STRAWBERRY CLASSIC DRAWS 150 TEAMS
The annual Strawberry Classic Soccer Tournament will be held February 15 and 16 from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. each day in Plant City. This event is for girls and boys ages eight to 18. More than 200 teams applied to compete, but the limit is 150. Teams from as far away as Ohio and New York were accepted. The tournament is anticipated to draw 5,000 spectators and players daily to Plant City. Otis Andrews Park has 4 soccer fields, and Ellis Methvin Park has eight. However, for this tournament, spaces in the park will be lined to make an additional 22 soccer fields.
The mission of the Plant City Lancers Futbol Club is “to provide our community with affordable and accessible soccer at the premier level of competition. We believe that every child should have the opportunity to play competitive soccer. Our focus is on creating a positive environment that develops soccer skills and leaders of character. PCFC strives to empower young athletes and foster a love of soccer that will last a lifetime.” The club began in 1978 in Plant City. Currently, it has 26 boys and girls teams that compete locally, across the state, and throughout the region. The club’s longevity has resulted in generations of Lancers, and some of the current coaches played when they were kids.
Jarod Hughes, a retired U.S. Air Force Colonel, volunteers as the president of the Lancers. Most soccer clubs charge players fees between $2,000 and $3,000 per year. The Lancers charge $650 per year—which is a financial break-even point—and 100 percent of the players receive some scholarship funds. This is the application of the Lancer’s philosophy that a family’s lack of money shouldn’t prevent a child from playing competitive soccer.
The Lancers have two state champion teams from the club. The Lancers have also produced four Elks Lodge state shootout champions, and two who competed in the national finals. Every year, Lancers players go on to receive college athletic scholarships. Some have even moved on play professionally. Below are recent examples.
College teams:
Michelle Pure – Polk State
Jordan Neyman – Florida College
Alex Weitz – Florida Southern
Baggio Trejo – Florida College
Gustavo Bautista – Florida College
Keenan Kropp – Kansas Wesleyan
Kade Kropp – Cowley College
Professional teams:
Vianey Aleman – Leon Futobol Club
Itzel Aleman – Leon Futobol Club
Madaline Ibarra – Deportivo Toluca FC and FC Pachuca
Natalie Medina – Deportivo Toluca FC and FC Pachuca
Abella Cisneros – Deportivo Toluca FC and FC Pachuca
“This is a great tournament!” a visiting coach commented. “Not just for the games played—it’s about the passion, teamwork, and unforgettable moments the Lancers created for our team. Thank you for your dedication to making the Strawberry Classic a success and for giving these young athletes a stage to shine!”
The Strawberry Classic Soccer Tournament is free and open to the public.
For more information, go to https://www.plantcityfc.com.
