Indiana Soccer Association and Global Digital Sports, LLC supported by leading esports and gaming organization supported by sabermetrics platform GYO Score have announced the 2020 Indiana Soccer eCup, a FIFA esports tournament available to all soccer players associated with Indiana Soccer. Beginning Friday, April 10, players on Xbox One and PlayStation 4 will be put into World Cup-style brackets and grouped into two categories: 13 – 15 years of age and 16 – 19 years of age.
The group stage will take place on Friday, April 10 and tournament finals will take place Saturday, April 11. First day players will play through a group stage for seeding and day two players will compete in a single-elimination bracket to determine the winner. The tournament is part of a larger initiative to keep kids engaged during the Coronavirus outdoor suspension and help develop their understanding of the game while complimenting the grass model for Indiana Soccer’s youth soccer organizations.
“With the soccer closure extended, this is a significant step to make sure parents are being proactive in ensuring their kids don’t feel ‘trapped’ by the situation,” said Derek Pew, CEO of Harena Data. “With the eCup tournament, we’re mirroring traditional grass league soccer and its structure to encourage youth to remain competitive while they’re staying indoors.”
“I read recently that by the time the current generation reaches their 21st birthday they will have played 10,000 hours of video games. Unfortunately, there are a number of video games that don’t have any redeemable value and several that I find highly questionable. I think it’s time that we as parents, coaches, and administrators invest in this digital space and do what we can to influence how and where these young folks are spending so much of their formative time. Playing the digital game of soccer improves cognitive development and teaches the tactical and conceptual aspects of the game at a more rapid rate than when actually playing the grass version of the game. I am excited for the opportunity esports provides for parents, coaches and clubs to safely interact with the players; especially during this most difficult time.” said Dave Guthrie, Executive Director of Indiana Soccer.
“We are delighted and excited to support Indiana’s Soccer initiatives to keep kids and adults alike staying connected to the sport of soccer in these unprecedented times. The growth of esports is something we at Indy Eleven have taken notice of, and for the players involved, it’s a great way to stay connected with others who love this sport and celebrate fans of the game coming together in any capacity,” said Josh Mason, VP of Marketing & Strategy at Indy Eleven
Registrations are open. More information can be found at: https://fifa.gyo.gg/tt/
