NEW YORK (June 16, 2010) – Soccer United Marketing and adidas today announced the schedule for the fourth annual SUM Under-17 Cup. For the first time, all 16 Major League Soccer teams will be represented and competing for the title. 

The 16-team pool is comprised of U-17 youth development teams from each of the 2010 MLS clubs. The teams will compete in a round robin group phase, with the four group winners advancing to the semifinals. Returning to the tournament are the two-time SUM U-17 Cup champions, D.C. United U-17 Academy Team, as well as the 2008 SUM U-17 Cup champions Real Salt Lake. 

This tournament is being hosted at no cost to all participants as Soccer United Marketing, adidas, and the MLS teams are covering the costs of player travel, accommodations and other tournament-related expenses.

“The SUM U-17 Cup continues to offer elite young players the opportunity to compete against players at their same skill level from across North America. We are committed to offering these athletes opportunities to hone their skills in a competitive soccer environment, while the primary focus remains on individual player development,” said Alfonso Mondelo, MLS Technical Director, Player Development and Scouting. “Now, in just the fourth year of this tournament, we are pleased to see former SUM U-17 Cup participants on the field for their MLS clubs contributing to the first team.”

Several current MLS players have participated in past SUM U-17 Cups, including homegrown players Tristan Bowen (LA Galaxy), Andy Najar (D.C. United), Bill Hamid (D.C. United), John Agudelo (Red Bull New York), and Brian Leyva (FC Dallas). 

The preliminary SUM U-17 Cup schedule is as follows with the first three rounds being held at Centennial Park in Houston. The semifinals will be played at both Centennial Park and Carl Lewis Field on July 27. The 2010 SUM U-17 Cup final will be played on July 28.