Pre-ECNL Midwest Cup: What You Need to Know
Youth soccer players from across the Midwest will compete for championship titles at a brand-new tournament in Ohio this weekend.
The first-ever Pre-ECNL Midwest Cup takes place September 27-28 at Warren County Sports Park in Lebanon, Ohio. This exciting new event brings together 136 teams total – 72 girls teams and 64 boys teams – all competing in the U10, U11, and U12 age groups.
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Schedules:
This tournament kicks off what will be a busy season for Pre-ECNL teams. Two more similar tournaments are planned: one in Richmond, Virginia this November and another in Davis, California next March. See all events.
The tournament format is designed to give every team plenty of playing time. Teams are split into groups of four and play two games on Saturday, then one more game on Sunday morning. The best teams from each group then face off in championship games on Sunday afternoon.
Game formats vary by age. The youngest players (U10) will play 7v7 games with 25-minute halves, while the older kids (U11 and U12) play 9v9 games with 30-minute halves.
On the girls’ side, the 72 teams are divided into 10 different competitive flights across the three age groups. The boys have 64 teams competing in eight flights. This setup ensures teams play against others of similar skill levels, making for more exciting and fair games.
The tournament represents a major milestone for youth soccer in the Midwest region. It gives young players a chance to test their skills against teams from different states and cities, while also providing valuable experience in a competitive tournament setting.
Parents and fans can follow all the action through the official tournament schedules and standings, which track each team’s progress throughout the weekend.
This new tournament adds another exciting opportunity for young soccer players to showcase their talents and compete at a high level, all while having fun and learning more about the sport they love!
