University of Tampa Set to Host Annual Soccer Festival, Freddy Adu

TAMPA, Fla. - The University of Tampa men's soccer program is set to for the 2007 Tom Fitzgerald Memorial Soccer Festival, which marks the third year in a row for the event in honor of the late UT men's soccer coach. This year's event will feature a game between the Columbus Crew and Real Salt Lake, which features Freddy Adu.

"This is a very special event in honor of one of the great ambassadors of the game," says UT head coach Adrian Bush. "His strong ties in the Tampa Bay era will continue to carry on and impact players. We are grateful to have the University of South Florida assist us in making this annual event possible."

The game will take place on Thursday, February 15 at 7 p.m. and will feature the Columbus Crew and Real Salt Lake. The game will be played at the USF Soccer Stadium on the campus of the University of South Florida due to construction at University of Tampa's Pepin Stadium.

The annual event will once again feature a photo and autograph session at the conclusion of the match. There will also be prizes that will be raffled during halftime of the game.

The annual Tom Fitzgerald clinic for kids will take place March 17, 2007 from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. The clinic will follow up with a coaching symposium for coaches at 2:00 pm followed by the US Men's U-17 National Team vs. University of Tampa Spartans at 4:00 pm. More info about the clinic will be posted soon and you can secure a spot at the camp by contacting Maurice Loregnard at mloregnard@ut.edu or abush@ut.edu .

Tickets are available for $12 (adults 18 and older), $7 (youth) and $5 (kids under 12). They may be purchased at The University of Tampa Athletic Department, which is located at the Bob Martinez Sports Center or by calling the UT men's soccer office at 813-253-6240 ext. 3407 or 3184.

All proceeds will fund the Tom Fitzgerald Memorial Scholarship at The University of Tampa. Donations can be mailed to: Tom Fitzgerald Memorial Scholarship Fund, University of Tampa, 401 West Kennedy Blvd., Box I, Tampa, FL 33606.

For further information, please contact UT men's soccer coach Adrian Bush at 813-253-6240 ext. 3407 or 3184.