Plainview, N.Y. (July 7, 2009) - On Saturday, June 27th,  the Rough Riders 3rd Annual Independence Cup Tournament took place at the Bethpage State Park polo grounds. The event was a huge success, drawing over 3000 players and spectators for the one-day tournament. Over 80 teams from Long Island and Queens ranging from seven to eleven years old participated. All of the kids had a great time and the spectators witnessed a high level of play from the many youth players.

Over 250 games were played on twelve fields. It was a beautiful day and the fields at Bethpage State Park were in great shape despite the rains that came in the days leading up to the tournament.

Safety is always a concern during summer tournaments and the Rough Riders recruited an athletic trainer from New York Physical Therapy and Wellness, who was on-hand all day responding to any medical concerns for players and spectators.

"Awesome tournament as usual," said Jamie Barnard, coach of the Girls Under 11 New Hyde Park Lady Lynx.

“I’m glad that the teams had fun and it was great to see a lot of returning faces from the past two years,” said co-Tournament Director Flavio Ferri. “I’m happy that it was a successful day and look forward to next year’s tournament.” Overall everyone involved had a great time and the Rough Riders are already looking forward to making the tournament bigger and even better next summer.