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Chris Jamrozy

Spring 2025 Cup Registration

Registration for the Fall 2025 Illinois State Cup & Presidents Cup is now open until for the following age groups

  • 15U (2010) Girls
  • 16U (2009) Girls
  • 17U (2008) Girls
  • 18U (2007) Girls
  • 19U (2006) Girls

Click here for complete details on the Fall State Cup

Click here for complete details on the Fall Presidents Cup

Click here for complete details on the Fall Illinois Cup

Important things for when you register

  • If your club name does not show when trying to register – STOP and email chrisj@illinoisyouthsoccer.org DO NOT SELECT IWSL OR YSSL AS YOUR CLUB.
  • The event fee is $1,000 and covers all expenses for the event including registration and referee fees for all teams that earn advancement to the USYS Regional events
  • When registering there are multiple “paths” to choose
    • Play Towards State Cup ONLY (does not guarantee a spot in group play). This means if you will be included in the State Cup draw. If drawn into a play-in game and lose you will NOT have the opportunity to continue in the Presidents Cup and be eliminated from all Cup competitions.  Selecting this option DOES NOT guarantee you a spot in group play of State Cup. 
    • Play Toward State Cup -if drawn into a Play-In Game and Lose – Continue To Play Towards Presidents Cup:  This means you will be included in the State Cup draw. If you are drawn into a play-in game and lose you would continue in the Presidents Cup. You could be required to play another Presidents Cup play-in game or may fall directly into group play.
    • Play Toward State Cup – if drawn into a Play-In Game & Lose – Continue To Play Towards Presidents Cup – If Lose a Presidents Cup Play-In Advance To Illinois Cup Gold: THIS OPTION GUARANTEES YOU WILL PLAY IN GROUP PLAY IN ONE OF THE CUP COMPETITIONS. This means you will be included in the State Cup draw. If you are drawn into a play-in game and lose you would continue in the Presidents Cup. You could be required to play another Presidents Cup play-in game or may fall directly into Presidents Cupgroup play.  If have to play a Presidents Cup play-in game and lose, you would then continue in group play of Illinois Cup Gold.
    • Play Toward Presidents Cup ONLY (this does not guarantee a spot in group play): This means if you will be included in the Presidents Cup draw. If drawn into a play-in game and lose you will NOT have the opportunity to continue in the Illinois Cup and be eliminated from all Cup competitions.  Selecting this option DOES NOT guarantee you a spot in group play of Presidents Cup. 
    • Play Toward Presidents Cup-if drawn into a Play-In Game & Lose – Continue To Illinois Cup Gold: This means you will be included in the Presidents Cup draw. If you are drawn into a play-in game and lose you would continue in group play of the Illinois Cup.

IMPORTANT CUP DATES

  • July 10: Registration Closes
  • July 24: Payments Dues
  • July 31: Brackets Announced
  • August 7: Play-In Game Change Deadline
  • August 7: Coaching Conflicts Due
  • August 17-18: Play-In Games in Rockford
  • September 6: Initial Rosters Due
  • September 6: Home Team Host Game Info Due
  • September 6: Group Game Changes Due
  • September 23: Rockford Game Times Announced
  • October 11-12: Presidents Cup Group Play Game #3: Sportscore Two in Rockford
  • October 11-13: State Cup Group Play Weekend: Sportscore Two in Rockford
  • October 13: Presidents Cup Quarterfinals: Sportscore Two in Rockford
  • October 18-20: State Cup Quarterfinals & Semifinals: Sportscore Two in Rockford
  • October 18-20: Presidents Cup Semifinals & Finals: Sportscore Two in Rockford
  • November 2: State Cup Finals: Sportscore Two in Rockford

Illinois State Cup
The Illinois State Cup is the most prestigious tournament in Illinois and the official state championship tournament of the US Youth Soccer National Championship Series. State champions advance to the US Youth Soccer Midwest Regional Championship. Don’t confuse this event with any other tournament. Illinois Youth Soccer has been conducting this official annual state competition that is part of the national US Youth Soccer National Championship Series, since 1966.  The Fall Illinois State Cup is run for 15-19U Girls. 13U-14U Girls and 13U-19U Boys play in the Spring.  The 14U age group plays their play-in games in the Fall with group play being done in the Spring.

Illinois President Cup
This national tournament provides Illinois Youth Soccer teams  an alternative to the Illinois State Cup and an opportunity to advance to a US Youth Soccer Regional event and compete against teams from across the country in the Regional and National competition. Think of it as the Europa League and the State Cup is the Champions League.  The Illinois Presidents Cup follows a very similar format to the State Cup. The Fall Illinois Presidents Cup is run for 15-19U Girls. 13U-14U Girls and 13U-19U Boys play in the Spring. The 14U age group plays their play-in games in the Fall with group play being done in the Spring.

Illinois Cup
Started in 2017, the Illinois Cup is a state championship tournament open to Illinois Youth Soccer member travel and high-level rec teams. This in-state only tournament follows a similar format as the other Cup competition (State & Presidents) and offers teams that may not be ready for the State Cup or Presidents Cup, the chance to experience a state-wide championship tournament. The Illinois Cup is offered in two levels of competition: Illinois Cup Gold: Open to any Illinois Youth Soccer member team including teams that fail to advance to the group play portion of the Presidents Cup and tournament only teams. Illinois Cup Silver: Exclusive to teams that compete in the 3rd division or lower of their league play. ONLY teams that meet specific criteria are accepted into the Silver division. With the addition of the Illinois Cup, Illinois Youth Soccer can proudly offer a state championship tournament for teams of ALL skill levels.

13 TEAMS HEAD TO 2024 NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

The two-time defending National Champions, Libertyville FC 1974 (17U Champs in 2022 and 18U Champs in 2023) lead a talented group of Illinois teams that head to Orlando to compete for the ultimate prize in youth soccer, the US Youth Soccer National Championship.  The ONLY way teams can compete in the USYS National Championships is by earning their place thru the Regional Championships or the USYS National League.

In total, 13 Illinois Youth Soccer member teams will compete against other top teams in the country with the goal of being the 32nd team from the Land Of Lincoln to bring home a USYS National Champion Trophy.  Click the team name below to see their full schedule and follow results throughout the event

  • 13U Boys: Bloomingdale Lighting FC. After winning their club’s first Midwest Regional Championship in June, the 13U Boys Illinois State Cup Champions look to claim the club’s first USYS National Championship.
  • 14U Boys: Ponys FC. Ponys FC is back at Nationals and looking to finish the job, after falling in the National Championship Final in 2023.  This team has experience on the National level having performed well in National League and also are back-to-back State Cup and Midwest Regional Champions.
  • 14U Girls: Galaxy SC.  The Illinois State Cup Champions qualified for Nationals via their performance in the US Youth Soccer National League.   Although young, this Galaxy squad has lots of experience playing against top-level teams, and as back-to-back State Cup Champions, have shown they know how to win close games.
  • 15U Boys: Raiders FC. After missing out on advancing to the National Semifinals in 2023 due to tiebreakers, Raiders FC was highly driven to get back to the national stage in 2024.  They secured their trip to the National Championships thru the National League and now will use last year’s experience as motivation to get out of group play and beyond.
  • 16U Boys: Galaxy SC.  The back-to-back State Cup Champions make their first trip to the National Championships.   Their performance in the USYS National League has shown they can compete against anyone in the country as they look to add to Galaxy’s long history of success at the National Championships.
  • 17U Boys: Libertyville FC 1974 Elite. GLSA’s experience in E64 propelled them to securing a spot in Nationals via National League P.R.O.  Having played against some of the best competition in the Midwest and the US, this team should be well prepared to make a run for a National title.
  • 17U Girls: Libertyville FC 1974 Elite.  Another National League Qualifier and Illinois State Cup Finalists, this veteran group is used to playing in high stakes matches and looks to become the club’s 2nd  girls team to win a National Championship.
  • 18U Boys: Chicago Fire Youth SC Premier.  After falling in the Midwest Regional Final, a Wild Card berth has given Chicago Fire another chance to compete for the National title. This is the 3rd straight trip to the National Championships for this 2006 Fire group, so they head into the competition focused and ready.
  • 18U Girls: Wheaton United Academy.  This team is a true groundbreaker for their club having been the first team for Wheaton United to advance to the regional championships, win a Midwest title and now play for a National Championship.  After outscoring their opponents by 9 goals at Regionals they are playing great soccer and look to ride that wave of success to a National title.
  • 19U Boy: Libertyville FC 1974 Elite.  After winning three National Championships (14U in 2019, 17U in 2022 & 18U in 2023) this GLSA squad is among the best teams not only in Illinois’ history but also US Youth Soccer’s.  Should they win their 3rd straight Natty, the argument may shift to not IF they are among the best, but rather if they are THE best to ever do it.
  • 19U Boys: Galaxy SC.  For the past two years, Galaxy SC has finished as National Finalists and watched their in-state rival hoist the National Championship trophy.  After winning the Midwest Regional Championships last month, they come into Nationals fine-tuned and ready to take the top spot in their final run for a National title.
  • 19U Boys: Raiders FC.  In 2023, Raiders FC lost in the National Semifinal, which many saw as the Game Of The Year; an OT thriller that saw comeback, after comeback, that was ultimately decided in kicks.  The players and coaches remember that game and will use it as motivation to end their youth soccer run as National Champions.
  • 19U Boys: Mundelein SC. After missing out on the trip to Disney in 2023, the 2022 National Semifinalists return to the Nationals with their sights set on finishing their youth soccer careers by hoisting the James P. McGuire Cup, the oldest trophy in youth sports.

Each summer US Youth Soccer crowns a 13U-19U Boys and Girls national champion after a culmination of year-long competitions at the state and regional levels during the National Championships presented by New York Life Insurance. Consisting of approximately 185,000 players on 10,000 teams from USYS’ 54 State Associations, it offers the opportunity to showcase your talent against the best competition in the nation.

The Fall Illinois State Cup, the first step towards a National Championship for 15U-19U Girls teams, kicks off in August. If you missed the registration deadline and would still like to compete, email chrisj@illinoisyouthsoccer.org ASAP.

While some matches may be available via live stream please note that any social media comments with links to streams are SPAM. Only links from official US Youth Soccer accounts or posted by Illinois Youth Soccer are legit.

7 Teams To Compete For National Presidents Cup Title

Seven Illinois teams will take on competition from around the country with the hopes of “Claiming the Cup” at the 2024 US Youth Soccer National Presidents Cup.  The National event concludes a journey that included state and regional competitions with the Illinois teams earning their spot by proving to be the best in the Illinois and the Midwest.

For six of the clubs; Harvard FC, Wizard Oak Brook SC, Rockford City, CSA of Fox Valley, Chicagoland United and FSC, they will be competing for their club’s first US Youth Soccer National title.  Chicago Rush has previously won a National Presidents Cup in 2018 & 2019 with other teams.

Like the State Cup/National Championship Series, the Presidents Cup offers teams a state, regional and National championship tournament experience. Although it is second in the pyramid of USYS National championship events, this is no second-rate tournament. Especially in Illinois. Illinois holds one of the largest Presidents Cup events and since US Youth Soccer launched the Presidents Cup in 2009, Illinois teams have proven to be a force to be reckoned with; winning 57 Midwest Presidents Cup titles (including 6 in 2024) and 25 National Presidents Cup championships.

The US Youth Soccer National Presidents Cup kicks off Friday in Wichita.  Follow Illinois Youth Soccer social media platforms (Facebook & Instagram) to get results and events photos.  You can find each teams schedule by clicking their name below.

Find complete details about the US Youth Soccer National Presidents Cup here.

Please note that any social media comments with links to “live streams” ARE SPAM.

To start your Presidents Cup journey click here to register for the 15U-19U Girls Presidents Cup taking place this Fall.

US Youth Soccer Midwest Regional Championships

25 Illinois teams from 15 different clubs will be competing in the US Youth Soccer Midwest Regional Championships that kicks-off on Friday, June 21. Each of these teams have EARNED their spot into the Regional event either thru the Illinois State Cup, US Youth Soccer Midwest Conference or US Youth Soccer Elite 64. The Regional event is the next step towards the ultimate prize in youth soccer, the US Youth Soccer National Championships.

Last year Illinois won three Midwest Regional titles and two US Youth Soccer National Championships

Good luck to the Illinois teams competing in Kansas (click team name to see their schedules and results):

*represents defending US Youth Soccer Midwest Regional Champion.

See complete details about the Midwest Regional Championships here.

Click here for info on the US Youth Soccer National Championships in July.

The first step towards earning your spot at the 2025 US Youth Soccer Midwest Regional Championships is by playing in the Illinois State Cup. Registration for 15U-19U Girls is now open until July 10.

18 Teams Head To US Youth Soccer Midwest Presidents Cup

18 Illinois teams will represent the “Land Of Lincoln” and look to take the next step towards earning a US Youth Soccer National Presidents Cup title when the compete at the USYS Midwest Presidents Cup in Sioux Falls. Play kicks-off Friday and for those that survive and advance, they will compete for the Regional Championship on Tuesday. For the 13U-18U age groups the two teams that advance to the Finals will earn a spot at the National event, while only the 19U Regional Champion will move on.

Last year Illinois won eight Midwest Presidents Cup titles, sent 10 teams the National Presidents Cup and FC-1 Elite took home a National Presidents Cup win.

Good luck to the Illinois teams competing in South Dakota (click team name to see their schedules and results):

Chicago Inferno and Harvard FC are the only Illinois club to send two teams to the Regional event and both clubs along with Elmhurst City, Aurora Juventud, Northwind SC, Tinley Park Bobcats and Firebirds SC are looking to win their club’s first USYS Regional title.

Carol Stream Panthers and Elite SC make their second consecutive trip to the Midwest Presidents Cup and both will be looking to get back to Nationals and take care of some unfinished business in 2024 . At 2023 US Youth Soccer National Presidents Cup, Carol Stream Panthers finished as National Finalists and Elite SC as semifinalists.

See complete details about the Midwest Presidents Cup here.

Click here for info on the National Presidents Cup in July.

The first step towards earning your spot at the 2025 US Youth Soccer Midwest Presidents Cup is by playing in the Illinois Presidents Cup. Registration for 15U-19U Girls is now open until July 10.

Illinois Cup Semis & Finals

Started in 2017, the Illinois Cup is a state championship tournament open to Illinois Youth Soccer member travel and high-level rec teams. This in-state only tournament follows a similar format as the other Cup competition (State & Presidents) and offers teams that may not be ready for the State Cup or Presidents Cup, the chance to experience a state-wide championship tournament.

The Illinois Cup is offered in two levels of competition:

  • Illinois Cup Gold: Open to any Illinois Youth Soccer member team including teams that fail to advance to the group play portion of the Presidents Cup and tournament only teams.
  • Illinois Cup Silver: Exclusive to teams that compete in the 3rd division or lower of their league play. ONLY teams that meet specific criteria are accepted into the Silver division. With the addition of the Illinois Cup, Illinois Youth Soccer can proudly offer a state championship tournament for teams of ALL skill levels.

With the Illinois Cup, Illinois Youth Soccer can proudly offer a state championship tournament for teams of ALL skill levels.

After completing group play, the Illinois Cup has reached the semis and finals, being played this weekend in Rockford.

Click here for the complete Illinois Cup schedule

30 different clubs will be represented in the Illinois Cup elimination rounds with Chicago Empire leading the way with three teams competing and Lockport SC and FC Lakeshore advancing two teams each.

All games will be played at Sportscore Two in Loves Park.

Official merchandise if available for purchase onsite or at the links below

Follow event results on our social media or our Spring 2024 Cup BAND, official communication tool of IYSA.

State Cup Finals

One step closer . . .

18 Illinois teams are one step closer to the most coveted prize in youth soccer, The US Youth Soccer National Championship.

The Illinois State Cup Finals will take place Friday and Saturday in Rockford with State Champions earning a spot in the US Youth Soccer Midwest Regional Championships. Win at Regionals and they then move on to Nationals.

Illinois teams took home two US Youth National Championships in 2023 and the state events are the first step in a championship run.

Click here for the complete State Cup schedules.

Six defending State Cup Champions: Ponys FC (14U Boys), Galaxy SC (14U Girls, 16U Boys, 17U Boys) JaHbat FC (18U Boys) and Raiders FC (19U Boys) are all back in the Finals to defend their title. Deportivo 59, Bloomingdale FC Lightning and Chicago Empire will be looking to win their club’s first State Cup, while Metro Alliance FC will look to take home their first Girls State Cup title win. No strangers to the State Cup Finals, FC United, GLSA FC 1974, Rockford Raptors & Central Illinois United will look to add another trophy to their club’s case.

State Cup Finals

  • 13U Boys: Deportivo 59 vs Bloomingdale FC
  • 13U Girls: Galaxy SC vs Chicago Empire
  • 14U Boys: Ponys FC vs Rockford Raptors
  • 14U Girls: Galaxy SC* vs Metro Alliance
  • 15U Boys: Central Illinois United vs Galaxy SC
  • 16U Boys: Galaxy SC* vs FC United
  • 17U Boys: Galaxy SC* vs Raiders FC
  • 18U Boys: JaHbat FC vs GLSA FC 1974 Elite
  • 19U Boys: FC United vs Raiders FC*

All games will be played at Sportscore Two in Loves Park.

All games will be available for live stream here.

Official merchandise if available for purchase onsite or at the links below

Follow event results on our social media or our Spring 2024 Cup BAND, official communication tool of IYSA.

Illinois State Cup
The Illinois State Cup is the most prestigious tournament in Illinois and the official state championship tournament of the US Youth Soccer National Championship Series. State champions advance to the US Youth Soccer Midwest Regional Championship. Don’t confuse this event with any other tournament. Illinois Youth Soccer has been conducting this official annual state competition that is part of the national US Youth Soccer National Championship Series, since 1966.  The Fall Illinois State Cup is run for 15-19U Girls. 13U-14U Girls and 13U-19U Boys play in the Spring.  The 14U age group plays their play-in games in the Fall with group play being done in the Spring.

Illinois vs Wisconsin Junior Cup Border Battle

Bears vs Packers.

Cubs vs Brewers.

Bulls vs Bucks.

Hot Dogs vs Brats. 

There is a long history of rivalries between Illinois and Wisconsin and that tradition of competition between states adds a new chapter with the 1st Illinois vs Wisconsin Junior Cup Border Battle, taking place this weekend in Rockford.  This special event will see the 12U Junior State Cup & Junior Presidents Cup Champions from Illinois Youth Soccer and Wisconsin Youth Soccer compete for the Border Battle Trophy.

Girls teams will compete on Saturday and Boys will compete on Sunday.

Click here for the complete schedule.

Additional Event Resources

Spring 2024 Cup Elimination Rounds

The Illinois State Cup & Presidents Cup have reached the elimination rounds of these two statewide championship events. The State Cup Quarterfinals and Semis will be played this weekend, advancing teams to next Friday & Saturday’s Championship matches. In the Presidents Cup, Champions will be crowned on Sunday and along with taking home the state title, will earn a spot in the US Youth Soccer Midwest Presidents Cup.

Both the State Cup and Presidents Cup Champions earn advancement to US Youth Soccer Regional events with the hope of teams then moving on to play for a US Youth Soccer National Championship or US Youth Soccer National Presidents Cup. Illinois teams took home 3 National titles (2 US Youth Soccer National Championships & 1 US Youth Soccer National Presidents Cup) in 2023 and the state events are the first step in a championship run.

Click here for the complete State Cup & Presidents Cup schedules.

In the State Cup, defending US Youth Soccer National Champions GLSA FC 1974 Elite (19U Boys) have secured a spot in the Quarterfinals as have seven defending State Cup Champions: Ponys FC (14U Boys), Chicago Inter Rogue (15U Boys), Galaxy SC (14U Girls, 16U Boys, 17U Boys & 19U Boys) and JaHbat FC (18U Boys).

On the Presidents Cup side, defending state and regional Presidents Cup Champions Carol Stream Panthers (16U Boys) and Bolingbrook SC (17U) Boys are looking to go back-to-back and get back to the National Presidents Cup in July.

In total over 50 different clubs advanced to the elimination round of the either the State Cup or Presidents Cup and over 380 teams from over 100 clubs participated in the two events this Spring.

All games will be played at Sportscore Two in Loves Park.

Select matches will be available for liVe stream here.

Official merchandise if available for purchase onsite or at the links below

Follow event results on our social media or our Spring 2024 Cup BAND, official communication tool of IYSA.

Illinois State Cup
The Illinois State Cup is the most prestigious tournament in Illinois and the official state championship tournament of the US Youth Soccer National Championship Series. State champions advance to the US Youth Soccer Midwest Regional Championship. Don’t confuse this event with any other tournament. Illinois Youth Soccer has been conducting this official annual state competition that is part of the national US Youth Soccer National Championship Series, since 1966.  The Fall Illinois State Cup is run for 15-19U Girls. 13U-14U Girls and 13U-19U Boys play in the Spring.  The 14U age group plays their play-in games in the Fall with group play being done in the Spring.

Illinois President Cup
This national tournament provides Illinois Youth Soccer teams an alternative to the Illinois State Cup and an opportunity to advance to a US Youth Soccer Regional event and compete against teams from across the country in the Regional and National competition. Think of it as the Europa League and the State Cup is the Champions League.  The Illinois Presidents Cup follows a very similar format to the State Cup. The Fall Illinois Presidents Cup is run for 15-19U Girls. 13U-14U Girls and 13U-19U Boys play in the Spring. The 14U age group plays their play-in games in the Fall with group play being done in the Spring.