Eligibility
The 2026 Capital Fall Classic is dual sanctioned by both USYS/VYSA and with US Club Soccer.
This is a USYS/VYSA sanctioned tournament for club and tournament teams. Teams must be USYSA, USSF, FIFA, or US Club Soccer affiliated, in good standing with their state association, and players possess current year player passes. Teams affiliated with AYSO, SAY, US Club Soccer or Super Y League are also welcome. National, state or league select teams are not eligible. A maximum 5 USYSA or US Club Soccer carded guest players are allowed. Teams will be evaluated on their individual team records.
Permission to Host Forms
This tournament is unrestricted. Teams registered in good standing with any U.S. Soccer Federation affiliate are eligible to apply.
Rules
A minimum of 3 games are guaranteed. All games will be played in accordance with FIFA Laws, except as modified by Tournament Rules. Tournament Rules are posted on this website and can be downloaded for print.
Age Groups
U9, U10 – 7v7
8/1/2017 – 7/31/2018
8/1/2016 – 7/31/2017
U11, U12 – 9v9
8/1/2015 – 7/31/2016
8/1/2014 – 7/31/2015
U13, U14 – 11v11
8/1/2013 – 7/31/2014
8/1/2012 – 7/31/2013
U15-U18/U19 – 11v11
8/1/2011 – 7/31/2012
8/1/2010 – 7/31/2011
8/1/2009 – 7/31/2010
8/1/2007 – 7/31/2009
The 2026 Capital Fall Classic will have Online Team Onboarding only.
- All teams must also Check-In on site before their first game at the Site Coordinator tent at their assigned field location
Click Here for Team Onboarding Information
The following items are needed for team registration:
- 2026/27 Certified State/National Team Roster (Original and two copy)
- 2026/27 Player Passes for each player
- Signed Team Check-in Sheet
- Signed Code of Conduct
- Permission to Travel Form (if necessary)
Permission to travel forms are not required from teams from Region 1, which includes Maryland, PA, etc. However they are required for teams from Region 3 which includes North Carolina.
Teams may not play without having registered under penalty of forfeiture of games and entry fee.
Referees
A USSF three-man referee system will be used to extent possible for all matches. USSF Registered referees, who are in good standing and who wish to referee, are encouraged to contact our Referee Assignor, Beth Hatchel at 804-744-4900 or email at assignor@cvsra.com.
Hotels
To insure the quality of service provided at the 2026 Capital Fall Classic, Richmond United has appointed 288 Travel as our official Hospitality Service of the tournament. All teams are mandated to book any hotel reservations through 288 Travel to insure their place in the 2026 Capital Fall Classic. Any teams that do not comply will be at risk of forfeiting their acceptance.
Local Richmond teams or teams “commuting” to Richmond for the weekend do not have to stay in hotels, but must contact either 288 Travel or the Tournament Director requesting exemption approval.
- “Commuting” teams are defined as a 75-mile distance between the club’s mailing address to the team’s scheduled field complex
Please email UnitedSupport@288travel.com to reach 288 Travel or call 804-505-3005 ext.1
By using 288 Travel as our booking service Richmond United and the Capital Fall Classic can offer our “Act of God” Clause. This states “Should this event be canceled for reasons beyond the Event Organizer’s control (including weather), all outstanding reservations will be released at no charge to the participants.”
For more information and to make hotel reservations click here.
Awards
Each player on the Championship and Runner-up teams will receive a custom tournament medallion. A team trophy will be presented to the Championship and Runner-up teams. Younger teams are encouraged to participate in a patch or pin exchange at the conclusion of each match.
Tournament Apparel
The 2026 Capital Fall Classic is partnered with SOCCER.COM, who will be handling tournament apparel. An online store link will be posted at the conclusion of the Capital Fall Classic.
Medical Releases
In compliance with the USYSA Youth Soccer Tournament/Games Hosting Agreement, it is mandatory that 2026/2027 medical authorizations for each player be presented at Registration and retained at the field by the team. No player may play without a valid medical release under penalty of forfeiture of the game played in. These medical release forms do not need to be notarized.
