MLS Hispanic Grass-Roots Program: MLS Futbolito.

Major League Soccer announced the launch of its official 4-v-4 soccer tournament: MLS Futbolito, a grassroots program targeting the League’s Hispanic fan base which will be co-presented by RadioShack Corporation (NYSE: RSH) and Panasonic. More than just a soccer competition, MLS Futbolito will offer a family festival featuring music, food and MLS player appearances. Staged as an all-day event in nine of 10 MLS markets plus Houston, Texas, the national MLS Futbolito tour kicks off on August 9 in San Jose.

“There is no greater day for a soccer fan than one that combines organized soccer competition, family, food, prizes, music and a chance to meet Carlos Valderrama and local MLS stars — all topped off with a ticket to an MLS game,” said Mark Noonan, Executive Vice President, Marketing and Fan Development for MLS. “MLS Futbolito offers our supporters the total package setting a new standard for Hispanic grassroots events.”

The 4-v-4 tournament involves the entire family with five age-based divisions in addition to Elite (premier), First (recreational), male, female and co-ed divisions. Tournaments will begin at 9 a.m. Each team will feature seven players (four field players and three substitutes). Games are played on a scaled down field no less than 20×30 yards and consist of the following unique characteristics: no goalkeepers, all restarts are direct, no slide tackling, two 12-minute halves and no offsides. Each team will play at least three games in round-robin action, garnering points for wins or ties with the goal of qualifying for the single-elimination championship playoff round. Referees will be provided by MLS Futbolito.

MLS Futbolito will also feature the presence of legendary midfielder Carlos “El Pibe” Valderrama, the MLS Futbolito spokesman and a Colombian international who was a founding father of Major League Soccer. Valderrama, as official MLS Ambassador, will be a featured guest at eight of the 10 MLS Futbolito events (excluding San Jose, Calif. and Kansas City, Mo.) and will be available to sign autographs and interact with participants.

“I am excited to support MLS Futbolito because the competition will strike a chord with all MLS fans who play the game,” Valderrama said. “The small- sided 4-v-4 format is fast-paced and exciting and those who will be playing it for the first time will find that it is challenging and requires more teamwork and technique than they would expect.”

In conjunction with each MLS Team, day-to-day operation and event management will be provided by San Francisco, Calif.-based BRC Group. The official 2003 MLS Futbolito schedule is as follows:

August 9 – San Jose, Calif.
August 16 – Washington, D.C.
August 23 – New York, N.Y.
August 30 – Columbus, Ohio
September 6 – Chicago, Ill.
September 13 – Houston, Texas
September 20 – Denver, Colo.
October 4 – Dallas, Texas
October 5 – Los Angeles, Calif.
October 19 – Kansas City, Mo.

For more information at http://www.MLSFutbolito.com