Walsh University in North Canton, Ohio, will be an "international village" residence and practice site for eight countries' national football teams spanning four continents competing in the 2009 International Federation of American Football (IFAF) Junior World Championship in Canton, Ohio, from June 27-July 5.
Walsh University's 136-acre campus is situated five miles from Canton's Pro Football Hall of Fame Field at Fawcett Stadium, which will host all 12 IFAF Junior World Championship Games. The historic tournament marks football's first world championship among high school-aged national teams.
"We are honored to welcome all attendees of the First Junior World Championship to Walsh University," said Richard Jusseaume, President of Walsh University. "While we are excited to have the opportunity to show off our beautiful campus, the most significant result of this event will be the fostering of friendly relationships among the eight international teams. The entire Walsh community is proud to play a part in bringing this historic event to our area."
Five of the university's nine residence halls will house the tournament's 360 teenage athletes. Six of the eight competing countries have been determined - Canada, France, Germany, Japan, Sweden and the United States - with two berths to be claimed through qualifying games by Feb. 14.
"This summer's tournament stands as one of the most significant international football events the game has ever seen," said Bob Belden, chairman of the IFAF Junior World Championship Host Committee and president of the Canton-based Belden Brick Company. "In addition to the athletes' and coaches' friendships that will be forged here, they'll also remember the first-rate facilities and hospitality that will be shown them at Walsh University."
All eight national teams will practice on Walsh University's four football fields on the campus' "North Quad" during the tournament.
USA Football's Junior National Team, representing the United States and led by head coach Chuck Kyle of Cleveland St. Ignatius High School, also will conduct practices on the Walsh University fields approximately two weeks prior to the tournament.
Details regarding all teams' practice schedules prior to and during the tournament will be determined in the months ahead.
Walsh University will also provide a media workroom and players' lounge in its Paul and Carol David Family Campus Center, adjacent to the residence halls and practice fields.
"We are grateful to Walsh University for the warm hospitality they have promised the teams taking part in the 2009 IFAF Junior World Championship," IFAF President Tommy Wiking said. "Having all players and coaches living and practicing in close proximity on campus will create a fantastic atmosphere and will give everyone the chance to form friendships off the field. I anticipate an Olympic village style camaraderie and am excited that IFAF and Walsh University have created this partnership."