2026 STARTING GATE CUP
May 8-10, 2026
Kicking-off at Lexington Sporting Club’s premier all-turf youth complex, the Starting Gate Cup has been thoughtfully designed and planned for young soccer players to compete, develop and have fun!
TOURNAMENT DETAILS
Whether your team has played in many tournaments or this is their first, the Starting Gate Cup is an event you don’t want to miss!
DATES:
May 8-10, 2026- Local teams may play the evening of Friday, May 8.
FORMAT:
The tournament is structured to provide competitive and developmental environments for boys and girls in U7 through U10 age groups!
- U7/U8 (5v5): Fun and Fundamentals for All Levels!
This age group welcomes teams of all skill levels. It’s the perfect place for young players to focus on developing core skills, gaining valuable match experience, and building a true passion for the game. - U9, U10 (7v7), and U10 Gold (9v9): Premier-Level Play!
Since official state-level competitions don’t typically include these age groups, our U10 Gold (9v9) is specifically designed to provide a challenging, high-level event for your most competitive squads. Come prove you’re the top contenders in the region!
All teams will play a minimum of 3 games. Awards are given to 1st and 2nd place teams in each age and division.
To help ensure all teams are competitive within their age group, there will be multiple divisions. Teams may have unlimited Guest Players.
REFEREES
Certified referees will be used for all games.
Interested referees, please contact our Referee Assignors: Tony Simons: tonysamons@twc.com and Allen Sharon: has_335@yahoo.com
FEES AND REGISTRATION INFORMATION
TEAM ENTRY FEES:
U7-U8 (5v5): $400
U9-U10 (7v7): $745
U10 (9v9): $825
Teams may have unlimited Guest Players.
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: April 1, 2026
All teams who apply after the deadline will automatically be placed on a waiting list. In the event the tournament is a sell out, the following criteria will be used for team acceptance in priority order:
- Date of team application and payment
- History of previous LSC tournament participation
- Club affiliation
- Geographic balance
- Division openings
Additional Fee and Registration Information
- We will be utilizing GotSport online registration process only.
- All forms and documents must be uploaded by April 30th.
- All accepted teams will receive an invoice will be sent via Xero Payment Portal – Credit Card payments only. Teams must complete payment within 5 days of acceptance. If payment is not received on time, your team’s place may be given to another team.
- For clubs that are entering 3 or more teams and wish to pay by check – please reach out to sforsythe@lexsporting.com
HOTEL INFORMATION:
This is a Stay and Play tournament. All accepted teams will receive a hotel link to available hotels.
FACILITY
Compete where champions train and play. All matches will be hosted on Lexington Sporting Club’s state-of-the-art turf fields, guaranteeing a premium surface regardless of weather.
The complex is the training and home grounds for our own Lexington SC Men’s and Women’s Professional Teams! Your players will get to experience the same world-class facilities used by the pros.
Lexington Sporting Club (LSC) Youth Fields – 250 Doe Run Trail, Lexington, KY 40509
Additional field information can be found here.
WEATHER POLICY
Weather delays are possible. We will communicate any changes via email/social media. Your patience and flexibility are appreciated—we’ll do everything we can to keep matches running safely.
CODE OF CONDUCT
Lexington SC proudly supports the U.S. Soccer Referee Abuse Policy. We expect all participants and spectators to treat referees, coaches, and opponents with respect at all times. Let’s lead by example and make this a great experience for all.
RULES
QUESTIONS?
Contact Bryan Brooks- bbrooks@lexsporting.com