NY, USA -- Nasare Athletics and Nasare Sports Foundation are poised to make history as they prepare for the inaugural Dr. Kwame Nkrumah Challenge Cup Soccer Tournament scheduled to take place this summer in New York City.
The championship game of the tournament will be held at the Annual Ghana Fest picnic organized by the NCOGA (National Council of Ghanaian Associations) in New York. Thus far, the tournament has attracted interest from a diverse group of competitive football clubs throughout the east coast. Tournament invitations have been sent to football clubs from the Nigerian, Jamaican, Ivory Coast, and Senegalese communities, all of which have expressed their intent to represent themselves.
Recently, some friendly verbal jabs between rival clubs have created even more buzz for the widely anticipated tournament. Members of a locally based Ghanaian Team Yankassa Football Club claim that they have "very experienced players" and are already laying claim to the championship trophy. However, other local powerhouse team such as FC Manor, Da Bronx FC, and Chelsea FC all beg to differ. Rumor has it that each club has been in serious training and have even set up friendly fixtures to tune their sides up.
According to the President and CEO of Nasare Athletics, Mr. Nana K. Asare "we are set to have a competition that truly endorses community awareness and involvement at the grassroots level. Although, we are a fairly young organization, we feel we are creating an atmosphere that promotes fitness, and family entertainment for the entire community. Initially, the response from the male soccer clubs has been huge, but we are definitely not losing hope in attracting a ladies side for the competition. This tournament will hopefully be the start of big things to come, especially in the African community. We are prepared to lay the foundation but the support will propel us even higher!"
The message the tournament hopes to promote is camaraderie between fellow Ghanaians and Africans and of course the celebration of Ghana's 50th year of Independence. The tournament has continues to draw interest form Major League Soccer agents as well college coaches and scouts who are all looking for the next Michael Essien. Even local newspapers are already inquiring about the summers feature event. With all this excitement, one can only wonder… who will be crowned champion?
So what can teams expect at the inaugural Dr. Kwame Nkrumah Challenge Cup? The format is designed so that teams will play a series of preliminary matches with the two leading point earners meeting for a championship game. If enough teams are registered a 3rd vs. 4th place match may also be in the picture. This inaugural tournament hopes to attract 12-15 football clubs from all over the east coast region of the United States. All teams are required to make their own travel arrangement and uniforms are a must for the tournament. Registration fees for tournament are $200 per team (this fee only covers registration for the tournament) and the deadline for registration is May 31st 2007. Registration forms will not be accepted after the registration deadline.
Interested clubs can register for the tournament online at www.nasare.comfor more information call Nasare Athletics at 646.238.9427.
***IMPORTANT DATES FOR THE TOURNAMENT ARE AS FOLLOWS***:
? MAY 31st, 2007 is the Registration Deadline!
? June 2nd 2007 Tournament Schedule and location will be released
? June 3rd 2007 Team Manager/Coaches Meeting in NYC
? June 9th-10th 2007 Commencement of Preliminary Matches
?August 4th or August 11th 2007 CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH(ES) at Ghana Fest Picnic location To Be Annnounced .
