Come this fall, Morris County, N.J., will become a little more vibrant, a little more alive. Like clockwork, the surrounding area always transforms that time of year when the Parsippany Pride Soccer Tournament rolls around, an event where the operative word is always “pride.”

Amidst soccer balls, families and concessions, the community receives a shot in the arm each year when thousands of East Coast soccer enthusiasts make their way to Parsippany. When the 21st addition of the tournament kicks off Oct. 9-11, the buzz created by the annual affair will be particularly vital for surrounding businesses.

“There’s such a diversity of teams that come in and it brings so many people to the town. Economically, it’s really great for the area to reap the benefits and showcase the city – it’s a good punch,” said tournament director Scott Donalds.

Donalds would know. He’s helped propel the tournament into the fall’s largest Northeast youth soccer tournament. It is now a force that draws 500 teams from surrounding states like New York, Pennsylvania, Connecticut and Maryland. The tournament’s roots run deep throughout the region – the Parsippany Club has been around since 1973 - and Donalds’ own kids have competed in it through the years.

Offered to both boys and girls from U8 to U14, Parsippany Pride offers a great competitive field for every age level that culminates with trophies and medals awarded at the conclusion of the weekend. Parsippany also provides a family-friendly environment for a weekend of high level premier competition.

“It’s a very well-rounded tournament,” Donalds said. “Teams can come in at all levels and they won’t be playing over their head. You have so many families in town: kids, grandparents and the area is buzzing. There are so many people that come out that weekend just to see the competition. The framework for the event has been set and each year it comes off well.

“A lot of people are looking forward to it.”