SOCCER TOURNAMENT Local Economy Booms, Out-of-Staters take Financial Hit
Reported by: Bryant Somerville
Videographer: Bryant Somerville
Web Producer: Bryant Somerville
July 3, 2009 5:06pm
Eyewitness News Photo
Teams are revved up and ready to go! After 15 months of preparations, the new 16 soccerfield complex in Barboursville is finally getting some action.
More than 270 teams are taking part in this year's Region One Youth Soccer Championship, and those coming from out-of-state say the hospitality has been overwhelming.
"Barboursville's been great," Albany, New York native Wesley Merritt, said. "The people are really, really friendly and real nice."
"Oh, it's a beautiful town, very pretty," Rochester, New York native, Stacy Dobles, said.
"It has been actually wonderful," McLean, Virginia resident, Semir Shaban, said. "The hospitality has been more than what we ever expected."
But something that's unexpected and welcomed at the same time is the economic boost this tournament is giving not only to Barboursville, but surrounding areas as well.
It's been reported that the soccer tournament might bring in millions of dollars to the area, which is great for the Tri-State, but maybe not so great for those who are netting the bill.
"I think for any family it's a financial crunch," Dobles said. "But it's such a great experience for the boys...it's definitely worth doing."
"There's some financial burden, definitely," Merritt said. "We actually look to fundraise a bit and got some grants that come in. That helped out a bit."
It's the old idea that every little bit helps, and for some of these parents, that is what it's all about.
"We go out, we spend, help the local community," Shaban said. "It's just part of the game. If that's the cost we have to pay, so be it."
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