This weekend at three different sites all around Northern California, the U11 and U12 State Cup returns, with the State and Premier division teams playing Round of 16 and Quarterfinal matchups with a berth in next month’s Finals Weekend on the line.

Only the boys will be in action this weekend, with games scheduled at Mary Grogan Park in Modesto, San Juan Soccer Complex in Rancho Cordova, and Robertson Sports Park in Livermore.

The teams who emerge with two victories will move onto Finals Weekend, scheduled for February 22 and 23 at San Juan and Bartholomew Sports Park in Elk Grove.

“We’re getting to the final stages of the competition, which should provide a fun atmosphere full of competitive games,” said NorCal U9-U12 State Cup Coordinator John Stoppelmann. “At this stage most of the matches come down to the wire, allowing for a great environment for development.”

The U11 and U12 State Cup started all the way back in the fall, with 921 teams competing to eventually make it to this stage.

While the Gold, Silver, and Bronze divisions concluded in December, there are still 33 championships up for grabs, including the coveted State Cup champion that recognizes the top overall team in each age group.

Furthermore, each finalist in this year’s NorCal State Cup will earn a spot in the California Cup, a competition that pits the top teams in NorCal against the top teams from SOCAL Soccer League. That event is scheduled for March 29 and 30 and will be hosted at Davis Legacy Soccer Complex.

Unlike previous years, the U13 State Cup knockout rounds were pushed back to conclude at a later date and will no longer be coupled with the U11 and U12 age groups.

Following this weekend, the girls will open up their knockout rounds, with the Round of 16 and Quarterfinals being held February 1 and 2 at San Juan Soccer Complex and Robertson Sports Park.

For more information about the U11/U12 State Cup, click here.