FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DALLAS, Texas, December 5, 2013 – The Dr Pepper Dallas Cup is pleased to announce the first round of international team invitations for the U17 bracket of the 2014 tournament. Continuing with its decades-long tradition of hosting the best teams from around the globe, the Dallas Cup has extended the first seven international U17 age group invitations to clubs hailing from five different countries.

“The Dr Pepper Dallas Cup continues to set the standard for international competition in youth soccer tournaments,” said Andy Swift, the tournament’s Executive Director. “This year’s U17 bracket, with the quality and diversity of the international clubs, combined with yet another extremely talented group of teams from the United States, is shaping up to be one of the strongest and most competitive in many, many years.”

Headlining the U17 group are three professional Mexican clubs, a Dallas Cup U17 bracket first.  Club America, UANL Tigres, and CF Monterrey Rayados will be sending their U17 teams to Dallas to compete in the 2014 tournament.  CF Monterrey will be fielding the same team that won the Dr Pepper Dallas Cup 2013 U16 Championship this past March.  All three teams were playoff quarterfinalists in the recently concluded Mexican U17 Apertura season, with Tigres and Club America advancing to the semifinals.  The eventual winner, CD Guadalajara, will compete next year in the Dr Pepper Gordon Jago Super Group.  

In addition to the Mexican contingent, the U17 age group will have teams from four different continents, all competing with their own unique style of soccer.  German side FC Astoria Walldorf, Club Deportivo ASES from Colombia, and the Gold Coast Knights from Australia will join the Puerto Rican U17 National Team in one of the most competitive and diverse U17 brackets in Dallas Cup history.

The remaining international U17 participants, along with the invited teams from the United States, will be announced in the coming weeks. Dr Pepper Dallas Cup XXXV will take place from April 13^th through April 20^th, 2014.

About Dr Pepper Dallas Cup:  Dr Pepper Dallas Cup is the oldest and most prestigious international youth soccer tournament in the United States and will be celebrating its 35^th anniversary in 2014. Dallas Cup consists of seven age groups from U13 to U19 and entertains on average more than 100,000 spectators during the week.  Since its inception in 1980, Dallas Cup has hosted teams and referees from 47 states, 100 countries and 6 continents. Follow Dallas Cup on Twitter, Facebook and on Instagram.

For further media inquiries please contact Albert Chia or Bobby Hammond via email at Albert@dallascup.com or Bobby@dallascup.com

Since 1980, youth soccer teams from around the globe have traveled to Dallas each spring to test themselves in the Dr Pepper Dallas Cup.   While not all players can fulfill their dreams of finishing as Dallas Cup champions, they are assured of carrying the special memories of tournament week for the rest of their lives. As the 35^th anniversary of the Dallas Cup approaches, we reflect upon its uniqueness, and why teams from all over country, and all parts of the world, covet an invitation to participate in the prestigious tournament. 

Even the most casual followers of the beautiful game are able to recognize the names of the internationally renowned teams that have played in the Dallas Cup.  World soccer powers like Barcelona, Boca Juniors, Arsenal, AC Milan, and Chelsea have all brought their best youth players to Dallas, with iconic brands such as Manchester United, Real Madrid, CD Guadalajara, Sao Paulo, and Liverpool among those that have earned the honor of having their names etched on the famous “Boot and Ball” trophy.

Certainly, top-level competition helps attract the very best youth teams to Dallas every year. But what really enables the Dallas Cup to stand above all other youth tournaments is world-class refereeing.  Partnerships with CONCACAF, the United States Soccer Federation, The English Premier League, and multiple other Football Associations from around the world, ensure that participating teams benefit from diverse and first class officiating. In 2013 alone, thirty-three FIFA-level referees participated in the Dallas Cup.  The tournament makes it possible for youth players from all over the world to have the privilege of having their games officiated by referees that have worked professional league finals, UEFA Championship games, and even World Cup matches.  The high level of refereeing is undoubtedly one of the biggest reasons the Dr Pepper Dallas Cup is internationally recognized as one of the premier youth soccer tournaments in the world.

Of course, world-class teams develop world-class players, and there has been no shortage of illustrious players that participated in Dallas Cup as up and coming stars.  In fact, the list of Dallas Cup alumni is a Who’s Who of world soccer.  English greats like David Beckham, Michael Owen, Peter Crouch, and Wayne Rooney have all graced the Dallas Cup fields with their talent.  American heroes such as Landon Donovan, Clint Dempsey, and Michael Bradley gave us a sneak preview of the current generation of U.S. national team stars. Raul, Kleberson, and Robinho were Spanish and Brazilian one-name wonders who created a buzz with their silky play, quickly earning “must see” status among tournament spectators.  And Chicharito, Rafa Marquez, and Giovani Dos Santos all starred in Dallas Cup before becoming World Cup heroes for Mexico. These are a few among the hundreds of soccer legends that the Dallas Cup has had the privilege to showcase over thirty-four years.

It is not just the on-field quality that makes the Dallas Cup unique. The tournament also developed the Homestay program, which pairs up players from the international teams to stay with the families of local participants.  Many long-lasting friendships have developed from the initial cultural exchange created through the Homestay program.  Additionally, the Dallas Cup also provides for cultural-enlightenment through the development of its Peace Team initiatives.  The Peace Teams have bestowed on us unique, historic moments, such as when Catholic and Protestants from Ireland, Shiite and Sunni Muslims from Iraq, and Israeli and Palestinians boys played side by side as teammates in past Dallas Cups.

It should be noted, all of this is made possible by the tireless efforts of our dedicated volunteers, some of whom have been a part of the Dallas Cup family for decades.  As the 35^th Dr Pepper Dallas Cup quickly approaches, we invite you to celebrate the tournament’s history with us.  Look for future editions of Quick Kicks to find out more about all the different and interesting aspects of the Dallas Cup, and be sure to continue to check our website for the latest tournament news, and follow us on Twitter and Facebook for the latest updates.

DALLAS, Texas, November 5, 2013 – The Dr Pepper Dallas Cup is pleased to announce the participation of CD Guadalajara in the 35^th edition of the world-renowned international youth tournament.  Universally known as “Chivas,” Mexico’s most popular team will be playing in the Gordon Jago Super Group for the first time since 2010. Dr Pepper Dallas Cup XXXV will take place from April 13 through April 20, 2014.

CD Guadalajara, with more than 33 million followers, has the second largest domestic fan base in the world, and is tied for the most championships in Mexican soccer. Well known for its successful player development program, the club currently sits in first place in the Liga MX U20 Academy League.

CD Guadalajara has done quite well in previous Dallas Cups, having won seven Boot and Ball trophies over all age groups since 1998.  Their first tournament appearance came in 1991 in Dallas Cup XII.

“The Dr Pepper Dallas Cup is honored that CD Guadalajara will be participating in our 35^th anniversary tournament,” said Dallas Cup Executive Director Andy Swift.  “Las Chivas have such a rich history of developing top players in Mexican soccer, as shown by their multiple Dallas Cup championships. Undoubtedly, their inclusion raises the level of the 2014 Gordon Jago Super Group.”

Guadalajara has a successful history of supplying the Mexican National teams with star players.  Mexican National Team stalwarts and Dallas Cup Alumni such as Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez, Omar Bravo, and Maza Rodriguez all grew up playing for the Chivas Academy. 

CD Guadalajara has several future National Team Members currently on their roster.  Carlos Fierro, a 2008 Dr Pepper Dallas Cup participant, earned the Bronze Ball award with the U17 Mexican National Team when they won the U17 World Cup in 2011.  Miguel Angel Ponce, who currently plays for the Chivas first team and also played in the 2008 Dr Pepper Dallas Cup, helped the Mexican Olympic team earn gold in the 2012 Olympics in London.

About CD Guadalajara: Club Deportivo Guadalajara is a Mexican soccer club based in Guadalajara, Jalisco.  Established in 1906 and commonly referred to as Guadalajara, or Chivas to their fans, they are a founding member of the Mexican First Division and have never been relegated to the Second Division.  Chivas is the most popular team in Mexico, and is known for their tradition of exclusively fielding Mexican players.  They have won eleven First Division Championships which is tied for the most in Mexican League History.

About Dr Pepper Dallas Cup:  Dr Pepper Dallas Cup is the oldest and most prestigious international youth soccer tournament in the United States and will be celebrating its 35^th anniversary in 2014. Dallas Cup consists of seven age groups from U13 to U19 and entertains on average more than 100,000 spectators during the week.  Since its inception in 1980, Dallas Cup has played host to teams and referees from 47 states, 100 countries and 6 continents. Follow Dallas Cup on Twitter, Facebook and on Instagram.

 Eintracht Frankfurt and IF Brommapojkarna Accept Dr Pepper Dallas Cup Invitations

Previous Champions join Fulham F.C. in the Gordon Jago Super Group

DALLAS, Texas, October 28, 2013 – The Dr Pepper Dallas Cup is pleased to announce the first three clubs accepted into the Gordon Jago Super Group for the 35^th edition of the prestigious tournament.

Eintracht Frankfurt, from Germany, and Swedish side IF Brommapojkarna will join the previously announced U18 champions of the Premier League, Fulham F.C., in the 2014 tournament.  The 35^th edition of the Dr Pepper Dallas Cup will take place from April 13 through April 20, 2014.

Continuing the decades-long tradition of bringing the best teams from around the globe, the first three clubs accepted into the 2014 Gordon Jago Super Group are all previous Dr Pepper Dallas Cup Champions.  Eintracht Frankfurt won the Gordon Jago Super Group in 2011 while IF Brommapojkarna and Fulham are current champions of the U19 and Gordon Jago Super Group respectively. 

Eintracht Frankfurt has developed several Bundesliga players, including 2008 Dallas Cup participant Sebastian Jung, who is a former German National Youth Team member and now a Captain with Frankfurt’s senior side, currently competing in the Europa League.  Current US Men’s National Team players Timothy Chandler, a 2006 Dallas Cup participant, and Jermaine Jones were also developed through the Eintracht Frankfurt academy system.

“We are very grateful to have been accepted, as this tournament is truly a unique experience,” said Eintracht Frankfurt Youth Academy Director, Armin Kraaz.  “It is very important for the players to compete against different football cultures and experience world class referees from around the world.  Most importantly is the opportunity for our players to take part in the HomeStay Program.  Embracing the hospitality and cultural exchange of the local Dallas families makes for an enriching and memorable experience for our players.”

IF Brommapojkarna is based in the Stockholm suburb of Bromma and boasts the largest youth football club in Europe with over 4,000 players in their system.  Known simply as Bromma to their fans, they defeated the Houston Dynamo Academy 2-1 last March to win the U19 age group in their first Dr Pepper Dallas Cup appearance. Two goal scorers from that Championship side, Stefano Vecchia Holmquist and Jesper Karlström, have already gone on to make appearances with the senior side.

“We are very happy to be returning to the Dr Pepper Dallas Cup,” said IF Brommapojkarna Academy Manager, Ola Larsson.  “The tournament was really an experience of a lifetime.”

About Dr Pepper Dallas Cup:  Dr Pepper Dallas Cup is the oldest and most prestigious international youth soccer tournament in the United States and will be celebrating its 35^th anniversary in 2014. Dallas Cup consists of seven age groups from U13 to U19 and entertains on average more than 100,000 spectators during the week.  Since its inception in 1980, Dallas Cup has played host to teams and referees from 47 states, 100 countries and 6 continents. Follow Dallas Cup on Twitter, Facebook and on Instagram.

DALLAS, Texas, October 1, 2013 – Dr Pepper Dallas Cup has reached a long-term agreement with Toyota, making the international automobile company the tournament’s exclusive automotive partner. As part of the deal, Toyota will be the presenting sponsor of the Most Valuable Player award for the Opening Day marquee game. Other benefits include vehicle displays at the Cotton Bowl and field complexes, and inclusion in Gordon Jago Super Group television and radio broadcasts.

“We are honored to be the exclusive automotive partner of the elite Dr Pepper Dallas Cup,” said Brent Hillyer, vice president, Gulf States Toyota. “This highly coveted tournament has helped support emerging talent across the globe, including the likes of David Beckham, Landon Donovan and Wayne Rooney, and Toyota is proud to be associated with this initiative.”

Dr Pepper Dallas Cup will be celebrating its 35^th anniversary in 2014. The tournament will run from April 13^th through April 20^th, 2014. Since its inception in 1980, teams and referees from 47 states, 100 countries, and 6 continents have participated in the prestigious international youth soccer tournament.

"We are pleased to welcome Toyota to the Dr Pepper Dallas Cup family,” said Executive Director, Andy Swift.  “Toyota’s global name recognition, along with its long-term commitment to our tournament, further establishes the Dr Pepper Dallas Cup as one of the premier youth soccer tournaments in the world.” 

About Gulf States Toyota:  Houston-based Gulf States Toyota is the independent distributor of Toyota vehicles in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma and Texas. The company serves 154 Toyota dealerships in the region. These dealers account for more than 13 percent of Toyota sales in the U.S. The company introduced Toyota vehicles to the region in 1969. The parent company of GST is The Friedkin Group, led by CEO Dan Friedkin.

About Dr Pepper Dallas Cup: Dr Pepper Dallas Cup is the oldest and most prestigious international youth soccer tournament in the United States. Dallas Cup consists of seven age groups from U13 to U19 and entertains on average more than 100,000 spectators during the week. Follow Dallas Cup on Twitter, Facebook and on Instagram.

In continuing with the tradition of bringing the best teams from around the globe, the Dr Pepper Dallas Cup is pleased to announce the first member of the 2014 Gordon Jago Super Group.

Current two-time English Premier Academy League Champion, Fulham FC has accepted the invitation to participate in the 2014 Gordon Jago Super Group. The famous club from Southwest London will be making its second consecutive trip to the Dallas Cup in 2014, becoming the fourth-straight Premier Academy League champion to headline the Super Group. The Cottagers upcoming trip to Dallas Cup XXXV continues the long standing relationship between the tournament and the English Premiership League giving the U.S. fans an opportunity to see the future stars of soccer.

“We are really looking forward to returning to the XXXV Dr Pepper Dallas Cup,” said Fulham FC Academy Director, Huw Jennings. “We had a fantastic experience last year which was capped by winning the Gordon Jago Super Group. The players and staff want to demonstrate that last year’s success was not a one off and that we can reproduce the standard that we showed last year.”

In March of this year, Fulham defeated Japanese side Kashiwa Reysol by a score of 5-1 to become the first English side to win the prestigious Gordon Jago Super Group since Liverpool were crowned champions in 2008.  Two months after they earned their first Boot and Ball Trophy, Fulham claimed their second consecutive English Premier Academy League Championship by defeating Reading F.C. by a score of 3-0. 

 “The Dr Pepper Dallas Cup has a long and proud history of bringing in the best teams from around the world,” said Dr Pepper Dallas Cup Executive Director, Andy Swift. “We are excited to have our defending champions return as they try to become the first Gordon Jago Super Group team to repeat since Club Atletico Paranaense were crowned champions in 2004 and 2005.”

Key contributors in their championship run, George Williams, Cameron Burgess, Solomon Sambou and Emerson Hyndman, are expected to return.  Hyndman, grandson of FC Dallas Head Coach, Schellas Hyndman, will be playing for his fourth Dallas Cup championship, having been previously part of two Dallas Texans championship teams.

About Fulham FC: Founded in 1879, Fulham Football Club resides in southwest London, playing their games at historic Craven Cottage. Known as the Cottagers, Fulham has produced English greats Rodney Marsh, Bobby Robson and George Cohen, a member of England’s World Cup winning team in 1966. Fulham FC has played in the English Premier League since 2001 and is well known in the United States for being the long-time club of US Men’s National Team Stars Brian McBride and Clint Dempsey. Visit www.fulhamfc.com for the latest news

About Dr Pepper Dallas Cup: Dr Pepper Dallas Cup is the oldest and most prestigious international youth soccer tournament in the United States and will be celebrating its 35^th anniversary in 2014. Dallas Cup consists of seven age groups from U13 to U19 and entertains on average more than 100,000 spectators during the week.  Since its inception in 1980, Dallas Cup has played host to teams and referees from 47 states, 100 countries and 6 continents. Follow Dallas Cup on Twitter, Facebook and on Instagram.