Nedeff tourney still a big draw

NORTHEAST GLENDALE — Now in its fifth year, the Leo Nedeff Memorial Soccer Tournament, hosted by American Youth Soccer Organization Region 88, has grown too big to be contained in one weekend.

A Glendale and La Crescenta institution, which was begun in 2005 to honor the memory of Nedeff and his many contributions to AYSO Region 88 as a youth soccer coach, referee and administrator, the tournament held its girls’ competition Saturday and Sunday at the Glendale Sports Complex and Crescenta Valley High.

The boys’ competition will be held June 20 at the same venues.

Boys’ and girls’ competition were held simultaneously at as many as six different venues around town in previous years, but the event organizers made the decision to split up and consolidate the tournament action to ease logistical strains without sacrificing the quality of overall experience.

“Having it in one central location makes it easier for everybody. It’s been working out much better,” said AYSO Region 88 Commissioner Aldo Mascheroni, an organizer of the event. “It’s one of the premier tournaments in Southern California. People look forward to it because it’s not so much competitive, but it’s a more recreational, friendly kind of atmosphere.”

The event drew over 30 teams in under-10, under-16 and under-19 age groups from regions a far away as Palmdale, Rancho Cucamonga and Santa Barbara. Because Nedeff, who passed away in 2004 after a battle with mesothelioma, was a leader in referee training, the tournament brings many of the top referees from around Southern California.

It’s also a big weekend for the members of Region 88, which serves La Crescenta and Glendale.

“It’s really fun, it’s awesome, because we play these teams all season and now they’re finally coming to our region and we get to show them what we’re about, our sportsmanship and everything,” said 17-year-old Kim Kellan of the Glendale Under-19 Tournament team. “Leo Nedeff was such an amazing person, we can only offer gratitude and our kindness, so it’s fun to have a tournament in his honor.”

Added Kellan’s coach and tournament director Frank Bagheri: “It’s just incredible to see all these teams come to Glendale and all the positive comments we get. Sometimes we forget, it’s so beautiful up here, the fields are great and the views are breathtaking.”