Tri-City United Soccer Club battles heat at Summer Classic tournament – InForum
FARGO – With temperatures forecast to hit 100 degrees on Sunday, the Tri-City United Soccer Club is playing it safe.
The club is taking steps to keep players safe during the scorching heat at the Tri-City United Summer Classic June 17-19.
About 150 teams from all over the region and even a few teams from Manitoba and Ontario take part in the tournament. The event was split between two venues, the Pepsi Football Complex in Fargo and the Moorhead Football Complex, hosting teams based on age.
Tri-City United chief executive Lee Schwartz said the organization anticipated the heat and made sure to provide the necessary amenities.
“We have Sanford Power instructors here,” Schwartz said. “We have water stations installed everywhere. We encouraged everyone to bring their own water.”
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The club will also monitor the heat index to ensure that it does not reach a certain level.
“We have systems in place to allow games to be shortened and then referees will actually force players to take water breaks during play,” Schwartz said.
Schwartz said Sunday’s projected high of about 104 degrees will start an hour early and end around 1:00 p.m. to help teams avoid the scorching heat.
Bruno DaSilva, Tri-City United manager, said frequent substitutions are necessary to keep the players energetic.
“We bring water for (players) in a cooler,” DaSilva said. “Also, every three or four minutes of the game we have someone replaced so they can get some rest and not get too tired on the pitch.”
DaSilva said warming up and stretching, along with hydration, helps his players stay healthy in the heat of their games.
One parent said her daughter drank more water before Saturday’s game to combat the heat. She added that playing earlier and leaving helps keep the players safe.
Athletic coaches were on staff throughout the tournament in case a player needed a medical emergency.
Tri-City was pleased to participate in this year’s event after a short run in 2021 due to COVID-19.
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Alyssa Goelzer/Forum
Alyssa Goelzer/Forum
Alyssa Goelzer/Forum
Alyssa Goelzer/Forum
