Frequently Asked Questions

Why should my team enter this tournament?

• High Quality Fields - We believe that the best tournament atmosphere comes from using a large complex with more fields, rather than many separate fields. We are lucky enough to have the beautiful Wright National Soccer Campus with its four professionally maintained soccer fields, handicap accessible bathrooms (NOT Port-a-Johns!) convenient parking, spectator bleachers and fully stocked concessions stands.
• Proper Competition - Our Tournament Director uses every resource at his disposal to ensure that your team will be placed in the right bracket to get the most out of your tournament experience.
• Tournament Scheduling - Do you coach more than 1 team? If so we will do everything we can to eliminate conflicts in your schedules.
• High Quality Referees - All matches are officiated by USSF Licensed officials.
• Proper Field and Goal Sizes - Some tournaments will cut cost by putting your team on a field that is too small, or playing your age division on goals that are improperly sized. At the I88 Challenge we only use age appropriate field and goal sizes to ensure your team has the best playing experience possible.
• Convenient easy access to the Campus - Centrally located in New York State. This day trip event means lower travel costs and no overnight lodging is required. The Campus is less than a mile from Interstate 88 Exit 13.

Where is the tournament located?

The tournament is played at the beautiful Wright National Soccer Campus, located at 35 Browne Street in Oneonta. For more information about the venue, visit our "Wright Campus" section. For directions, click here.

What is the Vince Foti Sportsmanship Award all about?

Prior to the start of the tournament each team's coach is given a commemorative pin for all the games that team may participate in. Following each game the coach or player from their team presents the pin to a player from the opposing team. It is at the discretion of the coach how the opposing player is selected and presented with the award. Some coaches choose to decide on their own, some opt to have their team decide. Regardless of the method chosen, the concept is the same. Sportsmanship and fair play must be discussed, stressed and in this case rewarded.

Is this Tournament Sanctioned?

Yes, this tournament is sanctioned through Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA), which is an affiliate of US Youth Soccer. It is an UNRESTRICTED tournament, which means any teams registered with an affiliate of United States Soccer Federation may participate. The Permission to Host from ENYYSA may be found here.

Are your referees licensed?

Yes, we ONLY use USSF licensed officials for all matches. U12 and up use a three wo/man system. U10 uses a single center official.

If you are interested in being a referee for the I88 Challenge, please contact our referee assignor, Mike Velardi - mikevel@hotmail.com

What are the Tournament Policies?

The Tournament Policies may be found here.

What are the Laws of the Game used for this tournament?

The Laws of the Games may be found here.

You require a Medical Release form for each player. What is this?

A Medical Release form is a form which grants you, or another adult, the ability to authorize treatment of an injured minor, in the event a guardian is not present. This is just a precautionary measure in case a parent is not available immediately to authorize treatment. This form often has important information which may be helpful for medical treatment personnel. Things like allergies, etc. A sample US Youth Soccer release may be found here.