Yellowknife (May 07/03) - When it comes to Super Soccer, Yellowknife's business community is well prepared.

As Yellowknife was overrun by athletes from across the North this past weekend, business owners stocked up on merchandise and staff to manage the crowds.

"We were ready," said manager of Mainstreet Pizza Mark Near. "We made twice as many pizzas as usual and didn't take many breaks."

Near said that he doesn't mind the crowds in town because it boosts sales.

"Did you know that getting all the communities to Yellowknife makes us the capital for soccer in Canada for that weekend?" Near said.

Although Bootlegger hasn't experienced the rush of Super Soccer before, manager Vanessa Gregg said she and her staff were thrilled to have the kids in the city.

"It was great to see them in the store because they were so excited to be able to shop," Gregg said.

Because many of the kids don't have many clothing stores in their home towns, the Bootlegger staff handed out store catalogues, just in case they didn't get enough of a shopping fix while they were in town.

"We even mail the merchandise to them for free when they order it," said Gregg.

Hotels were also packed with soccer players over the weekend, but based on past experiences some of the hotels have created policies for sports teams to avoid any mischief.

"Kids are kids. It makes things a little more hectic for us when they're here, but the chaperons did their jobs this year," said Yellowknife Inn front desk employee Tanya Kidston.

Kidston said that in the past there have been problems such as loud noises during quiet hours and damages, but this year the teams were told that they would be held accountable for any damages.

"As long as there are enough chaperons doing their jobs, things work out fine," said Kidston.