Far West Soccer is Free Kick to Local Economy

What is the dollar value of 250 teams and nearly 20,000 visitors to the Treasure valley for the Far West Soccer Regional s?

The estimates vary but it's in the millions, like 15 million in Boise and another 5 million for Meridian.

Boise hotels are filled and the run over into Meridian hotels has spread the wealth across the valley.

This is the third time in five years the Far West Regional soccer Tournament has been held at the Simplot Sports Complex in Boise and guess what.....it's coming back next year as well.

Bill Taylor, the President of the Idaho Youth Soccer Association says when folks first set eyes on the 20-field sports complex with the Boise foothills as a backdrop they are in awe.

Taylor also points out the tournaments success is all the more reason for Boise to add a new baseball facility that will also be home to pro soccer.

Taylor saying how great it would be to hold the championship games in a professional; arena. He points to the influx of millions of dollars as justification for a major sports venue downtown.

All 250 teams are currently playing round robin games as they attempt to qualify for the quarterfinals, semi's and championship games which will be played Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Thursday is a rest day following three guaranteed group games for each of the 250 teams. That's 750 total round robin games by Wednesday and then the real fun begins as team try and qualify for the National tournament next month in Kansas.

By the way, tournament officials give a big shout out to all the volunteers who make the tournament run smoothy, including members of the Idaho National Guard.

As for Boise teams, it's too early to tell how many will make it to the knockout rounds but one thing all the local players agree on, it' nice to sleep in your own bed and enjoy mom's cooking.