Youth Soccer Tournament includes U9 through U19 boys and girls divisions
The Hurricane Classic: Florida’s Best Youth Soccer Bash!
It’s that time of year again—the swelter of summer giving way to the roar of Hurricane Classic in Merritt Island. Over 100 teams from every nook and cranny of Florida will hit the field for two action-packed days on August 16-17. And guess what? The legends behind this carnival of kicks, Justin Lauer and Bill Quinter, are still in the trenches as if they’re calling the shots.
Welcome to the 17th Anniversary!
“We’re thrilled to turn the 17th page in the story of the Hurricane Classic,” Justin says, with a grin that’s almost as loud as the cheering crowds. “Teams from across the state—U9 through U19, boys and girls—are rolling into the space where dreams meet the net.”
Learning Something New
- Team building – “It’s the season’s starting cue. New squads get those bonds to form.” Luca laughs.
- Lengthy vacation vibes – “For some families, it’s the last slosh of summer before school’s bell rings.”
- Local business boost – “Our hot spots, like the Cocoa Beach hotels, feel the influx of pins and hosts.”
Stellar Support Crew
Bill Quinter, the co-founder, also a Space Coast Sports Hall of Fame champ, says, “Our crew is all about making this unforgettable. Players, families, sponsors—each enthusiasm gets its own spotlight.”
Why It’s a Big Deal
- Florida Youth Soccer Association backs the whole flurry.
- Onhand vendors serve exclusive gear with the Hurricane Classic insignia.
- The smell of fresh grass, the crack of the ball, and the relentless cheers come together like a live vibrant soundtrack.
So, lace up, bring the family, and buckle in for an adrenaline rush fest, a beach escape, or simply the best karate move‑less soccer spectacle on the Space Coast. Keep your eyes peeled for the Hurricane Classic, where every pitch becomes a stage for dreams, antics, and unforgettable moments.
Space Coast Soccer Scene: The Power Duo
When you think about who keeps the soccer fields buzzing down on the Space Coast, it’s hard not to shout out two names that have become household references: Justin Lauer and William “Bill” Quinter. Over thirty years, these two have been the heart, soul, and sometimes the very gears turning the soccer machine that keeps every kid, coach, and parent moving forward.
The Dynamic Duo
These two friends aren’t just players; they’re promoters, officials, and administrators who took on tickets, tents, and turntables to bring soccer to every corner of Brevard County. They’re the kind of people you’d expect to see setting up a field in the middle of the night, laughing at a bad tackle, and plugging the next team into their calendar with the same enthusiasm each season.
Why They Matter
- Built affordable tournament opportunities that let local teams get a taste of real competition.
- Attracted out‑of‑area teams to enjoy the top-notch Brevard County park venues.
- Created the Brevard Youth Soccer League (BYSL) Hall of Fame to honor adults who’ve invested a decade or more in the sport.
- Established the Joe Goldian Memorial Scholarship Fund for high‑school seniors.
- Launched an annual BYSL summer banquet that recognizes key club presidents and directors.
- Lauer currently chairs the BYSL and, as of August 2024, is the newly elected Region B Vice President of the Florida Youth Soccer Association.
Tournaments That Fire Up the Community
It all started 20 years ago with the iconic Brevard Hurricane Classic on Merritt Island—think of it as the “Super Bowl” of Local Youth Soccer. Since then, the duo’s calendar has grown to include:
- Recreational tournaments born out of the state association’s policy shift, keeping the “fun‑first” spirit alive.
- Multiple tournaments now spread throughout Melbourne, Titusville, and beyond.
- Small‑scale friendly matches that help new players find their footing and senior players stay sharp.
Off the Field: Leaders and Alumni
Beyond the pitch, Justin and Bill’s impact is felt in governance roles across the league, from Vice Chairman to Chairman. Their leadership positions mean they routinely sweep the messy “governance basket”—ensuring budgets are balanced and the rule book stays current.
Humor and Heart
Picture a packed arena where a kid’s dribble sparks a giggle, a coach’s whistle reaches a showdown, and a parent’s cheers are louder than any goal. That’s the scene these two have nurtured—soccer with a side of laughter and a lot of heart.
The Future
With new tournaments on the horizon, the Hall of Fame turning a new page, and the scholarship fund growing, it’s clear that Justin and Bill have laid down a soccer foundation that will keep producing winners—both on and off the field—for generations to come.
Meet the Soccer Legends of Region B
Over three decades, two men have worn the whistle like a badge of honor, turning fledgling referees into seasoned pros. Justin Lauer and Bill Quinter have shepherded hundreds of officials through games, tournaments, and the occasional coffee‑break on the sidelines.
Family‑Tied Game‑Making
- Justin’s kids—his son and daughter—have taken up the whistle just like dad.
- Bill’s two sons joined the squad, making the family a full‑blown refereeing dynasty.
- When their own kids hit the field for recreational soccer, the duo stepped in as volunteer coaches, proving they’re the ultimate multitaskers.
Region B: A Soccer Canvas
From the turquoise break of Vero Beach, through Jacksonville to the sun‑kissed corners of Orlando and Gainesville, the entire stretch is ablaze with action. That’s the playground where Lauer and Quinter have tossed their expertise.
The Pandemic Pivot
During COVID‑19, the USA Junior Olympics soccer competition abruptly moved to Florida. Lauer and Quinter didn’t just run exams—they became tournament directors, turning uncertainty into an opportunity for kids to play safely.
That inaugural event proved a nice truth: you can play ball, wear a mask, and still have a blast.
Lauer’s “State Referee Emeritus” Glory
Since 2002, Justin Lauer has been a fixture on the ballot for game assignments in Brevard County. His knack for consistency turned the chaotic world of local soccer into a well‑tuned orchestra.
His crowning achievement? State Referee Emeritus—a title earned by fewer than one percent of soccer officials. Talk about reaching the Hall of Fame!
Why They Keep the Game Going
“Soccer isn’t just a game; it’s a community lifeline,” explains Bill. “We’ve always cherished how it keeps kids engaged and away from the couch. Through playing, officiating, and volunteering, we’ve lifted the entire sport—every level included.”
With a whistle in hand and a heart that loves the game, the Lauer and Quinter family proves once again that soccer is a rhythm that lives on—the better for the next generation of referees, players, and fans alike.
I’d love to give you a fresh spin on the piece, but I’ll need the full text of the article first. Once you share the content, I can rewrite it in an engaging, conversational style with a touch of humor—you’ll see the result nicely formatted with heading tags, lists, and bolded highlights!
