Keesler Air Force Base will host the CISM 2009 Women’s Soccer Championship June 6 – 13, 2009.

Tournament opens on Saturday, June 6 and Sunday, June 7 at the Biloxi Indian Stadium beginning at 2 PM each day.

Seven countries have confirmed participation in the 2009 tournament and competing countries include Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, The Netherlands, Republic of South Korea, and the United States. Originally, eight teams confirmed to play in the competition but Bulgaria has withdrawn from the tournament. The United States, as the hosting country, will play the opening game against defending champion, Germany, on Saturday, June 6 at 2:00 PM. A blind draw established play and teams will compete as follows:

Saturday, June 6 2009	2 – 4 PM	USA vs. Germany		Biloxi High School Indian Stadium
	4 – 6 PM	Netherlands vs. France
	6 – 8 PM	Brazil vs. Korea
Sunday, June 7 2009	2 – 4 PM	Germany vs. Brazil		Biloxi High School Indian Stadiums
	4 – 6 PM	France vs. Canada
	6 – 8 PM	Korea vs. USA
Tuesday, June 9 2009	3 – 5 PM	Brazil vs. USA		Sportsplex, Gulfport MS
	3 – 5 PM	Korea vs. Germany
	5 – 7 M	Netherlands vs. Canada
Thursday, June 11 2009	4 – 6 PM	Semi Final 1	Winner A vs. Second B	Biloxi High School Indian Stadiums
	6 – 8 PM	Semi Final 2	Winner B vs.. Second A
Saturday, June 13 2009	Noon – 2 PM	Bronze Medal Match		Biloxi High School Indian Stadiums
	2 – 4 PM	Gold Medal Match
	4 – 4:30 PM	Medals Presentation
	4:30 – 5 PM	Closing Ceremony

On Saturday, June 6 and Sunday, June 7 the tournament will feature many family activities including children’s games and drawings for prizes that will take place throughout the day. Children, from 8 – 18 years of age, are encouraged to register each day of the tournament for their chance to receive a kick where they could win a $10,000 scholarship. Adults, 18 years and older, are encouraged to register each day too for a chance to receive a kick where they could win a Pontiac G8. Drawing for both kicks will take place during the Gold Medal Match on Saturday, June 13 at 2:00 PM. Registered participants must be present to win. A Junior Clinic for children up to 18 years will take place at Academy Sports on Friday, June 12 from 10:00 AM to noon. Players from all participating countries will attend to assist children with soccer fundamentals and will be available for autographs too. All games and activities are free and open to the public.

The International Military Sports Council, known by its acronym “CISM”, is an international sports association composed of the armed forces of member nations accepted by the General Assembly. CISM is open to the armed forces of all nations. The aims of CISM are to develop friendly relations between the Armed Forces of member nations, promote physical education and sports activities, provide mutual technical assistance, support less privileged members in the name of friendship and solidarity, contribute towards the balanced and harmonious development of military personnel, and contribute to the international effort for universal peace.

This ideal is encapsulated in the CISM motto:

 

“FRIENDSHIP THROUGH SPORT”.

For more information on CISM, please visit their website: http://www.cism-milsport.org/eng/welcome.html

Event Sponsors include Keesler Air Force Base, Keesler Federal Credit Union, USO, Mississippi Gulf Coast Sports Commission, and Keesler Services.

For more information concerning details of the event, please call Mr. Mooers, 228-377-0123, or e-mail brian.mooers@keesler.af.mil, and you can check the Keesler website at www.keesler.af.mil. The Mississippi Gulf Coast Sports Commission can also provide information pertaining to the CISM Tournament at 228-276-1713.