US Club Soccer – a prominent member of the U.S. Soccer Federation and the leading organization developing soccer clubs across America – estimates a $12.2 million direct economic impact for Westfield from its 2017 league-based and cup-based national championships.
The 2017 NPL Finals, held from July 13 to 17, is the targeted destination for 22 regional NPL member leagues across the country in 13U through 19U boys and girls age groups. Hosted from July 21 to 24, the National Cup XVI Finals serve as the culminating event of US Club Soccer’s cup-based countrywide championship series, welcoming 13U through 19U boys and girls squads. In total, more than 300 teams and 8,000 of America’s top youth players will participate in these prestigious youth soccer competitions.
“US Club Soccer is proud of the economic impact that our national championships are expected to provide to Westfield,” says Kevin Payne, US Club Soccer CEO. “We hope all participants and families have an unforgettable experience on and off the field during the events. Once again, Grand Park and the City of Westfield have graciously hosted our national finals, and we look forward to working with them this month and in the future.”
In 2017, the National Association of Sports Commissions confirmed US Club Soccer as host to two of the largest youth sports events in Indiana. The estimated monetary injection includes direct spending attributed to nearly 12,000 total hotel room nights, $550,000 in rental car expenses and $425,000 in food and beverage consumption, among others. By comparison, the National Softball Association Girls Fast Pitch ‘B’ World Series produced $2.1 million in direct economic impact for the state in 2016.
“We are thrilled to welcome US Club Soccer back to our home for the second time in three years,” says Andy Cook, Mayor of Westfield. “Hosting these tournaments provides a unique opportunity to raise awareness of our city to a coast-to-coast audience and significantly help our economy prosper at the local level.”
All National Cup XVI Finals and NPL Finals matches will take place at Grand Park, which is 20 miles north of downtown Indianapolis and suited well for a national championship setting. It has 31 soccer fields, 26 baseball/softball diamonds and a pair of indoor facilities spanning more than 400 acres. US Club Soccer hosted the 2015 NPL Finals and National Cup XIV Finals at Grand Park two summers ago.