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
HOTEL INFORMATION
This is a stay and play tournament. All teams that are traveling from 90 miles away are required to stay and book their hotel reservations through CSTT.
Book Hotels Here
FEES AND REGISTRATION INFORMATION
Teams may have unlimited Guest Players.
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: April 1, 2026
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.
Should there be inclement weather:
- A siren will sound when lightning is within 8 miles of the facility. This siren is automated via Perry Weather and its radar system.
- ALL players, coaches and spectators must report to cars.
- There will be a 30-minute delay from the last lightning strike before the “all clear” signal is given.
- All updates will be sent via PlayMetrics and/or the Perry Weather system PA system.
- Referees may also delay or cancel games due to weather.
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 Sybil Forsythe- sforsythe@lexsporting.com
