DUSC Scores With Supporters Club Tournament

Everton (blue) scores the winning goal against Cardiff (white) in the 2012 DUSC Supporters Club Charity Tournament. (image source: christopher dobens)

On Saturday, September 1, 2012, the Downtown United Soccer Club (DUSC) held its 5th Annual Supporters Club Charity Tournament at Pier 40 in Manhattan. Sixteen New York City-based supporters clubs and a team of DUSC teenage all-stars participated in the event, which raised $4,800 for DUSC youth soccer scholarships.

Everton (blue) on the attack against Norwich City (yellow) in the group stage. And, yes, that Mighty Canary on the left is fellow soccer writer Cesar Diaz! (image source: christopher dobens)

The supporters clubs involved included Atletico Madrid, Boca Juniors, Cardiff, Celtic, Chivas, Empire, Ethiopia, Everton, Liverpool, Manchester City, New York Red Bulls, Norwich City, Seoul, Stoke, Tartan Army, and Tottenham Hotspur. The format was 7 vs. 7 with 15 minute matches on a short field.

The teams battled throughout the morning in the group stage. Everton and Liverpool finished atop their respective groups, with DUSC and Celtic finishing second, followed by Ethiopia and Cardiff in third, and Manchester City and Boca Juniors in fourth, respectively.

In the quarterfinals, Everton beat Boca Juniors 1-0, Manchester City took Liverpool 2-0, Cardiff edged DUSC 3-2, and Ethiopia topped Celtic 2-1. Then came the semifinals, both of which went to PKs, with Everton winning 2-1 over Ethiopia and Cardiff winning 3-1 over Man City.

Ethiopia (green) advance against the New York Red Bulls (blue) in the group stage. (image source: christopher dobens)

Everton faced Cardiff in the final, with both sides looking ready for the pub after a long day on the pitch. Everton maintained their form, netting two goals, while Cardiff appeared to have the heavier legs. This was Everton’s second appearance in the tournament, and it turned out to be their second trophy as well, as they held on to beat Cardiff 2-0.

The clubs headed to Mr. Dennehy’s for the post-tournament party, including a complimentary pitcher of Newcastle for each team. But the real winners were the inner-city youth soccer players who will now be able to play for DUSC’s competitive travel teams.

DUSC offers one of the most comprehensive and well-organized youth soccer programs in New York City. And, thanks to fundraisers like this, the non-profit organization is able to provide scholarships for 30 percent of its travel team players.

Cardiff (white) try to put a header on goal against the DUSC all-stars (orange) in the quarterfinals. (image source: christopher dobens)

I had a chance to speak with Paul Jeffries, who is DUSC’s Director of Academy and Recreation. He is also the Executive Director of City Soccer in the Community, a non-profit dedicated to providing inner-city kids the opportunity to play soccer (and a great scouting ground for young athletes worthy of a travel team scholarship).

Jeffries explained the decision to work with local supporters clubs was an easy one, given that they are among the city’s most passionate soccer fans and relatively well-organized. He also noted that the event benefits the supporters clubs as well, giving them an opportunity to bring members together - outside the pub - and do something they love for a good cause.

I was struck by how unusual it is for rival supporters clubs to come together and meet like this, but clearly it was a cause they could all support. In addition to the entry fee of $400 per team, there was also a fantastic raffle and tournament t-shirts for sale.

Everyone had a good sweat, and a lot of fun. And the participating supporters clubs were able to give back to the game they love, investing in the next generation of soccer players.

New York City’s Everton supporters club took the trophy, winning the 5th annual DUSC Supporters Club Charity Tournament. (image source: christopher dobens)

More photos from the 2012 DUSC Supporters Club Charity Tournament can be found on Total Footblog’s Facebook page.

DUSC’s Paul Jeffries, Malorie Greenberg, and Andrew Scruton (l-r) organized the tournament, which raised $4,800 for scholarships for inner-city youth to play on DUSC travel teams. (image source: christopher dobens)

And check out this great video of the event from DUSC youth coach and freelance videographer Adolfo Lee.

This story also appears on Total Footblog: The Crossroads of Global Football & American Soccer. It is a soccer blog written by Christopher Dobens that offers a wide range of commentary, from the local pitch to the global stage.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,

No comments yet.

Leave a Reply