United Soccer Coaches Returns to Philadelphia for the Kicks
Date
January 31, 2024
Every four years, the largest coaches’ association in the world — the United Soccer Coaches Association — meets in Philadelphia at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. The 2023 annual convention brought soccer coaches and administrators together to engage in over 250 coaching sessions. Many of the sessions were held as on-the-field demonstrations on three soccer fields built within the Convention Center.
During the pre-production stages, the Convention Center team transformed its exhibit halls into fully functioning soccer fields. The halls housed three fully functional turf fields with stadium seating on the sides. The fields were used for sessions and demos to teach drills to players and exhibit education techniques to coaches.
According to CEO Geoff VanDeusen, one of the reasons United Soccer Coaches returns to Philadelphia is because attendees from around the world thoroughly enjoy the experience of coming to the city. Philadelphia boasts a vibrant campus environment, where hotels, bars, and restaurants are conveniently located within walking distance, perfectly catering to the diverse needs of attendees. With its rich historical significance and unparalleled transportation convenience, Philadelphia consistently proves to be an ideal host city, prompting their return every four years.
During the pre-planning stages of the convention, the PHLCVB Destination Services’ team helped facilitate connections with key partner hotels to source room blocks and offsite venues for their stay in Philadelphia. From the early planning stages leading up to the final day of the convention, the Services team remained accessible and responsive to the needs of the United Soccer Coaches’ planners.
“We really enjoy working with the [PHLCVB] Destination Services team,” said VanDeusen. “I think they’re a big reason why we have the largest numbers here in Philadelphia. They are responsive to our needs. They help us with growing this event, helping us take advantage of all the opportunities that are here beyond our reach and connecting us to the city.”
The continued positive experiences in Philadelphia and with the PHLCVB Destination Services team have led United Soccer Coaches to commit to returning in 2030 and in 2026 to help kick off a special year of conventions and events.
The Sales and Services team at the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Pennsylvania Convention Center have decades of combined experience to ensure you get the most out of your investment. Contact PHLCVB’s Destination Services team for assistance with your next Philadelphia meeting.
