Friday Kickoffs at the Midwest Youth Cup

The Midwest Youth Cup opens Friday, March 19, 2027, with the earliest kickoff at 5:30 PM local time. Local teams may be scheduled this early, so plan school release, travel, and warm-up around a possible 5:30 PM start. All games are at Wintrust Crossroads Sports Complex in New Lenox, IL.

Key facts

• The earliest kickoff is Friday at 5:30 PM local time.
• Local teams may be scheduled for the earliest Friday slots.
• The tournament runs March 19 to 21, 2027, Friday to Sunday.
• Teams must be field-ready 15 minutes before kickoff.
• All fields are turf and lighted at a single centralized complex.

Planning player release

Because a Friday game can begin at 5:30 PM, plan school and work release so players arrive with time to spare. Teams must be ready 15 minutes prior to kickoff, so aim to be at the complex well before 5:15 PM for a 5:30 PM start.

Who plays Friday evening

Local teams may be scheduled for the earliest Friday slots, including the 5:30 PM kickoff. Traveling teams should still prepare for a Friday evening game and confirm their exact slot when the schedule posts on GotSport on March 12, 2027.

Arrival and warm-up

Arrive with enough time to park at the on-site lot, check your field assignment, and warm up. Player and coach passes must be available at the field, and teams need to be ready 15 minutes before the scheduled kickoff time.

Lights and turf for evening play

All fields at Wintrust Crossroads Sports Complex are turf and lighted within a single centralized complex, so a 5:30 PM Friday kickoff and later evening games run without issue. The 100% turf surface also means no rainouts for field conditions on the first day.