How it works
- Run by your state association: Mass Youth Soccer, NH Soccer Association, Soccer Maine, Connecticut Junior Soccer and the other New England state associations each run their own State Cup under US Youth Soccer.
- Teams enter separately from their league. Club teams from many leagues can enter, as long as they are registered with the state association.
- Win and you go to Nationals. Starting in 2025-26, State Cup champions in the U13–U19 age groups advance directly to the US Youth Soccer National Championships in the summer. The old regional championship round is gone.
- Usually played in spring. Exact dates, divisions and entry deadlines vary by state, so check your state association’s page.
- Not the only cup. Many states also run less competitive cups, such as the Presidents Cup or Challenge Cup, for teams that want a tournament without the top bracket.
Is it worth entering?
For a competitive team, State Cup adds meaningful games and a chance at a national trip. Teams already playing a full national schedule (MLS NEXT, ECNL, Girls Academy) often skip it. Your coach decides whether the team enters.