U11/U12 State Cup Culminates This Weekend

This weekend marks the end of the State Cup season for many participants as the U11 and U12 semifinal and final rounds are scheduled to be played at Bartholomew Sports Park in Elk Grove and San Juan Soccer Complex in Rancho Cordova.

Thirty-five different teams will be crowned champions this weekend in what is the culmination of an event that started all the way back in August for some teams.

“This weekend showcases the very best of our U11 and U12 players–their commitment, their growth, and their love of competing,” said U9-U12 State Cup Coordinator John Stoppelmann. “Reaching this stage is a real accomplishment and we’re excited to celebrate every team that has earned its way here.”

The U11 and U12 State Cup began in the fall with more than 1,000 teams participating in a three game group stage where teams battled for placement in the knockout rounds.

Over the course of the next few months, those knockout rounds have whittled the field down to the point we stand at this weekend with just four teams remaining in each division.

Teams that win their semifinal matchups this weekend will qualify for Sunday’s finals, all of which will be held at Bartholomew.

“Every year this championship round reminds us why youth soccer is so special–the U11/U12 age group brings an incredible mix of skill, heart, and pure joy to the game,” Stoppelmann said. “Watching these teams earn their place here through the months of work growth and resilience is something we never take for granted. Finals Weekend is a celebration of everything they’ve invested and we’re proud to host them on this stage.”

After each final, the last two teams in each division will be celebrated on NorCal’s stage, starting roughly 15-20 minutes following the final whistle.

Those who qualify for the State Division final, the top final that NorCal offers, will also earn a berth in this year’s California Cup, a competition that pits the top State Cup teams from NorCal against their counterparts from SOCAL Soccer League.

Elsewhere in State Cup action, the U13 and U14 age groups will begin Round of 16 play with the higher seed in each bracket hosting the lower seed with a spot in the NorCal hosted quarterfinals on the line.

Those quarterfinals take place March 21, with the semifinals occurring the following day. The U13 and U14 State Cup will conclude with finals April 25 and 26.

NorCal Premier Soccer is proud to acknowledge Explore Elk Grove as an official sponsor of the State Cup at Bartholomew Sports Park.

For more information on the NorCal State Cup, click here.