FUTURE STARS CUP
June 13 & 14
A fun, developmental end-of-year tournament built just for U8 players.
This 7v7 event gives young athletes their first experience on a larger field while focusing on skill-building, teamwork, and confidence. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the season and prepare players for the next step in their soccer journey.
Key Features
- First development-focused 7v7 end-of-year event for U7/U8 in the area
- Medals/Ribbons for all participants
- Focus on teamwork, growth, and preparation for full-field soccer
- Helps players transition from small-sided to full-field soccer
- Emphasizes fun, growth, and confidence-building, aligning with Gunston’s “Grow. Play. Lead.” philosophy
- Boys and Girls Divisions
- GRIST MILL PARK
- Ample parking, playground, Bermuda grass fields, turf fields, in a family atmosphere. Activities will be on-site
Tournament Overview
- Date: June 13 & 14, 2026
- Location: Grist Mill Park
- Age Groups: 2018s (Boys & Girls)
- Team Format: 7v7 | 3 Games Guaranteed
FAQ's
Why 7 v. 7?
Players currently in the U8 age group are finishing their final season of small-sided play (5 v. 5 or fewer). In the fall, they will be graduating to 7 v. 7 play. This tournament provides an opportunity for the children to kick-off the transition in a celebratory, supportive, and developmentally-appropriate way while giving them a taste of what to expect when training begins in August/September.
Won’t the kids have trouble with spacing for 7 v. 7?
Yes! But no more trouble than they had when they initially transitioned into the 5 v. 5 play that they are now transitioning out of. Early exposure in a controlled and supportive environment helps kids mentally start making the transition before the fall season kicks off.
Will there be a co-ed division?
We do not plan to have a separate co-ed division at this time. Co-ed teams are welcome, though, and will be entered in the boys’ division for the appropriate age group.
Are you using current birth year classifications, or the new ones that kick in on August 1?
We are sticking with the current age classes for this tournament – i.e., U8 for players born in 2018; U7 for players born in 2019.
Are 2019s welcome?
Yes! They may form a team of all 2019s, or join teams that also have players born in 2018.
Are there any limits on guest players?
No! But all guest players must be identified on the team roster/player list and and have a player pass.
Is this tournament for recreation teams or travel teams?
We will have both recreation and travel teams, as well as teams that include junior travel/pre-travel players.
Can a team be comprised of players from multiple skill levels?
Yes, as long as all players were born in either 2018 or 2019.
Does each player pay Gunston directly for their share of the registration fee?
The registration process requires teams to pay the full fee through a single source when they register.
What if the registration fee isn’t in my club’s budget for this season?
We understand that many clubs budget and bill on a certain cycle that is intended to include all costs and fees for an upcoming season. But teams from clubs that have already closed their billing and budget cycle and do not wish to reopen/revise them can still enter this tournament. For example, teams may choose to handle the registration fee the way self-formed teams handle the application fees for 3 v. 3, 4 v. 4 or street ball tournaments. In those instances, the self-formed teams pay through a single source (typically a parent, team manager or club contact) and collect their reimbursements from each player’s family.
Are “mercenary” teams comprised of players from several different clubs, or several different teams within a club, welcome?
Yes! Children love playing soccer with their friends, and this tournament provides a unique opportunity for kids who want to play, but do not have a full roster available on their usual club team, to combine with other such children and enter as their own team
