Northwood University Florida is pleased to announce that it will partner with the Palm Beach County Sports Commission to host the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) 2014 and 2015 Men’s Soccer National Championship games. The events will be held at Hilltopper Stadium and the adjoining Seacrest Soccer Complex located in Delray Beach, Florida November 30 – December 6.
“This is a great opportunity for Northwood University to add additional value to the Palm Beach County community, as the games will bring tourism dollars to the area, and our student-athletes will be conducting a Champions of Character event that will involve mentoring local students regarding the NAIA’s Five Core values of Respect, Integrity, Responsibility, Sportsmanship and Servant Leadership,” said Nick Davidson, Northwood University’s Director of Athletics.
The state of Florida has welcomed the men’s soccer national championship on five prior occasions, most recently in 2005 and 2006 in Daytona Beach.
“Very few communities have the privilege of hosting a collegiate national championship. We are excited and honored to learn the NAIA has selected Palm Beach County as the home for the 2014 & 2015 NAIA Men’s Soccer National Championships,” said George Linley, Executive Director of the Palm Beach County Sports Commission. “In addition to hosting some of the most accomplished student athletes in the United States, we are also looking forward to the positive economic benefits the NAIA Men’s Soccer National Championship brings to a destination,” he said. “This National Championship will attract thousands of visitors from across the nation, which will generate a significant level of visitor spending and fill hotel rooms throughout Palm Beach County,” added Linley.
Since its inception in 1991, the Palm Beach County Sports Commission has attracted nearly four million visitors to the County and has created an estimated economic impact of $780 million.
“We are thrilled to have our Men’s Soccer National Championship return to Florida,” said Jim Carr, NAIA President and CEO. “We are confident that the Palm Beach County Sports Commission and Northwood University will go the extra mile in making the National Championship an outstanding experience for our student-athletes, coaches and fans.”
