Warrior Soccer Classic kicks off this weekend as one of region’s biggest events

adidas Warrior Soccer Classic

When: Today though Monday

Where: Five area soccer facilities in Huber Heights, Beavercreek Twp., Oakwood and Vandalia

Notable: About 520 youth teams and more than 20,000 visitors are expected in the area this weekend for the 25th anniversary of the event

HUBER HEIGHTS — The adidas Warrior Soccer Classic will bring 520 teams and more than 20,000 people to the Miami Valley this weekend, usual numbers for the massive Memorial Day weekend event.

But this year, on its 25th anniversary, the tournament has seen a big increase in another constituency: referees.

About 425 referees applied to work at the event that runs today through Monday at five area facilities, including the new 50-acre Warrior Soccer Complex in Huber Heights. About 330 referee applications are usual for the event.

“I don’t know where they all came from,” said Carol Maas, the tournament’s co-director.

Some things haven’t changed. The three-day event remains a key stop on the regional youth soccer schedule with games at Thomas Cloud Park in Huber Heights, the Warrior Soccer Complex, Hobson Freedom Park in Beavercreek Twp., Old River Sports Complex in Oakwood and Vandalia Fields.

Participation has remained stable during the past few years with tournament officials saying it would be difficult to go much larger. But with the addition of the current 12-field Warrior Soccer Complex (which could grow larger) and the boost in referee interest, growth becomes a possibility.

“If you don’t have a good official, you can’t play the game,” Maas said. “It’s great to see more of them interested.”

Teams will be grouped into 47 divisions while playing in one of several major youth soccer tournaments to visit the area this year. Next up is the Creek Classic in Beavercreek (June 4-5).

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-7389 or knagel@DaytonDailyNews.com.