Local players of all skill levels are encouraged to participate

Memorial Day weekend, Ft. Nugent fields will become home to Oak Harbor’s first-ever soccer tournament, the Rock On! 3v3.

The tournament is a collaborative effort between Whidbey Island Youth Soccer Association, Whidbey Island Soccer Club, Oak Harbor Youth Soccer Club and many volunteers.

Tournament director River Powers says the event will bring approximately 100 teams of all skill levels and 300 to 500 families to Whidbey Island for the weekend.

She would, however, like to see more local teams sign up, as all skill levels are welcome.

“We are so very excited about this opportunity for our youth, but it seems that we’re having a difficult time getting the word out to our local soccer players,” she said.

The three-on-three soccer game provides plenty of action for the athlete as well as the spectator. Each game consists of two 12-minute halves with no stoppages of play. The playing field is 30 yards wide by 40 yards long with a no-play zone in front of the goal instead of a goalie.

In addition to the games, the tournament will also offer the fast-moving competition of “Goalie Wars,” which is played by two players, each trying to score as much as possible upon the opposing player while simultaneously defending his/her own goal. The game is played in two or three minute halves, depending on the age group, with a one-minute half time. Goalies attempt to score by punting, throwing, kicking, drop kicking, heading, or rolling the ball.

Registration in the Rock On! 3v3 Soccer Tournament is open to age divisions U-8 through U-18. Teams can have a maximum of five players and are guaranteed three games for their $125 registration fee. Deadline to sign has been extended.

“We have extended the registration deadline to May 14 in the hopes that we can yet reach our local players with this information,” Powers said.

For additional information, check out the Whidbey Island Youth Soccer Association Web site at eteamz.com/wiysa, or contact Powers at riverpowers@yahoo.com or 929-2097.

The following sponsors will support the event: Auld Holland Inn, Ballet Slipper, Bay Printing, Bayview Embroidery, BU-10 Kings Soccer Team, City of Oak Harbor, Coachman Inn, Cottage Gift Shop (Orcas Island), Cottage Music, Forbes Refrigeration & HVAC, John Vanderzicht Memorial Pool, Lions Club, Oak Harbor Best Western, Oak Harbor Chamber of Commerce, Oak Harbor Dairy Queen, Oak Harbor Youth Soccer Club, P&L General Contractors, Pizza Factory, Small Talk Language Lessons, West Marine, Whidbey Island Soccer Club, and Whidbey Island Youth Soccer Association.