Retail marketing firm looks to score with innovative soccer event

Kendal King Group has created a unique event to be held in Northwest Arkansas later this summer that is designed to simultaneously benefit local charities while commemorating the firm’s 25th anniversary.



The First annual Kick for Kids 3V3 Soccer Tourney will be held on Aug. 25 at Bentonville’s Sugar Creek Soccer Park. As the name implies, the tournament involves teams of three competing against one another in fast-paced games that consist of two 15 minute halves. The small team size and quick games means Kendal King’s event can accommodate as many as 300 teams across 20 different divisions ranging from the young and inexperienced to older highly skilled players. The cost of entry is $150 and all proceeds along with additional sponsorship dollars help fund the Northwest Arkansas Lightning Soccer Club, The Children’s Shelter, and Boys & Girls Club.



Team divisions are based on age, gender and competition level. Games are scheduled to begin at 8 a.m. and conclude at 7 p.m. The format ensures each team participates in a minimum of three games.



“This tournament is about giving back to a community that has been so good to us over the years,” said Kendal King group VP Jakob Nilsson.



Nilsson is well know on the local soccer scene and won the Arkansas State Soccer Association’s Coach of the Year honor in 2009. He currently coaches several different age groups for the Lightning soccer clubs. Along with Kendal King Group account executive, Mark Burrell, the two have played an integral role in building the club’s popularity since its founding eight years ago. Burrell recently served as the tournament director from 2007 until 2011.



Team registration is now open through August 10th on the Northwest Arkansas Lightning website at www.nwalightning.com.



For questions about the event and corporate sponsorships, Nilsson can be reached at 479-273-9600 x221 or [email protected].