International soccer star heads for Lakewood Ranch

Premier Sports Campus at Lakewood Ranch has scored big once again.

Portuguese soccer legend Luis Figo will host a presentation on July 28 at 10 a.m. at The Lake Club in Lakewood Ranch to promote his youth European Showcase by Figo tournament that will run Nov. 11-12 at Premier Sports Campus at Lakewood Ranch.

Antonio Saviano, Premier's director of sports, said this could be a game-changer, attracting attention to the facility that will lead to more high-profile events. The end result could mean millions of tourist dollars for Manatee and Sarasota counties.

Figo will discus his International Visibility Program for youth soccer as well as the European Showcase by Figo. It is expected more than 400 teams of boys and girls ages 8 to 18 will compete for titles. The purpose of the Lakewood Ranch tournament will be to elevate youth soccer in the area and to implement European methodologies into the area.

Figo became famous playing soccer in Spain for Real Madrid and FC Barcelona before switching to Inter Milan in 2005. He led Portugal to the semifinals of Euro 2000 and was named European Footballer of the Year. He was named FIFA's World Player in 2001.

He moved to Inter Milan in 2005 and played with the team until his retirement in 2009. He represented Portugal in the 2002 and 2006 World Cup. 

Figo will be present during the Lakewood Ranch tournament, which is expected to become an annual event.

"This could be a very big event in the area," Saviano said.