Knoxville, Tenn. - Nine thousand soccer players, coaches, officials and spectators will descend on Knoxville for the American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) National Games 2012, July 1-8, 2012.

This event only takes place every two years, and this is the first time the AYSO National Games 2012 will take place in Tennessee. Approximately 220 teams from all over the country will come together for a week of soccer, cultural exchange and fun.

AYSO Section 5/Area B is playing host for the National Games 2012. The Section, which encompasses most of East Tennessee and Southeast Kentucky including Knox County, Sevier County, Morristown, Jefferson County, Greeneville, Harrogate/Middlesboro/Pineville/New Tazewell, Norris, Lake City, Clinton, Blount County, Cocke Co, Newport, Rogersville, Bulls Gap, and Hancock County.

The AYSO National Games 2012 will take place at six (6) venues throughout Knox County, including Tommy Schumpert/Rifle Range, John Tarleton, Ball Camp/Nicholas Ball, US Cellular Complex, Victor Ashe Park, and Regal Soccer Stadium at the University of Tennessee Knoxville Campus. One of the unique requirements in hosting this tournament is the challenge of finding soccer fields and event logistics for the tournament. The Knoxville Tourism and Sports Corporation (KTSC) assisted AYSO Section 5/Area B in bidding on and securing the AYSO National Games 2012. KTSC along with the UT Sports Medicine, University of Tennessee Medial Center, Rural Metro, Buddy's Bar-B-Q, DeRoyal and Walgreens continue to work with AYSO officials to provide services for the event.

“It is very exciting to host such a prominent event,” said Kim Bumpas, President of KTSC. “Premier soccer athletes from across the U.S. will be attending the National Games, and we are excited the event is coming to Tennessee for the first time in its history. We look forward to showing the participants, their families, friends, coaches, and fans all that Knoxville has to offer.”

The AYSO National Games 2012 is seeking volunteers to assist before, during and after the games. For information about volunteering visit www.ayso.org/nationalgames.