A youth soccer championship taking place this weekend is expected to bring in millions of dollars for the local economy, according to a news release Thursday from the Wilmington area's tourism agency.

“Based on participant numbers provided by event organizers, the 23rd Annual Seaside Soccer Classic will generate approximately $1.67 million in direct visitor spending in New Hanover County,” said Kim Hufham, president and CEO of the New Hanover County Tourism Development Authority, in the release. “Using a conservative 2.5 multiplier, the total economic impact of this tournament will be approximately $4.19 million.”

The championship, which is sanctioned by the N.C. Youth Soccer Association, will be hosted by the Wilmington Hammerheads Youth FC from May 21-22 at city of Wilmington and New Hanover County parks and recreational facilities. 

This year’s Seaside Soccer Classic will host 297 teams from North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia and Georgia, according to Wilmington Hammerheads Youth FC tournament director Dani Pittman. Each team consists of an average of 14 players.

All but 37 local teams will travel from out of town, and each of the 4,200 players is expected to be accompanied by three or four family members, according to the news release. Additionally, 275 coaches and 160 referees are expected to accompany the teams.

During the tournament, the majority of the participants and their families will stay at a variety of hotels and shop, dine and play in local establishments, according to Thursday's release from the Wilmington and Beaches Convention & Visitors Bureau, which is operated by the tourism development authority.

“Hosting a regional youth soccer championship such as this provides Wilmington and our island beaches with a great opportunity to showcase the destination to families who are traveling from our top feeder markets,” said Hufham. “We hope the players and their families enjoy their visit and return for future tournaments and vacations.”
 
For more information about the 2016 Seaside Soccer Classic, visit www.wilmingtonhammerheadsyouth.com.