The Ultimate Guide to Jefferson Cup 2025
The Jefferson Cup stands as one of America’s most anticipated youth soccer tournaments, drawing over 2,000 elite teams from 36 states to Richmond, Virginia’s world-class facilities for four action-packed weekends in March 2025.
TL;DR:
With over 40 years of history, the Richmond Strikers Soccer Club has built the Jefferson Cup into an institution. The tournament leadership brings 30+ years of operational expertise, while the Strikers themselves are approaching their 50th year in the game.
In my opinion, this deep-rooted experience shows in every aspect of the tournament’s organization.
Jefferson Cup 2025 Schedule
The 2025 Jefferson Cup is set to kick off with over 2,000 teams competing across four weekends.
The match dates for each age group are as follows:
- March 8-9, 2025: Boys U9-U14 (440 teams) – brackets
- March 15-16, 2025: Girls U9-U14 (461 teams) – brackets
- March 21-23, 2025: Girls Showcase Weekend U15-U19 (459 teams) – brackets
- March 28-30, 2025: Boys Showcase Weekend U15-U19 (475 teams) – brackets
To find your team’s schedule, head over to the official website here.
What Teams are Invited?
Teams accepted into the tournament are members of the nation’s most competitive leagues, including:
- Elite Clubs National League (ECNL)
- Girls Academy
- MLS NEXT
- National Academy League
- Development Player League (DPL
- US Youth Soccer National League
- US Club Soccer National Premier Leagues (NPL)
Jefferson Cup Venue Information
Like years past, this year’s Jefferson Cup Soccer Tournament will be held in various field locations in and around Richmond, Virginia.
Here are the field assignment links: 2025 Field Assignments
Map of all fields…
2025 Jefferson Cup Rules & Regulations
Understanding the fundamental rules and regulations for your age group is essential. Below is a breakdown of the key things to know.
Game Duration
Each age group has a designated total game time, with a 5-minute halftime:
- U9, U10 (7v7): 60 minutes
- U11, U12 (9v9): 60 minutes
- U13, U14 (11v11): 70 minutes
- U15-U19 (11v11): 80 minutes
Unless determined otherwise by the Tournament Director, there will be no extended or stoppage time.
Roster Size
All players must be registered with their state association or US Club Soccer. The maximum roster sizes are as follows:
- U9-U10: 14 players
- U11-U12: 18 players
- U13-U19: Up to 26 registered players, but only 18 may suit up for a game
Each team may have up to five guest players across all age groups:
- US Club Soccer teams may only take guest players registered under US Club Soccer
- USSSA teams may only take guest players registered under USSSA
- USYSA teams may only take guest players registered with properly stamped USYSA player pass cards
Players from the same club who “play up” in an older age group do not count toward the guest player limit.
Substitutions
Unlimited substitutions are allowed for all age groups but can only be made during these stoppages:
- U9-U15: Goal kicks, after a goal, halftime, the start of overtime, throw-ins, or after a yellow card
- When an injured player is substituted, the opposing team may also make a substitution
All substitutes must notify the assistant referee on their side of the field before they are eligible to enter the game.
Additional Rules to Know
Here are some other important regulations to keep in mind:
- Drones and dogs are not allowed
- A team must have at least seven eligible players to avoid forfeiting
- U11 and younger can not make headers the ball intentionally
- Ball size: U9-U12 games use a size 4 ball & older groups will use a size 5 ball
- Uniforms: The home team (listed first) wears light-colored uniforms, but teams should always bring both kits
- Offside rule: Enforced for all age groups
- Build-out lines: Used in U10 and younger games
- Red cards: If a player receives a red card or accumulates two yellow cards in a match, they will be required to sit out for the remainder of that game as well as their next scheduled match.
College Coaches in Attendance
This event is a prime opportunity for players to showcase their talent in front of college coaches from various programs. College scouts from all levels—NCAA Division I, II, III, NAIA, and NJCAA—will be in attendance, looking for players who stand out with their skill, work ethic, and game intelligence.
Whether you’re aiming for a top-tier program or looking for the right fit at another competitive level, this is your chance to make an impression.
To see which college coaches have registered for the event, check out the links below:
Players and parents should take the time to research attending programs and reach out to coaches before the event.
Sending a short email with your schedule, jersey number, and a brief introduction can help put you on their radar.
Players, don’t forget to play with confidence and communicate effectively on the field—coaches are watching more than just technical skills!
Best of Luck ☘️
To all the players preparing for Jefferson Cup 2025: this is your moment to shine on one of youth soccer’s biggest stages! Leave it all out on the fields.
Written By: Beau Bridges
Beau is the founder of SoccerNovo, dedicated to helping players and parents navigate the youth soccer landscape. As a former youth coach and soccer parent, he shares insights on player development, recruiting, and the ever-evolving soccer scene in the U.S.
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