2027 Starting Gate Cup
May 8–9, 2027 | Boys & girls U7–U10 | LSC Youth Complex, Lexington, KY
Registration deadline: April 6, 2027 | Save the date for 2028: May 5–7
The Starting Gate Cup is built for young players to compete, develop and have fun
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!
Format & fees
Each age group is split into multiple divisions so teams play opponents at their level. Awards go to 1st and 2nd place in every age group and division.
| Age group | Format | Team fee |
|---|---|---|
| U7–U8 | 5v5 | $450 |
| U9–U10 | 7v7 | $795 |
| U10 Gold | 9v9 | $895 |
Bringing 4 or more teams? Clubs entering four or more teams should reach out to Sybil Forsythe at sforsythe@lexsporting.com for discounts and payment options.
Registration & payment
How it works
Register online through GotSport only. Once your team is accepted, you’ll receive an invoice through the Xero payment portal (credit card only). Pay within 5 days of acceptance to hold your spot; unpaid spots may be offered to another team.
All forms and documents must be uploaded to GotSport by April 30. Check-in is done online through your team’s GotSport account. There is no on-site check-in.
Register your teamIf the event sells out
Teams are accepted in this priority order:
- Date of application and payment
- Previous LSC tournament participation
- Club affiliation
- Geographic balance
- Division openings
Hotels & stay to play
This is a stay-to-play event. Teams traveling more than 90 miles must book hotel rooms through our housing partner, CSTT.
Local teams within 90 miles don’t need to book.
Book hotels through CSTTFacility
Every match is played on Lexington Sporting Club’s turf fields, the training and home grounds of Lexington SC’s men’s and women’s professional teams. Your players get the same surface the pros use, rain or shine.
LSC Youth Fields
250 Doe Run Trail, Lexington, KY 40509
Good to know
More details on parking, fields and amenities are on the training complex page.
Additional tournament information
Weather policy
If lightning is detected within 8 miles, an automated Perry Weather siren will sound. All players, coaches and spectators must go to their cars. Play resumes 30 minutes after the last strike once the all-clear sounds. Referees may also delay or cancel games for weather.
Updates are sent by email, social media and the Perry Weather PA system. Read the full severe weather policy
Rules
Download the tournament rules Update to 2027 rules.
Code of conduct
Lexington SC supports the U.S. Soccer Referee Abuse Policy. Players, coaches and spectators are expected to treat referees, coaches and opponents with respect at all times.
Event apparel
Event apparel pre-orders open soon. Check back for the link.
FAQs
How many guest players can we bring?
As many as you need. There’s no limit on guest players.
How do we register?
Registration is through GotSport only. Use any “Register your team” button on this page or register on GotSport here.
Can we pay by check?
Payment is by credit card through the Xero portal. Clubs entering four or more teams should reach out to Sybil Forsythe for discounts and payment options at sforsythe@lexsporting.com.
Do we have to check in at the fields?
No. All check-in is online through your GotSport team account. There’s no on-site check-in.
What if we register after April 6?
Your team will automatically be placed on the waiting list and accepted if a spot opens in your division.
What’s the refund policy?
Add refund/withdrawal policy.
Referee info
Certified referees will be used for all games.
Interested referees, please contact our referee assignors:
Referee assignor
Tony Samons
tonysamons@twc.com
Referee assignor
Allen Sharon
has_335@yahoo.com
Questions?
Tournament director
Sybil Forsythe
sforsythe@lexsporting.com
