Ohio State Cup - Northern Ohio Preliminary Matches

For additional information, Contact Ed Bernstein at bern@glasoccer.com.

The Great Lakes Alliance is pleased to present The Ohio State Cup 2026

The Ohio State Cup is a premier statewide soccer tournament that unites the finest clubs from every part of Ohio in a fierce competition to crown the Ohio State Cup Champion. Held in the capital city of Columbus, this prestigious event showcases top-tier talent and intense matchups, offering a thrilling platform for teams to demonstrate their skill, determination, and sportsmanship.

As the pinnacle of Ohio’s soccer calendar, the Ohio State Cup provides an unparalleled opportunity for clubs to compete at the highest level, fostering a spirit of unity and excellence within the state’s soccer community.

NEW for 2026 High School age teams will have the option of prescheduling up to 2 preliminary matches.

Registration Deadline is January 31, 2026.

The Great Lakes Alliance pays for entry fee into the Regional event for the Championship teams.

The Tournament Director reserves the right to adjust the team’s selected divisions in order to balance the competitiveness of certain divisions, based on the teams entered. Teams will be notified in advance of such changes.

If there are an insufficient number of teams in a particular division, the tournament reserves the right to play that division as one division in the Super Group. Teams will be notified in the event this is necessary.

The Ohio State Cup will offer Both a Super Group Division as well as a Premier Division.

Winners of the U13 and Older Super Group advance to the Super Group Competition of National Cup XXIII in Colorado July

Winners of the U13 and Older Premier Group advance to the Premier Group Competition of National Cup XXIII Midwest Regional at Waukegan / Libertyville, Ill.

U17 & U19 Semifinals and Finals Schedule Update

We are excited to share that the U17 and U19 Semifinals and Finals for the Ohio State Cup will take place on Friday and Monday during Championship Weekend.

This change was made after listening to our high school-age players and teams. We understand that May is a special time for Juniors and Seniors, filled with once-in-a-lifetime events like prom and graduation. This schedule allows players to compete at a high level while still enjoying these milestone celebrations.

Additionally, we may adapt the location of the finals to a more convenient neutral site, if necessary, to ensure the best experience for all teams.

Team Eligibility: All U8-U19 teams from Alliance Premier Soccer League as well as all Ohio teams will be all eligible to enter. You do not have to play in a qualifying league to participate in this open US Club event.

Teams that are not currently carded with US Club Soccer can easily do so prior to competing in The Ohio State Cup

Format: Traditional Round Robin play with Championship Games

U8-U10 Teams play 7v7, U11-U12 Teams play 9v9; U13-U19 teams 11v11

U12 has the option of 9v9 or 11v11

Cost:

All 7v7 and 9v9 divisions $1,050

All 11v11 divisions $1,100