PURPOSE

The Kohl’s US Youth Soccer American Cup provides recreational youth soccer players an opportunity to experience a consistent, high quality, statewide tournament, in a fun, family-like atmosphere.  It fosters stimulation and excitement about soccer in an effort to increase the recreational players’ interest in and love for the game.  The Kohl’s American Cup is designed to encourage and honor the recreational player by allowing the player to compete for both team and personal goals.  This tournament is structured so that, regardless of ability, all players can realistically strive for the goal of being a champion.  

PHILOSOPHY 

The Kohl’s American Cup philosophy rests in granting all players equal opportunities and benefits within their level of play in the sport of soccer.  All players have the right to participate in the game in order to develop and exhibit their skills while enjoying themselves.  The Kohl’s American Cup format provides recreational players with a development opportunity by emphasizing participation, as opposed to competition in a family-centered environment. 

PARTICIPATION

Kohl’s American Cup play is open to recreational players registered with a US Youth Soccer member State Association through a State Association affiliated recreational league.  A league, club or association may decide which teams can enter the Kohl’s American Cup; however they must be a regular season team.  No all-star teams are allowed.  The Kohl’s American Cup exists to bring the sport of soccer to developing recreational players.  The definition of a recreational player varies from state-to-state and is currently at the discretion of each State Association.  

EVENT FORMATS

There are three basic and commonly used formats by which local associations, leagues or State Associations may determine which teams advance to the Kohl’s American Cup State Championships. Those formats are as follows:

• Local District Qualification -- Preliminary games commence at the local league, association or district level and proceed to district playoffs. Winners from each of the district playoffs then meet for the championship round to determine winners in each age division.
• League Championship -- Each club, league or association sends their regular season champion in each age division.
• Open Entry -- The tournament is open to any State Association recreational team that wishes to enter.

PREMIUMS AND INTERACTIVE VILLAGE

Each participating State Association will receive tents, banners, premium items for every player and other goodies to be given to participating local organizing committee.  One of the highlights to the Kohl’s American Cup is the interactive village where children can test their kick on the speed kick, dribble through the obstacles and try their accuracy at the Kohl's Kick Wall.  In addition to working on their soccer skills, those in attendance are able to score some great giveaways courtesy of Kohl's, US Youth Soccer and its partners. The Kohl’s Soccer Experience, a 28-foot vehicle with high impact soccer graphics, served as the focal point for the Interactive Soccer Village. 

Additionally, the Kohl’s American Cup incorporates Fair Play principles into the program to instill a fair play attitude within all players at all levels of play. Each State Association is encouraged to appoint a Fair Play Committee to set the standard for fair play recognition, and recognize teams with Fair Play Certificates who meet those standards.