Libertyville Cup Youth Soccer Festival
Overview
The Libertyville Cup Youth Soccer Festival is a well-established multi-day youth soccer tournament hosted by Greater Libertyville Soccer Association (GLSA) at Libertyville Township Soccer Complex in Libertyville, Illinois, approximately 35 miles north of Chicago. The 2026 edition runs May 22–25. The tournament serves boys and girls 8U–19U competitive travel teams on a mix of artificial turf and natural grass fields. GLSA touts over 50 years of combined tournament staff experience, and the event draws clubs from the broader Chicagoland and Midwest markets.
Ownership & Operations
Hosted by Greater Libertyville Soccer Association (GLSA), which also operates the Chicagoland Showcase and Octoberfest Classic. GLSA rebranded as FC 1974 for some club activities but continues operating tournaments under the GLSA banner. Registration is administered through GotSport; charitable fund-raising integration is handled through Zeffy for the 2026 edition. The registration deadline was April 10, 2026.
Economics
Stay-to-play policy required for all non-commuting teams, with housing managed through tournament-designated hotel services. Entry fees typical of Chicagoland multi-day events ($700–$1,000 per team). The May Memorial weekend timing and north-suburban Chicago location attract teams across the Midwest seeking a competitive destination event.
Sanctioning
US Club Soccer sanctioned and/or USSF/state-association affiliated per registration requirements. Participating teams must hold active affiliation with a USSF-affiliated league or US Club Soccer.
Reputation & Tier
Regional Tier 3. Long-running event with strong institutional credibility in the northern Chicago suburbs. GLSA’s multiple annual tournament portfolio suggests a tournament-operations competency that distinguishes it from single-event club hosts.
Notes
Libertyville Township Soccer Complex offers both turf and grass surfaces, a quality differentiator in the dense Chicagoland tournament market. GLSA’s rebrand to FC 1974 for club activities while retaining the GLSA tournament identity suggests the association model persists for community and event purposes.