Its time for clubs to combine summer tournaments.

[Unregistered]

Here we go again, another lame summer of Oregon soccer tournaments. FC Portland hasn't had a decent draw in at least three years, Westside not much better, THUSC better than most but still not respectable, Eastside hasn't had a decent tournament in over 5 years, Chinook Cup (SSC) definitely not what it used to be. Oswego Nike Cup has been consistently successful, but this year looks to be a struggle for the first time in years.

Why wouldn't clubs like Westside, FC Portland, and THUSC consolidate their efforts and put on one single tournament and split the profits three ways? Westside can organize the boys side, THUSC the girls, and FC Portland can organize the high school teams in a showcase over at Nike which is a fabulous venue? Oswego will do fine running their own tournament, while Eastside should consider working with VUSA to offer a true Border Clash, with Eastside running the boys, and VUSA the girls. I bet giving Washington fewer options, along with having the best Oregon has to offer at one or two single tournaments will draw in not only Washington teams, but potentially Idaho and Northern Cal. Half the problem is not enough clubs support one another, leaving a watered down offering. No one wants to pay the money to travel for one, maybe two quality matches. Thoughts?

[Unregistered]

Great Idea

I wish you could make it happen. Your recap is right on the money. It would be better for the community too having one or two big tournaments with teams that travel here and stay for a few days than the same teams playing each other again. Or worse yet, 4 teams from the same club filling half or more of a bracket.

[Unregistered]

Bend Premier Cup

The tournament in Bend on August 5-7 doesn't fit the idea of combining tournaments, but seems like it might be a good one. The tourney website says teams from OR, WA, NV, ID, and CA have already registered. If nothing else, Bend is a great place for other outdoor activities.

[Unregistered]

THat's like saying let's have the in- laws over for THanksgiving and Christmas!

[Unregistered]

Westside is Adidas and FC PDX is Nike. These clubs are not allowed to consolidate their efforts due to their ties with their sponsorships.

A couple clubs do share tournaments, but not enough. 2 clubs sharing won't do it. You're going to need to see 3-5 clubs mix for there to be any major success.


I do really enjoy your idea.

[Unregistered]

Coming from a Bend Parent

We love in-laws !!!! It is a beautiful part of the state and a great venue. Bend has the luxury of tying in with other state's Nike Rush teams some of who will be there. Come on down!!!

[Unregistered]

We participated in the Bend tournament last year and loved it!

Too many egos in the clubs to combine tournaments.. why do you think they're separate clubs in the first place?

[Unregistered]

Something needs to change and fast.

I think the new reality is this. The WA ECNL clubs are not coming to Oregon, because they're already hop scotching across the country playing against the top competition spending big bucks. Why spend another $500-$600 to face less than mediocre competition. The NWCL is another reason we're not seeing the good WA clubs come down in the summer. They have already faced the best OR teams two or three times and don't need to play them again. Given the current economic situation, the old blueprint of every club hosting their own summer tournament no longer works. Bend works because of their association with Rush, and it's a great destination, Oswego works because it has a great spot on the calendar and has a good reputation for putting on a nice tournament. Everyone else is fighting for the scraps, and there just isn't enough to go around. FC Portland can blame cancelling their tournament on field issues, but the reality is no one cares, and they won't care going forward, same with Eastside, Westside and THUSC. Just like any good business, you have to have a solid niche, and none of these clubs have one.

[Unregistered]

I think the new reality is this. The WA ECNL clubs are not coming to Oregon, because they're already hop scotching across the country playing against the top competition spending big bucks. Why spend another $500-$600 to face less than mediocre competition. The NWCL is another reason we're not seeing the good WA clubs come down in the summer. They have already faced the best OR teams two or three times and don't need to play them again. Given the current economic situation, the old blueprint of every club hosting their own summer tournament no longer works. Bend works because of their association with Rush, and it's a great destination, Oswego works because it has a great spot on the calendar and has a good reputation for putting on a nice tournament. Everyone else is fighting for the scraps, and there just isn't enough to go around. FC Portland can blame cancelling their tournament on field issues, but the reality is no one cares, and they won't care going forward, same with Eastside, Westside and THUSC. Just like any good business, you have to have a solid niche, and none of these clubs have one.

I totally agree about NWCL. And I think the Oregon teams should follow suit. NWCL assures you get to see the best of Oregon and Washington a few times, so why spend the summer playing each other. In addition, Oregon teams already play each other way to much...

[Unregistered]

Take a trip outside the valley

I totally agree about NWCL. And I think the Oregon teams should follow suit. NWCL assures you get to see the best of Oregon and Washington a few times, so why spend the summer playing each other. In addition, Oregon teams already play each other way to much...

Go to the Bend Premier Cup in August and you'll play some new teams. Even some Oregon teams you don't play against much.