Mohawk Sports Complex Hosts Dozens Of Regional Soccer Teams

Youth soccer teams from across the region spent the weekend in Tulsa. The Mohawk Sports Complex hosted the Midwest Labor Day Soccer Tournament.

Parents, coaches and players traveled from surrounding states to compete and enjoy what Tulsa has to offer.

"The girls tend to bond really well when we're away from all of our areas, so it's kind of a nice thing. We went out to eat, spent money in Tulsa... enjoying it here," FC Dallas parent Rebecca Castilleja said.

FC Dallas is excited for the challenge of being in a regional tournament.

“It's always good to play other teams,” Castilleja said. “Sometimes when we play in Dallas, we end up playing some of the same teams, so it's good to come and try other teams and see how we're doing."

Julie Carter traveled from Wichita to support her daughter and her fellow teammates.

“I think it's been pretty successful,” Fury United parent Carter said. “Our team is like a family and so it's fun to spend time with them over a weekend and do a tournament, so we're glad to be here.”

Players say their skills were challenged even in the first round of the tournament.

“Our first game was difficult, very difficult, and most of the games after that they were even paced," player Liberty Hinkle said.

Organizers said this weekend is a way to showcase one of Tulsa's growing sports facilities.

“It's a lot of people dedicated to a lot of sports, soccer specific ,” West Side Alliance Soccer Club's Kevin King said. “A lot of people giving a lot of time and energy to make this game what we all love -- a beautiful event,"

Castilleja added, "It's a nice complex, yeah we're really enjoying it. Of course, we're having to beat the heat, so we're bringing all of our shade and dragging it around, but it's a nice complex.” Next summer the Mohawk Sports Complex will be the host site for the US Youth National Championship when the Tulsa Sports Commission will be working with the city to upgrade the facility to host some of the best soccer teams from across the country.