Goal! ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex Scores with Soccer Tournaments

The atmosphere was electric. For Walt Disney World Resort’s annual Memorial Day Soccer Tournament, thousands of athletes played up to 36 games simultaneously at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex over the holiday weekend. On the grounds of the 220-acre Disney sports complex near Orlando, pure sportsmanship reigned.

Each year, more than 350,000 athletes, coaches, and fans from around the world visit the sports complex which has hosted more than 70 different sports. Athletes compete in sports as diverse as cheerleading, gymnastics, baseball, basketball, and beyond. The sprawling facility features multiple competition venues, a 9,500-seat stadium, and a state-of-the-art indoor arena. The sports complex also has a track and field facility and a cross-country course. But on around 10 special dates each year, soccer rules the day.

Arriving in Florida from states and countries near and far, boys and girls represented amateur teams of all ages at the May soccer tournament – from the youngest U9 players to the most seasoned U19 divisions – all flooding the pitch to test their mettle in a unique setting. From the smaller fields for the younger age groups, to the larger fields for those nearly ready for college, cheering families enthusiastically tracked the games from the stands.

Bonita Springs Soccer Team Wins Gold at Walt Disney World Resort — Azzurri Storm celebrates winning the U17 boys division in the Disney Memorial Day Soccer Tournament at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida on May 29, 2023. The team from Bonita Springs, Florida went undefeated in the tournament at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, closing out the weekend with a 2-1 victory over Doral SC (FL) in the championship game (Credit: Walt Disney World Resort)

Games and Growth

Some tournaments at Walt Disney World are open to every team with a dream of competing at The Most Magical Place On Earth. Others are invite-only, an opportunity for the best youth players to compete on professional-quality grass fields in front of college coaches and scouts. Registration opened on May 23 for the 2024-2025 Disney Soccer season, which includes six events. Starting this year, Disney is adding a new event to its calendar, the Disney Season Kickoff Soccer Tournament will be held at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex from October 12-13, and will be open to teams in the U9-U19 age groups. Additionally, Disney has expanded their Junior Soccer Showcase in late November to include a 4v4 competition for U7 through U10 divisions. The Junior Showcase will also continue to have competitions for U11 through U14 age groups. Family and friends cheering the athletes on from back home don’t have to miss a moment of the action on this big day, because many of the matches are live-streamed for friends and families to watch every kickoff and goal.

Teams can register for the
upcoming events at DisneySoccer.com

While each athlete has drilled the same skills, exercised the same muscles, and worked to move as a unit alongside their teammates, new opponents in a new setting apply new stress tests, offering valuable moments for individual and team development and camaraderie. For certain showcases, such as the Disney Boys Soccer Showcase in December and the Disney Girls Soccer Showcase in January, college scouts often turn up to watch, eager to find the next best players who might attend the institutions they represent. For those players who stand out, scholarship offers can await.

At Walt Disney World, the experience is unforgettable by design. Now in its 27th year of operation, ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex hosts many competitors visiting Disney World for the first time. For this reason, many choose to stay at the resort, and Disney makes sure their experience is filled with unforgettable magic. Where else could teams enjoy close proximity to Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios? With water parks, rollercoasters, and more, the experience is unlike any other to be had before or after a soccer game. The sports complex is near these four famous centers, and visiting soccer teams enjoy transportation and amenities in a campus-like atmosphere. For some, it’s those special perks – like meeting Mickey Mouse – that create indelible memories.

North Carolina Soccer Team Captures Championship at Walt Disney — Highland FC celebrates winning the Disney Memorial Day Soccer Tournament at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida on May 29, 2023. The team from Ashville, North Carolina went undefeated in the U19 girls division at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. Highland FC outscored their opponents 15-3 in the tournament including a 3-1 win against Gulf Breeze Futbol Academy (FL) in the championship game. (Credit: Walt Disney World Resort)

Mr. Mouse

“We have some special visitors out at the complex,” said Matthew Hanson, business development manager for Disney. “Some have big ears.” Hanson said he’s often amazed at the effect the beloved mouse has on all ages of contestants. “They come from the field and just poured their heart out from a competition standpoint, and you’d think it would be the youngest kids who get excited, but you’ll see a 16-year-old boy turn into a little kid when he sees Mickey Mouse and wants to get his picture taken.”

The magic touch is undoubtedly special for the athletes who traveled to Disney World. For people coming from such a long distance, the resort offers the perfect reason to take a few days off before or after a tournament. The carefree, wholesome fun is sometimes the perfect way to bond with teammates and family and remember a special trip.

With up to 72 teams competing at once at the Disney Memorial Day Soccer Tournament, the event can fly by, but on the final day of the competition, winning teams in each division are recognized in a ceremony. Only one team in each division will walk away having earned their spot at the top and the gold medals that go with it. But for others, the magical experience truly takes the cake. The chance to visit the premier site for amateur sports in the nation is something Disney hopes the young athletes will remember as priceless.