Illinois Youth Soccer

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Chris Jamrozy

Spring 2026 Cups

It’s knockout stage time!!! This weekend, Presidents Cup Champions will be crowned and the State Cup will be whittled down to the final two teams.

The Illinois State Cup and Presidents Cup all return to MercyHealth Sportscore Two in Loves Park this weekend as teams from across the state continue their pursuit of a championship. Collectively, nearly 400 teams are participating across the three Cup competitions this spring, providing a true statewide championship experience for teams of all skill levels.

The Illinois State Cup is the premier championship tournament in Illinois Youth Soccer, with state champions advancing on to compete in the US Youth Soccer National Championship Series. This is far more than just another tournament, the State Cup has long served as the proving ground for many of the greatest teams to ever play in the “Land of Lincoln.” The history, tradition and prestige surrounding this competition make it the pinnacle of youth soccer in Illinois.

The Illinois Presidents Cup also provides teams with a statewide championship experience and a pathway to regional and national competition through US Youth Soccer. Champions advance to the US Youth Soccer Midwest Presidents Cup with hopes of eventually reaching the US Youth Soccer National Presidents Cup. If the State Cup is the UEFA Champions League, then the Presidents Cup is the Europa League, highly competitive and nationally respected in its own right. Illinois hosts one of the largest Presidents Cup events in the country, and since the competition launched in 2009, Illinois teams have established themselves as national contenders by capturing 59 Midwest Presidents Cup titles and 26 National Presidents Cup championships.

Launched in 2017, the Illinois Cup was created to provide Illinois Youth Soccer member travel and high-level recreational teams the opportunity to experience a statewide championship tournament. The competition mirrors the format of the State Cup and Presidents Cup while offering an ideal championship environment for teams still developing toward those elite events. The Illinois Cup features two divisions of play: Illinois Cup Gold, which is open to all Illinois Youth Soccer member teams including tournament-only teams and teams that do not advance to Presidents Cup group play; and Illinois Cup Silver, which is reserved exclusively for teams competing in the third division or lower within their league structure and meeting specific eligibility requirements. Together, these competitions allow Illinois Youth Soccer to provide meaningful championship opportunities for teams across every level of the game.

If you are heading to Loves Park this weekend for Cup action, be sure to review the Know Before You Go information prior to arrival.

With their win on Sunday, 13U and older Presidents Cup champions advance to the US Youth Soccer National Presidents Cup Qualifier – Great Lakes.

The Illinois State Cup and Illinois Cup will conclude June 6-7 with championship weekend.

HOTC Earns Premier Club Status

Heart Of The City has become just the fourth club to receive the Illinois Youth Soccer Premier Club Accreditation, an honor that recognizes clubs excelling in key areas of youth sports. This recognition highlights their commitment to more than just wins and losses, but rather the importance of overall quality and the player experience.

“This recognition is the result of the collective effort of our coaches, staff, board, and families who bring Heart of the City to life every day,” Dean Smith, HOTC Sporting Director said. “It’s about staying true to our mission — helping young people grow through the game and fostering a community we can all be proud of. Thank you to IYSA for recognizing that commitment.”

To earn Premier Club status, a club must earn five badges by meeting specific criteria in five pillars of youth sports:  Coaching Education, Parent Engagement, Player Development, Safeguarding & Participation.

“I want to wish Heart Of The City congratulations on their continued commitment to excellence in our premier club accredited program,” said Adam Howarth, Illinois Youth Soccer Director of Coaching. “Illinois Youth Soccer is proud to recognize organizations that look to raise standards for youth soccer across the state. Well done to all players, coaches and families of HOTC.”

HOTC joins Chicago KICS, Northwind SC and Chicago City SC as the only organizations to earn Premier Club status. Nineteen other clubs have started their path to the accreditation, by earning at least one badge.  You can find complete details about the Premier Club program here.

An impressive 12 Ilinois teams will represent the state at the 2025 US Youth Soccer National Championships and look to bring home the most treasured and historic National title in youth soccer. Play at the National Championships kicks off Tuesday, July 22

JULY 25 UPDATE
Congratulations to the four Illinois teams that have advanced to the US Youth Soccer National Championships

  • 14U Boys Team Chicago vs Minneapolis United: 9:30am CST
  • 16U Boys Chicago Magic vs Raiders FC: 9:30am CST
  • 16U Boys Raiders FC vs Chicago Magic: 9:30am CST
  • 19U Boys JaHbat FC vs PDA Hibernation Elite: 7am CST

Click here to access to ONLY LEGIT livestream for these matches US Youth Soccer – YouTube

Here are the 12 Illinois’ teams competing for the National Championship.
Click on a team image to see their event schedule.

In 2024, 13 Illinois teams earned a spot at the US Youth Soccer National Championships either thru the Cup series (State Cup to Regional Championships to Nationals) or via the National League. Two of those teams, Galaxy SC (14U Girls) and Ponys FC (14U Boys) took home the National Championship becoming the 32nd and 33rd teams from the “Land of Lincoln” to do so.

Ponys FC returns to National to defend their crown as is Galaxy SC 2008, the 16U Boys National Finalists last year.

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 September. 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.

https://www.illinoisyouthsoccer.org/2025/07/20/11547/

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.