WHAT:
McDonald's McSoccerfest, now in its 15th season, is a 4-on-4 soccer tournament for youths aged 5 though 16 and adults with divisions based on age, gender, and ability. McDonald's McSoccerfest is one of the largest youth soccer events in the Mid-Atlantic region. The tournament — designed to capitalize on a developmental program that MSYSA and VYSA have introduced to regional soccer organizations — is ideal because it enables younger players more opportunities to touch the ball than in regular games. Additionally, more experienced players get to develop their talents in a competitive, yet fun, environment. McDonald's McSoccerfest also features interactive soccer challenges that will help foster the tournament’s "festival" atmosphere. McDonald’s McSoccerfest showcases McDonald’s commitment to giving back to the communities where we do buisiness and will donate a portion of the tournament’s proceeds to area youth soccer organizations and charities. In 2005, McDonald's McSoccerfest proudly unveiled its first Adult Tournament, with an Open Division and an 30-and-older.
WHERE:
Northrop Fields at Covenant Park
4560 Centennial Lane
Columbia, MD 21042
410-203-9590
DIRECTIONS:
From Route 29, take Route 108 West to Centennial Lane. Turn right on Centennial Lane. Proceed past Centennial Park entrance to Covenant Park entrance on left, approx. 200 yards. Download a map (PDF) here.
WHEN:
Saturday, June 21 — 8:30 AM - 6:00 PM — U6, U8, U10, and Adults
Saturday night, June 21 — 6:00 PM – 10:30 PM — Adults
Sunday, June 22— 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM — U12, U14, U16, and Adults
(Rain Date – Saturday, June 28 and Sunday, June 29)
How do I register?
To download the entry form, click here. You may also pick up a printed entry form at participating area McDonald’s. The entry form must be completed fully in order to be accepted. Additionally, a parent or legal guardian signature giving permission is required for every player under the age of 18. Teams will not be registered without these signatures. Registration deadline: June 13.
How many players are on a team?
Teams will consist of up to six (6) boys or six (6) girls, four starters and two substitutes. Girls/women are permitted to play on a boy’s/men’s team. If sufficient co-ed teams are entered within a particular age and ability level, the tournament shall endeavor to create a co-ed division.
How many games will I play?
All teams will play at least three (3) games, unless the scheduled games are reduced or shortened, due to rain or unforeseen circumstances.
What are the rules of the game?
Games will have two 10-minute halves with a two-minute halftime. If the score is tied at the end of regulation play, the game is recorded as a tie. In a playoff situation, both teams will move immediately to a tie-breaker. Ties will be decided by five open net penalty kicks for each team. The kicks will be on a rotating basis until one team wins. The team with the most goals, after five players per team shoot, is declared the winner. If the score is still tied, teams will alternate penalty shots until a decisive goal is scored.
Regulations governing fouls and misconduct conform to FIFA with the following exceptions: All fouls taking place more than ten (10) feet from the goal shall result in an indirect free kick with opponents three (3) yards away. All fouls taking place within ten (10) feet of the goal will result in a penalty shot taken on an open goal. There will be no goalkeeper and each game will gave one referee who will call fouls and keep time. Referees will have the final say in disputes. Additionally, there is no offside and no slide tackling is allowed. Shin guards are mandatory.
What’s the scoring point system?
Teams are ranked by the total number of points accumulated through individual games in each round of play.
| Win | 6 points |
| Tie | 3 points |
| Loss | 0 points |
| Defensive Shutout | 1 point |
| Every goal up to three (3) | 1 point |
| Forfeit | 8 points |
What does McDonald's McSoccerfest cost?
A non-refundable entry fee of $125 is required and must accompany all entries. You may pay by check, money order, or credit card (MasterCard, VISA, American Express, or Discover). Please do not send cash. (After May 23, entry fee increases to $150.)
What do we get for playing?
All registered players will receive a McDonald's McSoccerfest 2008 T-shirt, great discount coupons and much more! All winners and runners-up will receive commemorative McDonald’s McSoccerfest 2008 medals.
How can my company become a sponsor of McDonald's McSoccerfest?
There are a number of opportunities for individuals or companies who would like to sponsor McDonald's McSoccerfest. To find out more, please contact:
Casey Goodman - cgoodman@sportsworxinc.com - 240-499-2832
Who is hosting the tournament?
McDonald's McSoccerfest 2008 is hosted by the Soccer Association of Columbia, a 501(c)(3) organization which operates youth soccer leagues for more than 6,000 area players, offering travel and house teams to players of all skill levels and abilities. Through McDonald's McSoccerfest, SAC is proud to showcase Northrop Fields at Covenant Park, its new 8-field soccer-specific facility.