US Youth Soccer to Launch Champions Cup

US Youth Soccer (USYS) is pleased to announce the USYS Champions Cup. This tournament will serve as a truly global invitational event, where all invited teams are welcomed on equal footing, regardless of registration provider, membership status, or carding entity. Selections will be made based on performance in Championship caliber events from around the world. USYS is changing the culture of youth sport by providing the entire soccer community with an open opportunity to stake their claim as a true international youth soccer champion. Combining marquee teams, talented youth players, and referees from around the world, the USYS Champions Cup is a way to build long lasting friendships and memories across many nationalities and cultures.

While plans are still ongoing, COVID-19 has pushed the launch of the Champions Cup back to August of 2022 as a multi-day singular event. Hosted and managed by USYS, the USYS Champions Cup will have built-in scheduling that provides for guaranteed matches and balanced competitive play. Domestic and international referees will also have a chance to interact and engage with youth referees via an onsite learning and mentorship program.

“USYS is on a mission to provide world-class support, resources and leadership, helping every member fulfill their goals on and off the field of play. With the USYS Champions Cup, all age-group champions from any recognized sanctioning body can now openly challenge themselves against the best the US, and the world, has to offer,” said Skip Gilbert, CEO US Youth Soccer.

Age-group champions from the USYS National Championships will earn an invitation to Champions Cup as will winners of nationally-recognized championships from organizations such as US Club, ECNL and other developmental entities such as the GA and MLS Next. US Youth Soccer, as the largest youth sport organization in the country wants to allow the best to finally meet on the field of play regardless of who sanctions them.

“When looking for inspiration, the Little League World Series came to mind. As a global competition it puts political and business issues in the background and lets the best players in the world compete and showcase their talent. USYS is excited to lead this charge for age-group soccer,” said Dr. Pete Zopfi, USYS Chair