PERDIDO KEY, Florida — More than 140 teams are expected for a two-day soccer tournament that will fill Gulf Coast fields with players from throughout the Southeast and from as far away as Illinois.

The Soccer Shootout, an annual event, will be played March 16-17 at soccer fields near Perdido Key, Fla. and Orange Beach and Gulf Shores.

Organizers say the tournament will draw some 3,000 to 5,000 people – players, coaches and relatives who will enjoy a St. Patrick’s Day weekend near white beaches and eye-catching nature preserves.

The tournament is open to teams of boys and girls ages 9 to 19. Many of the games will be played at the sprawling new Southwest Escambia Sports Complex near Perdido Key.

For lodging, see www.visitperdido.com For tournament information, visit www.snapsoccer.com/orange-beach-soccer-shootout.html