2026 Tournament FAQ

Each year, the Okoboji Tournament brings together players, families, and communities for a weekend centered on youth sports, teamwork, and shared experiences. We are grateful for the enthusiasm, commitment, and community spirit that continue to make the Okoboji Tournament a meaningful experience for so many families. As interest in the tournament continues to grow, we want to provide helpful context about how the event is structured and how decisions are made.

Why are there limits on the number of teams?

The tournament is designed as a two-day, single-site event hosted at the Spirit Lake YMCA’s 6-field complex. This allows families and teams to stay together in one location and supports consistent scheduling, referee coordination, and overall organization.

Because of this format, the number of available games—and therefore teams—is limited. Despite YMCA field capacity, we have flexed up to accommodate as many teams as possible while maintaining a safe and well-organized experience.

Why can’t all teams who apply be included?

Interest in the tournament—especially in the U12 divisions—has grown significantly in recent years.

To respond to this growth, we have made several adjustments:

Beginning games earlier by removing the parade, a longstanding tournament tradition
Adding an additional 6:30pm game on Saturday, impacting when Sunday’s bracket and tournament schedule will be available
Converting U14 field space for U12 games when possible, requiring extra coordination and resources

Even with these changes, there are still more teams interested than can be scheduled within the available time and space.

Does registering guarantee a spot in the tournament?

No. As shared in the tournament note when teams registered in Sports Engine Tourney, “We cannot guarantee that all teams registered will receive an invitation or that clubs will be able to have multiple teams in the same division.” The University of Okoboji Soccer Classic is not like traditional invitational tournaments.

Registration is part of an application process
The number of teams is limited in each division
Invitations are confirmed after the registration window closes

We recognize that the term “registration” may have been unclear and will be updating our language to “application” in future communications.

How are teams selected?

When the number of applications exceeds available space, selections are made with consideration for:

Balanced participation across CYSL schools and clubs, supporting the opportunity for representation within each division
Age and grade composition within each division, with priority given to teams that align most closely with the intended age group (e.g., older U12 players within the division)

This approach helps support a consistent and representative experience across the tournament. In some cases, this may also create opportunities for younger players to participate by playing up within their club.

Why not use a first-come, first-served system?

Most applications are submitted within a very short window when registration opens.

A first-come, first-served approach could result in:

Some clubs securing multiple spots quickly
Other schools having limited or no opportunity to participate

The current approach allows all interested teams to apply within the same timeframe and supports a more balanced representation across the tournament.

Are there ways players can still participate if their team is not invited?

In some cases, yes. We are encouraging club leaders and coaches to review their rosters, identify options for player mobility, and coordinate within and between clubs to:

Assist players in joining another team with available roster space
Invite older U12 players to participate on U14 teams where appropriate

These options depend on availability and coordination within and across teams. We are unable to go up on roster size/limits (22 players for U14; 18 players for U12) as we comply with CYSL and FIFA regulations.

What is being done to support families and players?

We understand how meaningful this tournament is to many families. Our focus is to:

Communicate clearly about tournament structure and decisions
Work with clubs to identify participation opportunities where possible
Continue refining processes to support the experience for all involved

Will registration fees be refunded if a team is not invited?

Yes. Teams that submitted registration fees and are not invited will receive a full refund.

Can the tournament expand in the future?

We recognize the growing interest in the tournament and the desire to include more teams.

Future expansion would depend on additional field access, field improvements (such as grading), and the availability of referees. We have explored field grading in the past, but it comes at a significant cost. These factors ultimately determine how many teams we can safely and effectively accommodate.

If individuals or organizations are interested in supporting future enhancements—such as field development or sponsorship—we welcome those conversations. Please contact us at the email below.

We are also currently seeking referees for this year’s tournament. Youth ages 13 and older can become certified and serve as assistant referees (ARs), earning approximately $25–30 per game. If you or someone in your network is interested in officiating, we would greatly appreciate your support. Please check our ‘Certified AR webpage’ for more information.

Who can I contact?

For additional questions or to explore sponsorship opportunities, please contact:
OkobojiTeam@gmail.com