Florida’s Largest Summer Lacrosse Tournament – Open, Free to Public June 18-19

The Father’s Day tournament draws more than 8000 visitors to Flagler County, and provides one of its most impactful increases in visitor spending tied to a single event.

PALM COAST, FL – June 17, 2016 – The 12th Annual Fathers Day Invitational Lacrosse Tournament, offered by Team Florida Lacrosse, will take place on the top quality fields of Indian Trails Sports Complex and Wadsworth Park among other area venues this weekend.  It’s free to the public.

The Father’s Day Invitational, which began in 2005 with just 20 teams, has grown into Florida's largest summer tournament, hosting 150 teams (100 boys’ and 50 girls’) that travel from Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, and all corners of Florida.  Four years were needed just to build sufficient interest to launch the event, explained Tom West, co-Director of Team Florida Lacrosse.  Now it’s a Flagler County tradition which enjoys the support of the City of Palm Coast, Flagler County, The Army National Guard and the sponsorship of Moe’s Grill and the Wounded Warriors Project.

While family and friends urge them on, the players will find themselves under the watchful eyes of more than a dozen scouts representing colleges and universities from across the southeastern U.S. 

“If any of our high school kids want to play at the college level, we can find a home for them on a college team,” said West. “I moved to Flagler County in 2001 and, from the start, it’s proven to be a great location for this event.  It’s central to the players and the scouts.  The community is so hospitable.  And the venue provides everything we could hope for.” 

Team Florida Lacrosse returns in the fall with two more large events – the Pumpkin Shoot Out and the Veteran’s Day Tournament.

The Father’s Day tournament draws more than 8000 visitors to Flagler County, and provides one of its most impactful increases in visitor spending tied to a single event.  Further, both Volusia and St. Johns counties see measurable economic gains. 

The youth and high school club play runs 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday and from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, with round robin championship play occurring Sunday afternoon for all divisions. 

For more information, contact Matt Dunn, Executive Director Palm Coast and the Flagler Beaches, at 386- 916-3829.