Waltham, MA. 25^th November 2009; Mass Premier Soccer is set to host the inaugural MPS College Showcase Tournament this weekend from November 27^th – 29^th, 2009.

The MPS Thanksgiving event becomes the first showcase tournament to be held in Massachusetts over the traditionally busy college recruiting weekend.  To date, the event has over 50 college coaches registered to attend which includes three higher education institutions from the Republic of Ireland. 

In conjunction with Global Premier Soccer and Education Ireland (educationireland.ie), Irish representatives from Dundalk, Sligo and Carlow (who recently announced the offering of the first ever Bachelor of Arts program in Sports and Exercise in soccer) will all be present in the search for US based players who may be interested in furthering their education in Ireland.

“The addition of the Irish schools adds a nice touch of international flavor to the event,” said MPS Leagues and Tournaments Director James Hamblin.  “We are excited to work with Education Ireland and GPS to provide another option for the student-athletes at our tournament.  The MPS Showcase event fills a void in the region as we bring elite talent to the doorstep of college coaches during this active recruiting period.”

Massachusetts plays host to over 80 colleges and the MPS College Showcase is an opportunity for college recruiters to view the top talent from local and regional teams.  To date, 70 college coaches are registered to attend which include representation from NCAA Division I, II and III of both the men’s and women’s collegiate game.  For a full listing please click HERE  

Attending the tournament will be 56 teams which include the MPS Bulldogs / Renegades, MPS Crusaders / Lady Crusaders, NEFC, NE Aztecs, FC Stars of Mass and Scorpions Elite.  These teams are joined by teams from Maine, Rhode Island and New York.  For a full listing please click HERE 

“We have had tremendous feedback from college coaches who are delighted that we have provided an avenue to showcase the most talented players in the region close to home,” said Hamblin.  “We look forward to an exciting event as we assist in the college recruiting process for schools from both the US and Ireland.”

As part of the MPS College Showcase, players and families are encouraged to attend the Division I NCAA tournament men’s soccer third-round contest between 10th-seeded Harvard and defending national champion Maryland on Sunday, Nov. 29 at 1 p.m. at Ohiri Field.  For full ticket information, please click HERE 

For more information on the MPS College Showcase, please contact Craig Smillie on 781-891-6900 ext.32 or csmillie@mpsbr.com