Snap Soccer and the Gulf Breeze Breakers are excited for the return of the Big Wave Classic, May 11 – 12. However, tournament organizers have more on their plates for the 2019 edition with a 40 percent increase in participating teams.
Foley Sports Tourism (FST) will welcome the Big Wave Classic back to the complex for the second year in a row. Snap Soccer Operations Manager, Zack Touchstone, explained while it’s the second time the event has been held in Foley, it has been running since 2016.
Touchstone said the Classic expects approximately 130 teams this year, which is up over last year’s numbers. The growth is due in part to the timing of the tournament.
“For most teams, it is the last tournament of the season before the summer break,” Touchstone said. “A lot of teams play up in this event to prepare themselves for next season. For instance, a U10 team (7v7) may play U11 (9v9) to get used to playing the format they’ll be playing next year.”
Using the Big Wave Classic as a precursor to next season is a huge opportunity, said FST Event Operations Coordinator, Luke Persall.
“We want participants to not only picture themselves sticking with soccer, but also returning to Foley,” Persall said. “The Big Wave Classic is one of a dozen fast-growing soccer tournaments on our calendar. We want our visitors to fall in love with our city and register for as many of the competitions as possible.”
The Big Wave Classic kicks off at 8:30 a.m. on both days. It is open to the public and there is a $5 charge for parking. For more information on this tournament, or any FST events visit our events page.
