Elite Soccer Clubs, Events On Target In Hamilton County 

For years, soccer clubs from all over the United States have enjoyed an elite youth soccer experience in Hamilton County. From little dribblers to those within striking distance of the pro ranks, the county has hosted top-notch events in the best facilities in the country. A couple driving forces at play are the Indiana Fire Academy and Indy Premier soccer clubs and the facilities at Grand Park and the Noblesville United Soccer Complex.

With 1,700 travel players and 2,000 rec players under its umbrella, the Indiana Fire Academy certainly stand by its mission, “to be a soccer program for everyone who wants to play.” The Fire Academy field teams ranging from age 4 to pre-professional and have placed 50 players into NCAA Division I programs in recent years as well as several dozen all-state varsity high school players.

The Indiana Fire Academy has since 2014 played at Hamilton County’s sprawling multi-purpose facility Grand Park in Westfield. The club plays at the highest levels of youth amateur soccer, with the boys club part of the MLS Next and USYS Elite 64 programs and the girls in the ECNL.

The Fire U12 to U19 clubs draw athletes from all over Indiana to play all events at the sparkling Grand Park, which hosts training for the Indy Eleven and the Indianapolis Colts along with massive youth basketball, baseball, softball and lacrosse events.

Indiana Fire Academy Executive Director Mark Webber cites Grand Park’s association with professional teams and soccer clubs of all levels as an asset for everyone who competes in Hamilton County, which delivers a professional-level experience to all age groups.

“Our grounds crew keeps the grass as pristine as any recreational field in the country,” Webber said. “We also have really good sports medicine facilities and staff.”

Webber added that soccer events in Hamilton County make for a top-notch family travel destination. “You have everything you’d want within five miles of the park,” he said.

On April 21-23, Hamilton County will welcome more than 300 youth teams for the Crossroads of America Boys College Showcases. Teams all over the midwest and as far away as Canada will come to Grand Park for the competitions, which have been nationally-recognized for impact in sports tourism. The fun starts with a Friday night friendly between the Indiana and Notre Dame men’s teams where Webber expects a crowd of 5,000 to enjoy elite college soccer. The Crossroads girls event will take place April 28-30.

The Crossroads tournaments prove to be a major draw for teams, fans and scouts alike.

“Every brand name soccer program will be in attendance,” Webber said. “You’ll see a who’s who of college soccer all in their jackets.”

Carmel Marathon Returns April 8

As the 34^th largest marathon in the US and a top-50 qualifier for the Boston Marathon, the 13^th annual Carmel Marathon Weekend returns on April 8. Carmel Marathon is in a healthy position with the marathon sold out for the third consecutive year and the largest elite field in its history. Expected participation is around 4,500 with total attendance projected to reach close to 10,000 including spectators along the scenic course. Be a part of the fun and cheer on participants near the start/finish line at the Palladium or consider volunteering as an individual or with your organization. The official after-party will take place at Sugar Creek Winery.