BARBOURSVILLE -- With thousands of people going into and out of Barboursville Park's new soccer complex and the YMCA Kennedy Center on Route 2, some complaints were bound to arise on the first day of the US Youth Soccer Region I Championships.

But after talking with parents, players and tournament officials, it was apparent that the few comments about field conditions were overshadowed by compliments that were not difficult to find.

"I never heard of anyone building a bridge for a soccer tournament," said 13-year-old Devon Cummings, referring to the $1.6 million vehicle and pedestrian bridge that connects the 16 fields.

The 13-year-old from Newtown, Pa., and her teammates said the fields were a bit choppy and hoped for better conditions next year. But they also complimented tournament officials and Marshall University for making them feel so welcome.

Region I Director Bob Palmeiro said he also heard many conversations that included praise for the job being done.

"I think they've done a marvelous job," he said. "It's unbelievable the number of volunteers. I've had several people come up to me ... and the comments have been good."

Palmeiro and Len Rogers, president of the West Virginia Soccer Association, said traffic ran smoothly with minimal delays. The longest backup reported was only about 10 minutes, they said.

"Traffic has not been that bad," Rogers said. "The part we didn't know was how many teams were staying after their games to watch."

Tommy Smith of Richmond, Va., said he's shuttled his daughter to numerous tournaments and also was impressed by what could have been a large problem.

"I think it's been run pretty smoothly," Smith said. "There are a lot of cars here, no doubt. Getting into Marshall University (Thursday) was the hardest part."

The only concern, as brought up by the players, is field conditions. Palmeiro said he's already talked to Rogers about it, but he said it's something you have to deal with when you have new soccer fields.

"The fields obviously need to be upgraded," Palmeiro said. "Just another year of seeding and fertilizing. There are some spots I wish had grass and not sand."

One of the fields at the Kennedy Center may not see anymore game action at all. It suffered some damage Thursday night while final preparations were being done. Palmeiro said coaches complained, but referees reported it playable.

"That is a big concern," Palmeiro said. "That one field to me is questionable.

"As soon as the tournament is over, they said they'll rip up some field and start over if they have to," he added. "You can only do what you can do."

Smith and fellow parent Maggi Gray, whose team is staying in Charleston, said it was the farthest away they've had to stay for any tournament. Gray also said that hotel prices were more in Charleston than what they paid in Boston, or Washington, D.C.

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