Big Ten Men's soccer coming to Fort Wayne

It was announced today that for the first time ever all seven Big Ten Mens soccer teams will be coming to Fort Wayne next year for the National Soccer Festival held at IPFW. “We awarded 10-thousand dollars to the National Soccer Festival to attract the Big Ten Tournament here” says John Urbahns, Director of Community Development for The City of Fort Wayne. That money comes from a sports business development grant: its purpose is to bring amateur-sports tournaments to town. IPFW is an ideal host for the Big Ten teams based upon its location. “Were pretty much smack in the middle of them geographically” says Urbahns. The Hefner soccer complex out at IPFW is also one of the few facilities capable of hosting the festival. The Big Ten Challenge is likely to attract large crowds. Local college soccer teams will also be involved. “This involves not just the Big Ten but it involves IPFW, St. Francis, Indiana Tech that have soccer teams” adds Urbahns. “Personally I think its going to be great because we are playing against Michigan State” says IPFW Men’s Assistant Soccer Coach, Bronn Pfeiffer. Michigan State Mens soccer took home the Big Ten title last year. “Its a great opportunity as a program at IPFW” adds Pfeiffer. Local youth and high school programs will benefit as well. “We always tell them to go out and watch quality soccer and now it comes to their backyard” says Pfeiffer. “The big ten has made leaps and bounds in mens soccer” adds IPFW Men’s Soccer Head Coach, Mike Harper. The 2010 National Soccer Festival will take place August 26 through the 29.