USAFL Nationals Head Back to Sarasota-Bradenton for 2019

The USAFL Executive Board is excited to announce that the 2019 USAFL National Championships will be held in Sarasota/Bradenton, Florida the weekend of October 12 and 13. The USAFL Administrator's Conference and AGM will be held on Friday October 11.  It will once again be hosted with the cooperation of the Sarasota County Sports Commission (SCSC) and Bradenton Area Sports Commission (BACVB).   

The host field of the tournament will be the expansive Premier Sports Campus at Lakewood Ranch, which hosted the 2016 tournament.  Premier Sports Campus boasts 140 acres of Celebration-seeded grass, enough room for 23 FIFA-regulation playing soccer fields, and will complete construction of a new building in 2019 that will feature restrooms, medical rooms, meeting rooms, hardwire Internet, Wi-fi, and cool down room with air conditioning.

Doren James, USAFL National Tournament Director stated, "I would like to personally thank Sean Walter of the Bradenton Area Sports Commission, Shelby Connett of the Sarasota County Sports Commission and Antonio Saviano of Premier Sports Campus for inviting us back. The 2016 Championships were an incredible success and we're excited to be returning! Premier is one of the top venues in the entire country for hosting Nationals and their staff are first class." 

The selection was made based on the success of the 2016 tournament, local support, field availability, field dimensions and quality, facility amenities, and overall costs.

“Our destination partners are excited about another opportunity to host the USAFL National Championships in the Bradenton area. We feel the athletes, coaches and families will have an amazing experience at Premier Sports Campus and create memories throughout our destination. Our region is excited about the competition that will take place and stands ready to support the USAFL any way we can," said Sean Walter, Senior Manager, Bradenton Area Sports Commission.   

Away from the field, players and fans can enjoy a multitude of amenities and attractions.  From nearby Siesta Key and Anna Maria Island Beaches to the Ringling Museums, Theater & Gardens, to the Mote Marine Aquarium and beyond, there is something for everyone.  There are also electic dining, shopping, and nightlife options, including Siesta Key Village, Downtown Sarasota and Bradenton, and Lakewood Ranch Main Street.

More than 2,000 athletes, coaches, and fans turned out for Nationals in 2016.  That year, the Austin Crows won their third men’s Division 1 title in four years, and the San Francisco Iron Maidens clinched the first of three straight women’s D1 premierships.