General Information
The Spirit Kick-Off Classic is an unrestricted tournament
and offers one of the most competitive youth soccer competitions
in the eastern region. When the caliber of competition is
combined with its sportsmanship and Chester County, Pennsylvania
hospitality, it is truly a memorable top level tournament!
In past years teams, players, parents and referees have traveled
to the Downingtown area from over 11 states to join in the
spirit of competition. Share the excitement on a soccer-packed
weekend where good competition, camaraderie, fun activities
and new friends await!
The Spirit Kick-Off Classic offers top-notch competition
at all age levels. Many of the region's premier and club level
teams will compete in the tournament. Past participants have
included many state, regionally and nationally ranked teams.
History
The first Spirit United Kick-Off Classic took place in 1986
under the direction of the Spirit United Soccer Club of Downingtown,
PA. The tournament was begun to promote excellence in soccer
and sportsmanship and to provide youth soccer players with
an opportunity to compete against other high caliber teams
from throughout the northeastern United States. The first
tournament had 34 teams and 510 players participating, primarily
from the Chester County, PA area.
From this meager beginning, the tournament has grown in numbers
and stature. In 2009, the tournament attracted over 450 teams,
over 5,000 players and over 50,000 soccer fans. It is ranked
as a Premier level tournament (both boys and girls) by GOTsoccer.com
(www.gotsoccer.com).
Applications
The entry fee for all applications must be submitted with your team application.
In order to properly evaluate your team's application, it
is imperative that each team submits correct/complete information.
We reserve the right to contact league administrators and
tournament directors to verify the information submitted.
Applications for the Kick-Off Classic should be submitted
online.
Rosters
You may enter U-12 through U-16 teams with a maximum of 18
players; a maximum of 14 players for U-9 through U-11 teams. Players
must be registered with a national affiliate of the USSF,
typically either US Club Soccer or with their respective state
or national association (US Youth Soccer, AYSO, etc), and
must be born during or after the year indicated by the Age
Division in which they are to compete. A maximum of four (4)
guest players per team are permitted. Authorized player passes/cards
will be verified against the official team roster at registration.
• Teams from outside Region I or Connecticut and New
Jersey must have a "Permission to Travel Form signed
and stamped by their Association if registering using US Youth
Soccer credentials.
• No such permission to travel is required for teams
traveling as US Club Soccer registered teams.
Tournament Hotel Reservation Policy
***Spirit United is requiring all tournament teams and participants
to reserve rooms through our designated registration system.
Click here for details.
***Teams not following this procedure will not be considered
for tournament acceptance. In addition, rooms are non-commissionable
to travel agencies or 3rd party reservation companies.
Spirit United has taken the initiative and secured rooms
at local “team friendly” hotels. By doing this
Spirit United has guaranteed tournament participants room
availability at top quality hotels with competitive prices,
great proximity to playing fields, and team oriented amenities.
Field Locations
The Spirit United Soccer Club, the tournament's host, has
access to over 50 fields within a 25 mile radius of Downingtown,
PA. These fields are professionally maintained and are convenient
to the PA Turnpike and US Route 30.
Format
In the opening round games, teams are bracketed into groups;
size based on number of applicants. Each team is guaranteed
a minimum of three games. Winners and/or wildcards will advance
to the elimination stage of the tournament until one team
is crowned champion. All games are played on manicured grass
fields in the Downingtown area. Trophies and/or medals are
awarded to all finalists, and souvenirs to all players and
coaches. The Kick-Off Classic is hosted by the Spirit United
Soccer Club and is sanctioned by EPYSA and US Club Soccer,
affiliates of USSF and FIFA.
*except U-9 and U-10 and subject to change Age Groups (Premier,
"A" & "B" Club level)
Age Born on or Between
U-16 Girls 8/01/93 & 7/31/94
U-15 Girls & Boys 8/01/95 & 7/31/96
U-14 Girls & Boys 8/01/96 & 7/31/97
U-13 Girls & Boys 8/01/97 & 7/31/98
U-12 Girls & Boys 8/01/98 & 7/31/99
U-11 Girls & Boys 8/01/99 & 7/31/00
U-10 Girls & Boys 8/01/00 & 7/31/01
U-09 Girls & Boys 8/01/01 & 7/31/02
U9 – U11 Age Groups play 8 v 8
U12 – U16 Age Groups play 11 v 11
NOTE: The aforementioned age divisions are based on the 2010
Fall Season
Match Duration (all games)
U-9 & U-10: Two 25-minute halves
U-11 to U-16: Two 30-minute halves
Awards
Individual awards for the champions and finalists in each
division.
Finest Referees
The Pennsylvania referee corps is considered by many to be
the best for a youth tournament. The referees from throughout
the state, many of whom are over-qualified with past collegiate
and professional appointments, take part in the tournament
each year. This referee corps, from time to time, is augmented
by similarly qualified referees from throughout Region I and
beyond. The tournament plans to provide three-person referee
teams for ALL U-11 and older games (U-9 and U-10 will use
the single referee system).
Enjoy a fun-filled week of Activities
and Genuine Pennsylvania Hospitality
The week is full of additional activities including a Welcome
Reception for team officials, referees and sponsors. Player
interactive areas and challenge activities are available all
weekend long. Players and team photographs throughout the
event and other special attractions add to the event. And
historical sites (e.g., Valley Forge, Independence Hall, Longwood
Gardens, PA Dutch Country and entertainment venues (e.g.,
Hershey Park) are all within a one hour drive.
Information is available on the Kick-Off Classic web site
under Hotel & Travel Reservations, as well as Entertainment
& Attractions.
Note: The Spirit Kick-Off Classic is not responsible
for any teams who choose to make arrangements prior to the
posting of the accepted teams on the tournament web site.
If you have any additional questions, please contact the
Spirit United Soccer Club:
Phone: 484-889-6363
Email: kickoffclassic@comcast.net
Fax: TBA
Mail: Spirit Kick-Off Classic, 2020 Garrison Drive, Chester Springs, PA
19425
Future Dates
2010 Spirit Kick-Off Classic
August 20-21 & 27-28, 2011 |
