The culmination of the So Cal soccer year is the Cal South State or National Cup. Here’s some information on each…
State Cup begins at u9 and has two levels- Governors and Presidents. The Governors Division is open to lower level teams- CSL bronze or recreational teams and the Presidents Division is open to all teams, but required for higher level (SCDSL Flight 1 &2 and CSL upper level) teams. The Youngers (u9-u13) Governors starts in January and the the Presidents begins in mid February. The Olders (u14-u19) Governors begins in April as does the Presidents division.
National Cup begins at u12 and is required for Gold and Premier CSL teams and Tier One SCDSL teams. National cup for youngers begins in March and for olders begins in April. Teams that win their age level in National Cup move on to represent Cal South in the Far West Regionals. Last year it was in Honolulu! One important difference I noticed in our first time at National Cup last year is that teams only play one game per day. It is also very strict on cards and original birth certificates or passports are required if you get past the first round.
My biggest issue with State and National Cup is that they seem to be always be played in far-flung locales with poor weather. The youngers especially get the worst weather as they are closer to winter. We’ve spent plenty of time in places like Apple Valley (near Victorville) with frost on the ground and even more time at the National Soccer Center in Lancaster with 30-50 mph winds. It’s a shame that the teams work so hard all year and then play in less than desirable elements that can effect the outcome of the game. Not so far behind in importance is the comfort of the parents on the sideline- ha-ha!! I’m hoping for better venues for my girls this year, but I’m not holding my breath.
Especially in SCDSL where results don’t really matter for promotion/relegation, State and National Cup have definitely increased in importance. All three leagues (SCDSL, Coast and Presidio) come together to really battle for the top spot. I’m just happy to be able to watch!
Brackets are out for this year’s tournaments, but not the venues. Good luck to everyone and may you get to play your games in San Diego!
Happy New Year to you!! I am praying to the soccer god’s for San Diego this year… Last year we were in Lancaster. It was horrible!
Did you get some time off over break? We have enjoyed a three week break from soccer. Practice starts tomorrow night and BSG (I can say that now that LSG started her first season of AYSO this year….) is attending Alex Morgan camp on Saturday…
Hope to see you soon.
Happy New Year to you!!! Looks like God heard your prayers…well at least you start in the OC :). Hope the Alex Morgan camp is awesome.