- April 23, 2024
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This past weekend, over 75 teams, broken up into 13 divisions, made the Indian Trails Sports Complex their battleground in an effort to reach the Challenge Sports 3v3 National Championships, which will be held July 31 to Aug. 2, at ESPN’s Wide World of Sports Complex at the Walt Disney World Resort.
While each division awards a champion, the top four teams go on to nationals.
“3v3 is a fun summer event we have hosted for 14 years now, and it is a time for the players to have fun with friends where they are coached by parents,” said Rich Weber, PDA’s Vice President.
Divisions were spread across ages from under 6 years old to adults, and all ages exhibited a wealth of skill in the fast-paced, action-packed games.
“This tournament is pretty important for the guys who do it every year, and the younger kids have a lot of fun,” said Nick Monsanto, one of the competitors. “It’s a great break from playing on the full field, and it keeps you active and thinking about the game.”
Monsanto also spoke on the differences between an 11-on-11 game and 3v3 soccer, saying, “With 11-on-11 soccer, there are a lot more guys you can rely on, but 3v3 is a lot more individual, where guys have to be able to hold their own. In one-on-one and two-on-two situations, there’s really no lax, or there will be a goal. With 11-on-11, if one or two guys make a mistake, it doesn’t necessarily result in a goal.”
3v3 soccer is complimentary to the Arena Football League, which is designed to allow more points than the regular football league usually produces. While most soccer matches typically end with no more than five points between both teams, both teams in 3v3 soccer regularly surpass five goals.
“There’s also more comradery in the 3v3 leagues,” Monsanto said. “You get to handpick your team. But, in regular soccer, your teammates and personalities vary. I play with my buddies every year, and we always have a good time.”
Local Disney Nationals Qualifiers:
The Gladiators won the 11U Boys Competitive Division Championship in the final, 6-5, over the Savages in an exciting final. PDA Plus finished second in the 12U Boys Division, and the 12U Gladiators finished third. Both teams played each other in the semifinal match, which went into extra time, and PDA Plus scored to reach the final.
In addition to all these qualifying teams, Back That Pass Up!, one of the adult teams, also qualified.
To see more photos, go to http://www.palmcoastobserver.com/news/palm-coast/Sports/0623201510655/3v3-Soccer-Photo-gallery.
