parking situation. It's great when all the teams from a particular group are playing at the same time right next to each other. Not to mention it allows for good concessions/etc. It makes for a great feel to the whole tournament.

I guess it's too much to ask the Oregon soccer community to direct some of the significant finances spent on this game to buy some farmland and build some grass fields?

If you want it, you've got to support it. CFC has a 10 field complex, Salem is not Portland, but it isn't that far. Someone else was talking about Waterfront vs. LO Nike cup in a different post. Invest to support the resources you want. If no-one invests in it, nothing ever gets better.

[Unregistered]

Single Tournament Site

True - the problem with big tournaments in our area is that the tournament turns into just 'games' for those that have to play far away from the tournament headquarters and the kids don't get the full experience of having all of the stuff the home field has. For instance, t-shirt sales, various vendors, etc. At Crossfire, everything's inclusive where everyone has access. Sure, if they reach the finals, they might get to play at the host field - but most of the teams won't and tshirts may have been sold out or vendors leave smaller venues because there's not enough business. Yes, we're here for soccer, but all of the extras make it a fun tournament.

Lake Oswego tried to do that last year at the Polo Fields. There were first year challenges but the complaining was over the top. I don't know if that was the reason the site isn't being used this year or if it's something simpler -- like money, but it's too bad that it was abandoned so quickly. It would have been nice to see if some milder weather, more water, fewer fields and a little more organization could have made the site a success.

[Unregistered]

Waterfront

If you want it, you've got to support it. CFC has a 10 field complex, Salem is not Portland, but it isn't that far. Someone else was talking about Waterfront vs. LO Nike cup in a different post. Invest to support the resources you want. If no-one invests in it, nothing ever gets better.

Waterfront is a well run tournament and all games are on site as well as concessions. This is not a tournament for premier level teams however. If you are a Classic level team then I can't see why you would pay the over inflated price that LO is charging for their mediocre tournament when you could do Waterfront and get a much better experience for your team.

[Soca lova]

You are right!

Waterfront is a well run tournament and all games are on site as well as concessions. This is not a tournament for premier level teams however. If you are a Classic level team then I can't see why you would pay the over inflated price that LO is charging for their mediocre tournament when you could do Waterfront and get a much better experience for your team.

You are absolutely right from the classic side. I have heard they would like this to be a premier tournament also if they could get the teams to show. They certainly have the boys house teams to make this so. Three state champions, two multiple year, as well as regional semifinalists. The teams just need to show up.