This past President's Day weekend, 9 teams from La Roca FC traveled to Phoenix, Arizona to play in the nationally ranked President's Day Tournament. Representing the boys were the Under 12, Under 13, Under 16, Under 17 and Under 18 teams. Coaches for the boys included Adolfo Ovalle (under 12 and under 18), Pancho Ovalle (under 13), Danny Parkhurst (under 16), and David Chavez (under 17). The girls traveled with teams from the Under 13, Under 14, and two teams for the Under 15 age group coached by Ray Parkhurst (under 13), Tim Crompton (under 14), Adolfo Ovalle and Ray Parkhurst (under 15). All of the teams played well. The Under 13 boys, Under 13 girls, Under 14 girls and the Under 15 girls went all the way to the finals and all four earned second place finishes.

" It was a great feeling to see the red La Roca jerseys on 4 different fields the day of the finals" said Adolfo Ovalle, La Roca FC Director. La Roca FC was one of the two clubs in the tournament that had four of their teams in the final.

The competition was world class as teams came from all over the globe. Representing the United States were teams from California, Maryland, Oklahoma, Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, Utah, Illinois, Nebraska, Pennsylvania, Hawaii, New York, Texas, Nevada, Alaska. Internationally teams representing New Zealand and Great Britain came and showcased their talents as well. The older teams were exposed to over 100 college coaches that were in attendance.

"I'm so proud of the players and the coaches of those teams. This tournament was a boost of energy and motivation for this coming spring season and for the 2008 Girls State Cup!" said Ovalle.

Utah Youth Soccer Association would like to congratulate these La Roca teams, their coaches, and their collective efforts. We also would like to encourage any team that travels to tournaments to report their successes so that they can be recognized.