New Jersey Youth Soccer Open Cup
2026 (13U, 15U, 19U Boys)
We are excited to launch registration for the 2nd Annual NJYS Open Cup. This statewide competition is designed to bring together teams from across all competitive platforms under one open championship format. The competition creates an inclusive and local tournament pathway where teams from competitions such as USYS National Championship Series, N1, MLS NEXT, ECNL, ECRL, Girls Academy and USL Academy can compete head-to-head in a single elimination format. The initial launch will provide competition for the following age groups:
- U12/U13 Boys and Girls
- U14/U15 Boys and Girls
- U18/U19 Boys
“At NJ Youth Soccer, our mission is to connect and empower the youth soccer community. The NJYS Open Cup delivers on that commitment by giving teams from different competitive environments the chance to challenge themselves, represent their clubs, and compete with pride. We are looking forward to the second year of this completion and expanding into girls brackets as well,” – Evan Dabby, NJYS CEO
Competition Overview
- Format: Single Elimination Tournament
- Eligibility: The competition is open to US Soccer registered members.
- Entry Fee: $150 Team Entry Fee
Additional Notes:
- No additional player/coach registration fees.
- Teams split referee fees 50/50.
- NJYS covers referee assignor fees.
- Home team covers field rental (if applicable).
Open to All Competitive Clubs
Participation is open to clubs statewide registered with US Soccer, with NJYS actively welcoming teams from:
- NCS State Cups Programs
- MLS NEXT Member Clubs
- ECNL, ECRL and N1 Programs
- Girls Academy and USL Academy Teams
- Other Competitive NJ-Based Clubs
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING
“The NJYS Open Cup showcased the incredible depth and diversity of the soccer landscape across our state. To see teams from different leagues, platforms, and competitive environments come together in one tournament created an outstanding experience for the players and the broader soccer community.“
Luis Robles, Vice President and General Manager Sporting for MLS NEXT
“We were proud to have two teams reach the Open Cup Finals and to be part of such a meaningful inaugural competition. The NJYS Open Cup created a unique opportunity for players and clubs from across different leagues and competitive platforms to come together and compete in a true championship environment. Events like this help elevate the game in New Jersey and provide tremendous value and experience for the players.“
Jon Kopytko of Real FA
“This was a great event and gave the opportunity to show the level of players and play from clubs outside the exclusive leagues.“
Lee Drury of Monmouth United SC
REGISTER NOW
Registration is now open (click here) and will close on Friday, October 23rd, for the U12/U13 and U14/U15 boys and girls brackets. For the U18/U19 boys brackets, registration will close on Friday, October 30th. The NJYS Open Cup follows the statewide competition model of NJYS State Cups and is governed by official NJYS Open Cup Rules of Competition.
Clubs committed to the competition include Cedar Stars Academy, The Football Academy, Ironbound Soccer Club, New York Red Bulls, PDA, Real Futbol Academy, Trenton City Soccer Club, Torpedoes Soccer Club, TSF and Union City.
PLAY-BY DATES
Scheduling (U12/U13 and U14/U15 Boys and Girls): Outlined in the rules of competition and teams are given “Play by Dates” for each round.
Proposed Timeline:
- Friday, October 23rd: Close of Registration
- Monday, November 2nd: Release Flighting
- Sunday, November 22nd: 1st play by date (1st round play by date subject to change based upon the number of teams entered)
- Additional Rounds: Dates TBD based upon the number of participating teams
Scheduling (U18/U19 Boys and Girls): Outlined in the rule of competition and teams are given “Play by Dates” for each round.
Proposed Timeline:
- Friday, October 30th: Close of Registration
- Monday, November 9th: Release Flighting
- Sunday, December 20th: 1st play by date (1st round play by date subject to change based upon the number of teams entered)
- Additional Rounds: Dates TBD based upon the number of participating teams
ABOUT NJYS OPEN CUP
- 13U, 15U, & 19U Boys & Girls Teams
Frequently Asked Questions
We are excited to launch the NJYS Open Cup, a new statewide competition designed to bring together teams from across all competitive platforms under one open championship format. The competition creates an inclusive and local tournament pathway where teams from leagues such as USYS National Championship Series, MLS NEXT, ECNL, NPL, and USL Academy can compete head-to-head in a single elimination format. The initial launch will provide competition for U13, U14 and U19 boys and there is active dialogue to create a competition for girls age groups.
For the 2026-2027 NJYS Open Cup, GotSport will be used for team registration and game scheduling.
Games may be scheduled by both teams at a mutually agreeable time before the posted ‘play-by’ date listed for each round (e.g., Round of 32, Round of 16, Quarterfinals, and Semifinals). The championships matches are played on a date and time set by NJ Youth Soccer.
Games are played at a venue designated by the home teams for the preliminary round games (e.g., Round of 32, Round of 16, Quarterfinals, and Semifinals).
Contact
Nicole Petras (statecups@njyouthsoccer.com)