SOCCER FUN IN THE SUN- Left, Jacquelin Brown of the Simi Valley Eclipse strikes the ball with her head in the Islands Classic girls' U-19 soccer championship game against Conejo Valley United at Arroyo Vista Park in Moorpark last Sunday. Eclipse won the match, 1-0. Above, Jackie Albers, 9, of Simi Valley Chivas dribbles down the pitch. The World Cup has come and gone, but large groups of athletes and fans are still getting together for soccer tournaments.

This past week the third annual Islands Classic Soccer tournament took place in four sites located in Camarillo and Moorpark, and featured approximately 140 teams ranging from the ages of 8 to 19 years old for girls and boys.

Freedom Park in Camarillo had nine soccer games going on at once at different points during the weekend. Teams came from other states and various counties, as well as from neighboring communities.

"Once you have children, you realize just how great this game is," Conejo Valley boys' 10-yearold youth coach John Correlli said. "I think tournaments like these are great for the community and are the closest thing to a town hall this city has."

However, the tournament wasn't put together overnight. Preparation for the event started as far back as six months ago. According to tournament director Ray June, an eight-person committee was needed to do tasks such as get field permits, coordinate all the referees, and handle all the food and beverages at the sites.

"The past weekend was very stressful," June said. "I think next year when we have to choose a tournament director, everyone in the room is going to be like 'You do it,' because it's so much work."

According to June, over 120 volunteers came out to make sure the tournament ran smoothly.

Many players and parents appreciated all the hard work that took place.

"The great thing about this tournament is that you might have four teams at one location from the same soccer club, so it's easier to support all your teams," said Brian Moran, coach of Simi Valley's 12-year-old girls' squad.

One of the most important things about the tournament is that it served as a huge fundraiser for the Real California soccer clubs, located in Camarillo.

According to June, money from the tournament helps go toward registration fees for players and scholarships, so that players that normally cannot play are able to participate in soccer.

"This is our major fundraiser for the year," general manager Amy Walz said. "A lot of teams will set up booths and sell things in order to purchase more uniforms or equipment. It's great to come out here to a tournament like this because you get to see more players play that you wouldn't normally be able to. And it's just a great family atmosphere."

One parent in particular thought the tournament was run very well.

"I thought the tournament has been really organized," said Wyne Quinn. "The location is great, the weather has been perfect and everything has been starting on time."

After the World Cup ended just a couple weeks ago, many of the players were anxious to get their kicks in at this tournament.

"I've been waiting a while to play in this tournament since the World Cup ended. I stayed up to watch most of the games," 10year-old Simi player Destiny Guerra said. "I've had a lot of fun playing, and I scored today which makes it even better."

Ten-year-old Mark Sorelli has been playing soccer since he was 5 and idolizes players such as David Beckham and Roberto Carlos.

Sorelli played for Conejo Valley's 12-and-under team, which won the championship for its age bracket.

"I liked this tournament because the competition was a lot harder," the younger Sorelli said.

With all the teams and parents participating in the tournament, Walz is confident that soccer will continue to grow in the area as well as the nation. Walz, however, said that help is always appreciated.

"We're constantly looking for qualified soccer trainers and currently have positions open," Walz said. "We also could use more girls to play that are 12and-under."

As the tournament ended on Sunday, June was glad to see all the happy faces as he handed out trophies to the winning teams.

"I enjoyed seeing all the smiling faces on the kids with the medals, because when I looked over the application of some of these teams, most of them hadn't won a tournament," June said. "It makes me feel good because if a team won a championship this weekend, then that's something they will remember for a long time."