GULF SHORES AND ORANGE BEACH, ALA. – The SEC Women’s Soccer Championship returns to the Gulf Coast for another year of exciting soccer.

“As the newest SEC Corporate Sponsor, we are tremendously excited to welcome the return of these collegiate student-athletes to the area,” said Beth Gendler, vice-president of sales for Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism and Sports Commission. “This sponsorship is an exciting partnership for the area and continues to provide additional access points to potential guests.”

The championship will start play on Nov. 2 as eight teams compete for a spot in the semifinals, which is scheduled for Nov. 4. A championship team will be determined on Sunday, November 6 following the final game scheduled to begin at 2:30 p.m.

The SEC Women’s Soccer Championship game will be televised live, but if you don’t want to miss any of the action then admission at the gate is $5 for adults and $2 for children per day and all games will be played at the Orange Beach Sportsplex.

To see the complete schedule of SEC games, go to www.secdigitalnetwork.com/SECSPORTS/CHAMPIONSHIPS/2011SoccerChampionship.aspx.

Also new to the event this year is the addition of the 2011 Alabama Soccer Festival, which is set for November 4 through 6 at the Orange Beach Sportsplex. This team-based event is for U6 through U12 boys and girls teams. All proceeds will benefit the Alabama Youth Soccer Association to support our youth and stars of tomorrow. For complete information, visit www.alabamasoccerfestival.com.

This championship represents the eighth consecutive year that the SEC has chosen Orange Beach as the location for the women’s soccer championship.

For information on these or other athletic events on Alabama’s Gulf Coast, please visit www.gulfshoresorangebeachsports.com, or call 1-800-745-SAND.