Fenwick, Ohio Elite hosting high school girls soccer showcase

If You Go

What: Elite Girls High School Invitational

When: Saturday-Sunday, July 25-26

Where: Ohio Elite Olberding Training Center, West Chester Twp.

Format: Five 50-minute games per team

Sponsors: Ohio Elite Soccer Academy, Fenwick High School, Nike

MIDDLETOWN — There is a first time for everything.

You wouldn’t normally see a high school soccer team and a club soccer team get together to put on a tournament, but that’s exactly what is happening Saturday and Sunday, July 25-26 at the Ohio Elite Olberding Training Center in West Chester Township.

Fenwick High School varsity girls soccer coach Tom McEwan and Ohio Elite director Doug Bracken have combined resources to host the first Elite Girls High School Invitational.

“We just wanted to put something together as a preseason competitive atmosphere,” said McEwan, who coached the Falcons to the Division II state championship last season.

“It is unique in that high school and club teams are both in the event,” he continued. “Some people view them as direct competitors and that’s what makes this so unique.”

McEwan said there are approximately 30 high school teams and two club teams competing in the event, which also will feature two “showcase” games where the area’s top flight high school and club players will be nominated to play on all-star teams against each other.

“This will allow some college coaches to come and watch a field full of top players from their respective teams,” McEwan said.

Some of the high school teams that will be competing are St. Ursula (2007 and 2008 Division I state champions), Fenwick (2008 Division II state champions), Anderson, Centerville, Springboro, Alter, Ursuline Academy, Madeira and McNicholas among others.

Scheduling has been a real task, McEwan said.

“We’re trying to create matchups that teams won’t normally see in the regular season,” McEwan said. “There are people that said we wouldn’t be able to do this because high school teams won’t participate because the club teams will try to steal players.

“This is a cooperative effort and that’s what makes it unique,” he continued. “I think it will be a tremendously successful weekend.”

Contact this reporter at (513) 705-2852 or sweaver@coxohio.com.