Tales and Topics from the Panhandle to the Keys – Inside the Upcoming FSF Granted Events
Inside the Upcoming FSF Granted Events – Volume 1, Edition 13
By Nick Gandy
No wonder sports fill the calendar in Florida between April and June. The days are mild and pleasant and the heat of the summer has yet to rear its head.
Think about it. We’ve got great weather and more than 30 sports industry partners located from the westernmost border of the state down to the tip of the peninsula. They’re all out trying to keep Florida’s top ranking for amateur and spectator sports.
In its ongoing effort to support the sports industry partners and the sports tourism industry, the Florida Sports Foundation awards quarterly grants to events showing a significant number of out of state attendees. The funds for these granted events come from the sale of Florida’s 10 Pro Sports License Plates.
Between now and the end of June, 13 sports events scattered throughout the state will receive FSF Grants. This program has been in place since 1996 when only 12 industry partners were completing grant applications.
The 13 events combined are expected to bring more than 226,000 out of state visitors and $418 million in economic impact to the state.
To accommodate the 13 granted events, Florida sports facilities, and their local host communities, are ready and available for Rugby, Equestrian, Volleyball, Baseball, Soccer, Cheerleading, Rowing, multi-sport events and a Worldwide spectacle event
Florida Sports Industry partners can boast the state’s ability to host events in well known and highly regarded venues like Hard Rock Stadium, MLB spring training facilities, Nathan Benderson Park, a world class rowing facility, the Orange County Convention Center and Tampa Convention Center.
Along with the variety of sports, the events reach all age groups, stretching from 6 year old baseball players to military veteran athletes into their 90s.
Besides the personnel to stage such first class competitions, the event managers encourage visiting attendees to visit local amenities as registration websites have links to “Things To Do in Insert Florida city name here.”
Topping it off, the FSF Grant Program is one of the highest-ranked programs among state of Florida grant programs due to its significant return on investment.
Along with the economic benefit to the state, take a look at what the events offer the athletes traveling to Florida for these FSF Granted Events.
April 1-5
Easter International Cup Soccer Tournament, ChampionsGate Fields at the Omni Resort, Austin Tindall Park and other locations
This event is a high-level tournament for boys and girls teams, ranging in ages from Under 10 to Under 19 with 400+ teams, 50+ international, playing on 30 Total Fields. The host ChampionsGate Fields at the Omni Resort serve as home to Pro and National team training camps.
April 2-5
Girls Easter International Cup, Boombah Sports Complex, Sanford
This is a four–day girl’s tournament, providing a high-level international soccer tournament for ages Under 9 to Under 16. For the Under 17 and Under 19 divisions there will be an eight-team showcase tournament for both ages. More than 500 college coach invitations were submitted.
April 1 – May 31
Spring Concours Series, Fox Lea Farms, Venice
The Spring Concours (often referred to as the Venice Concours Hunter Jumper Spring Concours) is a multi-week USEF-rated hunter/jumper competition series and is part of Fox Lea Farm’s Spring USEF Hunter/Jumper circuit. The term “Concours” simply means a formal competition or show (borrowed from French equestrian terminology). The series attracts: Professional riders, amateur competitors, junior riders and national-level competitors preparing for larger circuits.
April 2-4
Tropical 7’s International Youth Sevens, Tampa SportsPlex
The TROPICAL 7s is North America’s largest and premier rugby 7s festival, bringing together 200+ teams every Easter from across North America as well as from around the world for the ultimate rugby 7s experience in the Florida sunshine.
April 25-26
Varsity Cheer – The Youth Summit, Recreation Summit, The Celebration, Tampa Convention Center
The CELEBRATION welcomes all star elite, all star prep and rec cheer teams of all ages and levels to compete and celebrate. Bids are not awarded or required for this event, and the focus is on fun and celebrating the end of the season!
April 26-May 2
Home School World Series, Lake Myrtle Sports Complex, Auburndale
The Home School World Series endeavors to promote and coordinate high school (varsity level) baseball competition among homeschool students throughout North America. The 2026 World Series features 21 teams competing from seven states. The Houston Northside Falcons return seeking their fifth consecutive Home School World Series Championship.
May 22-27
USA Volleyball Adult Open National Championship, Orange County Convention Center, Orlando
The longest-running adult volleyball championship in the United States, the event will bring together adult athletes of all skill levels, ages, and backgrounds for an unforgettable week of competition. The Open National Championship, known for its vibrant atmosphere and inclusive spirit, will return to Orlando for the third time, having previously been hosted in the city in 2016 and 2022.
June 11-14
Prospect Select Classic and Classic Futures, CACTI Park and Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium, West Palm Beach
The Classics are the foundational events of Prospect Select, bringing hundreds of the nation’s best together for over a decade. The Classics are premier, destination tournaments for amateur baseball teams around the entire Country, and Internationally.
June 11-14
2026 USRowing Youth National Championships, Nathan Benderson Park, Sarasota
The 2026 Youth National Championships marks the 31st anniversary of the event. It has become one of the most significant youth sporting events in the United States and was awarded the SportsTravel Best Amateur Sports Event in 2023 & 2024. Over four days, the event attracts over 4,000 athletes and 1,000 coaches and draws more than 5,000 spectators.
June 15-July 18
FIFA World Cup, Hard Rock Stadium, Miami
Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium will host seven 2026 FIFA World Cup matches, including four group-stage games, a Round of 32 match (July 3), a quarter-final (July 11), and the Bronze Final (July 18). Confirmed matchups feature major teams like Brazil, Portugal, Uruguay, and Colombia, with a Fan Festival held at Bayfront Park.
June 25-29
2026 Perfect Game BCS Championships, Lee Health Sports Complex and JetBlue Park, Fort Myers
This is the 21st annual 18U BCS National Championship, hosted at both current and former MLB Spring Training venues in Fort Myers, Florida.
June 27-July 1
Perfect Game Ultimate Baseball Championships & WWBA 13UNationalChampionship, CACTI BallPark of the Palm Beaches
Perfect Game has been hosting elite amateur events all over the country since 1997. The 13U WWBA National Championship is a high-level tournament which provides high school players scouting reports and video which provides maximum exposure for college coaches and MLB scouts.
June 27-July 2
National Veterans Golden Age Games, various locations in Tampa, including the Tampa Convention Center
This is the only multi-sport competition in the world designed to improve the quality of life for all older Veterans. The Games include those with a wide range of abilities. The VA hosts the event in a new city each year as veterans look forward to a reunion with their community of brothers and sisters, just as they did in military service. Through its “Fitness for Life” focus, the National Veterans Golden Age Games is a premier showcase for the rehabilitation value that sports, fitness, and wellness provide in the lives of veterans age 55 and beyond.
What’s better than a family coming to Florida during their summer vacation for a sports opportunity of a lifetime and some beach time away from competition? The camaraderie and friendships made on the field of play continue on for adult volleyball players and veteran’s getting together to strengthen their bonds.
We’re waiting for you here in Florida. Bring your game and your appetite for fun, and some good pre- and post-game nourishment.
Nick Gandy is a 40-year sports communications professional who has worked with the Florida Sports Foundation, the state of Florida’s lead sports promotion and development organization, since 1998.