The 2024 U.S. Youth Soccer Far West Regional Championships are being held in Hawaii at the recently renovated Waipio Soccer Complex for the first time since 2018.
Across more than a dozen divisions, nine teams from the islands have advanced into Thursday's championship round, vying for tickets to the national championships in Orlando next month.
According to event organizers, the Aloha State is representing well both on and off the field.
"I think it's very special. I'm new to this, about two years, but historically it's been about every five years. I think they missed it due to COVID. So when the Hawaii teams travel to the mainland, which is almost every year, for them to be able to be the host and have everyone else come out here is pretty special," said Tony Pinkerton, US Youth Soccer West Program Manager.
Jeremy Hanson, US Youth Soccer Regional Referee Coordinator, added, "The level of soccer in this country just continues to explode. There's youth everywhere. Obviously, they play and the teams are just getting better and better and better. So to have a tournament of this caliber here I think is super important not only for the region but also for the state that we get out here and showcase those soccer skills here on the islands."
Championship matches across all divisions will take place on Thursday at the Waipio Soccer Complex, starting at 8 a.m. Several Hawaii teams will be playing for regional titles.
Hawaii Teams playing in championship matches:
U13 Girls - Hawaii Surf
U14 Girls - Hawaii Rush
U15 Girls - FC Hawaii (defending national champions)
U16 Girls - Hawaii Rush
U19 Girls - Leahi Soccer Club
U14 Boys - Hawaii Rush
U15 Boys - Hawaii Rush
U16 Boys - Leahi Soccer Club
U17 Boys - Hawaii Rush