This past weekend, New Jersey Youth Soccer brought together the top youth soccer talent in the state for the conclusion of the Fall 2024 State Cup Championships. With teams competing in the 11U-14U age brackets, 48 teams battled for the title of “State Champion” across the National Championship Series, Presidents Cup and Challenge Cup competitions.
A Record-Breaking Attendance
Thousands of spectators lined the sidelines at Maria Gatta Park in Oceanport on Saturday and Sunday, with families and friends rallying behind the players. This year’s event marked the largest attendance of spectators for the Fall State Cup in recent memory. In addition, it is estimated that over 1,000 additional viewers tuned in to Hudl TV to support their teams via the Hudl Focus Flex live stream.
Inspirational Moments by Tab Ramos
Adding to the atmosphere, Tab Ramos, National Soccer and New Jersey Youth Soccer Hall of Famer, helped hand out Champion and Finalist Awards for the National Championship Series matches. As a former star of the US Men’s National Team with appearances in three FIFA World Cups, and the former coach of the U-20 US Men’s National Team squad, Ramos provided words of inspiration to the players, who were eager to learn from his experiences competing on the world stage.
“I was able to compete as a youth player in a New Jersey State Cup Final, and I also coached in a State Cup Final as well,” said Ramos. “Even though I played in three World Cups, I never forgot how special State Cup is, and I will forever cherish those experiences. These are very memorable moments for the players, coaches and families, and I assure you that they will never forget them as well. Congratulations to the players, who continuously put in the hard work to get here, and to the coaches who remain so committed to making these players better. Lastly, thank you to all of the parents, because without their dedication, none of this is possible.”
Notable Achievements
- Monmouth United SC earned the club’s first two State Champion titles with the 12U Boys and 11U Boys teams claiming victory.
- The Football Academy 13U Girls Black team won their third New Jersey Youth Soccer State Cup. The team will compete in the Regional Championships for a second time, with the goal of advancing to their first National Championships event this summer.
- The Football Academy 14U Boys, defending US Youth Soccer National Champions, earned a State Cup victory to continue their journey toward a second National Championship.
- Old Bridge SC Thunder are back-to-back State Cup Champions after earning their second title.
Celebrating Champions
Thanks to Wilson Trophy, the Official Trophy Partner of New Jersey Youth Soccer, awards were presented to the champions and finalists to celebrate their achievements in style. Champions had the bonus opportunity to place their club atop of the division’s custom bracket board that detailed their team’s Championship journey in a bracket-style layout.
“I am just so proud of this team,” said Mark Cassidy, head coach of The Football Academy 13U Girls Black. “To win one State Cup Championship is tough, so winning it three times in a row is something that I know these girls will not take for granted. They understand the level of competition they are in, and they are super hard-working. They apply themselves 100%, 100% of the time, and for that they have been rewarded.”
Community Support and Engagement
PRIME, the Official Hydration Partner of New Jersey Youth Soccer, kept players refreshed with free drinks and giveaways. In addition, DICK’S Sporting Goods joined the celebration, providing attendees with special promotions and prizes and attendees had the chance to grab SCORE Sports merchandise to commemorate this unique event.
As a new addition this Fall, real-time statistics were available through New Jersey Youth Soccer’s Match Day App, powered by Squadi. Thank you to the volunteers who provided statistics for matches, allowing everyone to stay engaged with the games.
Fall 2024 State Cup Champions
Congratulations to the teams that competed in this prestigious event. We commend the efforts of the players, coaches, and referees!
National Championship Series Champions
- 11U Boys: FUTBOLTECH Man City
- 11U Girls: Match Fit Academy Morris Blue
- 12U Boys: Monmouth United SC Premier
- 12U Girls: SJEB FC
- 13U Boys: The Football Academy Black
- 13U Girls: The Football Academy Black
- 14U Boys: The Football Academy Black
- 14U Girls: NJ Premier FC
Presidents Cup Champions
- 11U Boys: Monmouth United SC Premier 2
- 11U Girls: Scotch Plains Fanwood SA EP3 Blue
- 12U Girls: Middletown SC Spirit Red
- 13U Girls: Real FA
- 14U Boys: The Football Academy Gold
- 14U Girls: Old Bridge SC Thunder
Challenge Cup Champions
- 11U Boys: JAE Academy
- 11U Girls: SJEB FC Colonial
- 12U Boys: Next Level SA Premier
- 12U Girls: Madison United
- 13U Boys: Steel United NJ Elite
- 13U Girls: Steel United NJ Elite
- 14U Boys: FUTBOLTECH Chelsea
- 14U Girls: Americans SC
Looking Ahead
Winners of the National Championship Series and Presidents Cup competitions (12U and above) are afforded the opportunity to compete at the regional level of their respective tournaments. Both the US Youth Soccer (USYS) Eastern Regionals and USYS Eastern Presidents Cup will be held in June 2025. Regional winners could advance to the national events in July 2025.
Champions will also be honored at the New Jersey Youth Soccer Annual Awards Dinner Presented by RWJBarnabas Health on January 31st, 2025. New Jersey players, teams, coaches, referees and volunteers are recognized for outstanding performances during the preceding year and/or contributions to youth soccer in the state. Last year’s event was witness to a record setting audience with more than 1,000 attendees and a sold out and capacity crowd.
Upon the release of the 2025 MLS and NWSL schedules, State Cup Champions will be invited to a special presentation at Red Bull Arena for a regular season New York Red Bulls and Gotham FC match.
Referee Mentorship
The top youth soccer referees from the Garden State were selected for the Championship matches. The NJ State Referee Committee also organized US Soccer Referee Mentors to provide mentorship and guidance for the attending officials. Game film recorded from the Hudl Focus Flex cameras is also a valuable tool for post-game referee growth and education.
About the New Jersey Youth Soccer State Cups
The National Championship Series is the country’s most prestigious national youth soccer tournament, providing winners from each state the opportunity to showcase their soccer skills against the best competition in the nation while emphasizing teamwork, discipline and fair play.
The Presidents Cup provides a progressive, competitive environment to teams that might not otherwise get the opportunity to participate in a series of unique experiences highlighting competition, camaraderie and community.
The Challenge Cup is the NJYS State Cup designed to create a challenging and enjoyable event for teams outside of the National Championship Series and Presidents Cup.
To contact New Jersey Youth Soccer, please email communications@njyouthsoccer.com. Also make sure to follow us on social media: @NJYouthSoccer