As the time will soon be upon us, who will be making the "Annual Pilgrimage" to Blaine, MN. for the USA Cup this year? I'll be there again, and will look forward to meeting friends old and new again. Hoping to hear from those joining me, soon. Jeff Lancaster, London, England.
Jeff, there will also be a referee academy at the USA Cup this year. There will be some young referees that USSF wants to take a look at, plus a few Top Guys from USSF.
There has been that the last two years that I have been there. They are referred to as "The Dream Team" by the others there! Some of them tend to be given some of the finals to see how they get on. That's been the scenerio since I've been going.
Jeff, I'm not a referee, but I do regularly read (and very occasionally post at) the Arsenal board and appreciate all the help you've given to folks coming over from the states to see the Gunners, which I haven't done yet but hope to next season. I'm also a Minnesota Thunder fan and season ticket holder. If you make it out to any of the Thunder games that are being played during the USA Cup I'll be sure to buy you a beer or two. The Thunder have made a vast improvement in this area this season with Summit, a local brewery, being the official team beer sponsor, rather than the crap Bud products they've served in the past.
I always go and see the Thunder play when I am there. Look me up around the NSC. You will be able to find me, or my schedule in the referee headquarters. Look forward to seeing you. If you need any AFC stuff then let me know. Jeff.
I'll be there - OK, it's easy because I pretty much live at the NSC, but it's always one of the highlights of the year - and I've always learned a lot from the rest of you.
Jeff - Sorry I'll miss you this year - I had knee surgery two weeks ago and I won't be back in shape until August. Will you be back at the Sun Bowl this year?
"CLAYMORE". Sorry to hear that I will be missing you at the USA Cup this year. I have put in my application to "MM" for the "SunBowl" again, and have already booked my flight, so hopefully I will see you then. Get well soon, Jeff.
How rich do you have to be to justify a trip across the pond for a youth soccer tournment? I can't make myself take a week off and drive around lake michigan! They must pay reffs better in england!
Two words - exchange rate. At $1.62 to the pound it's relatively cheap, especially when the tournament provides free housing.
The tournament does not provide free housing. They charge $26 per day to stay in a dorm sharing with 3 other guys. Also the rates of pay are about the worst I have encountered for a U.S. youth tournament. Other ones that I have done this year, (and this is the fourth) pay far more and have better facilities than the USA Cup. The main reason for re-attending is the other people that I meet, and it's like being on a two week vacation with loads of mates! It's certainly not for the "benefits". I could list plenty of other tournaments before the USA Cup if it's for pay and facilities.