The Cape Express Soccer Club is pleased to present the 16^th Annual George Pratt Memorial Invitational Soccer Tournament to be held over Columbus Day Weekend.  All games will be played in the Cape May County area on Saturday and Sunday only.  No games will be played on Monday.  The tournament is approved by the NJYSA.  All teams participating must have approved player passes, medical release forms and a copy of their approved roster.  NJYS teams must have notarized medical releases. Medical releases for USYSA teams from states other than New Jersey do not need to be notarized if their respective State Association does not require them to be notarized. Out of State USYSA teams need to have Permission to Travel from their State Association to participate. US Club Soccer teams do need medical releases but they do not need to be notarized. US Club Soccer teams do not need Permission to Travel. These documents must be provided during the evening of registration Friday night before the tournament.

ONLINE APPLICATION: We will be handling all applications and payment online. The completed application form must be received no later than July 1, 2008. HOWEVER, it is strongly recommended that applications be completed as soon as possible to help secure your spot in this year’s tournament. The tournament historically fills much earlier than the July 1 application deadline. In fairness to all teams wishing to participate, no team will be considered for entry unless application and full entry fee is received.  Attendance at prior years tournament does not guarantee entry. Your credit card will not be charged unless you are accepted into the tournament. Applications will be taken on an invitational basis, acceptance may then be based on a first come-first serve basis at the Director’s discretion until the tournament is full.    

REFEREES NEEDED: Use the link on the left.

ELIGIBILITY:  The tournament is open to all Club teams that regularly participate in classic, regular and/or premier league play.  No State Select team or teams formed solely for the purpose of tournament play are eligible.  U8, U9 and U10 teams are limited to a maximum of 14 rostered players (including 3 guest players). U11, U12, U13 and U14 teams are limited to a maximum of 18 rostered players (including 3 guest players.) Players may only participate on one team during the tournament.  Secondary player passes are permitted.

AWARDS:  Trophies will be presented to the first and second place teams in U11 age divisions and up.  All U8, U9 and U10 players will receive participation awards.  The exchanging of patches is strongly encouraged.  Each player will receive a tournament patch.

GAMES:  U-8 to U-10 teams will play 3 games (weather or other unforseen conditions permitting) in a round robin festival format. No standings will be kept - there will be no final. U-11 to U-14 will play a minimum of 3 games (weather or other unforseen conditions permitting) with the chance to play in a final. A 3-man referee system will be used for the U13 and U14 divisions and for all finals.  Club linesman may be used for all other age groups. We will attempt to provide a 3-man system for the U11 and U12 games but no guarantee is given.  U8, U9 and U10 will have a single referee.

FEES: 11 v 11 - $490, 8 v 8 - $430.

HOUSING:  The tournament is not responsible for housing of any team.  Information regarding local participating hotels can be obtained by clicking the accommodations link.

AGE GROUPS:  The following boys and girls age groups are eligible for participation.  Please use the age group you will be participating in the FALL 2008 SEASON! 

DON’T FORGET THE FOLLOWING:
• Copy of Approved Team Roster with players jersey numbers. 8v8 limited to 14 players, 11 v 11 limited to 18 players this includes guest players.
• Player Cards for all players, including guest players - needed at registration AND AT EVERY GAME!!
• Signed Medical Releases in accordance with your State and Association rules.
• Permission to Travel if carded USYS out of State.

REMINDER TO ALL US YOUTH SOCCER OUT OF STATE TEAMS:  You must provide your Permission to Travel form at registration to be eligible to participate in the tournament.  NO EXCEPTIONS!!!

FOR ALL US CLUB SOCCER OUT OF STATE TEAMS: Bring your roster and cards that demonstrate you are US Club Soccer - Persmission to Travel form not required.