Here's a release on what was a pretty successful youth soccer tournament last year returning to West Haven next week.

The West Haven Youth Soccer League is holding its second annual West Haven Invitational Tournament Oct. 9 and 10 at four soccer venues across the city.


Last year saw 57 teams with more than 1,500 players, parents and team officials from around the state participate in the inaugural tournament, and organizers anticipate an even bigger turnout this year, league President John A. Vinci said.

“Many of the teams coming this year are returning from last year,” Vinci said. “They have indicated that they had a great time last year and are looking forward to coming to West Haven again.”

Of the more than 3,000 expected to come out en masse for the Columbus Day weekend tourney, about 500 boys and girls ranging between ages 9 and 14 are from West Haven’s five teams, Vinci said.

Other communities represented with teams include Brookfield, Fairfield, Ivoryton, Manchester, Middletown and Weston.

The two-day tournament is set for 10 soccer fields that make up Peterson and Veterans fields on Bull Hill Lane, Duffy Field on Morgan Lane and Ken Strong Stadium on Educational Way.

Opening ceremonies, with Mayor John M. Picard as guest host, are set to kick off at 8:30 a.m. Oct. 9 at the flagpole on Duffy Field, which is next to Bailey Middle School.

The public is invited.