Dacotah Bank Cup draws more than 40 youth soccer teams to Aberdeen
Trent Abrego
Forty-three youth soccer teams from both Dakotas descended upon Aberdeen for the 2022 Dacotah Bank Cup.
That number has been pretty consistent throughout the years, tournament director Jason Brunson said at the event.
Some years, the classic drew as many as 80 teams, he said. It has been around since the 2000s.
This year, Teams came from Huron, Pierre, Watertown, Bismarck, N.D., Jamestown, N.D. and Fargo, N.D. Fifteen teams were from Aberdeen across 10 age ranges. In the age ranges, game lengths differ, from 50 to 80-minute matches.
Pool games for the events began on Saturday, with consolation, semifinal and final games on Sunday.
Competitive soccer numbers continue to grow
Because the tournament has maintained its success, the program has, too.
"Our registrations are growing every year ... So (we're) excited about that," Brunson said.
He estimated that there are around 150-160 competitive youth players in Aberdeen, with a larger number in the recreational program. Each team, not the club, dictates which tournaments they attend throughout the year.
