The Iowa Soccer USYS League America Festival is officially returning over the weekend of May 2-4, with the event being hosted at the Spring Creek Sports Complex in Altoona. Now in its fourth decade of play, this annual festival is the largest recreational youth soccer event in Iowa, and it continues to be a one-of-a-kind experience where the focus is on fun, participation and spirited competition.
Registration is officially open for the League America Festival, but spots are filling up fast. In order to participate, teams must sign-up by April 13 in order to meet the registration deadline (unless maximum registration is reached beforehand). In addition to the friendly competition on the field, the League America Festival serves as a celebration of the game. Hosted by Iowa Soccer Association since 1992, the event brings together teams from across the state in an environment that is welcoming, well-organized and full of energy.
“We are thrilled to offer recreational soccer players and teams the chance to experience a well-run tournament and enjoy the game in a competitive yet welcoming environment,” said Craig Winger, Chief Member Services Officer at Iowa Soccer Association. “Our goal is to create a festival of fun, sportsmanship and camaraderie, where every participant can grow, have fun and make lasting memories with their team!”
With age groups ranging from 8U (4v4) all the way up to 14/15U (11v11 and small-sided formats), the League America Festival is built to match players with appropriately scaled competition. Entry fees range from $195 to $595 depending on age group, ensuring affordability while maintaining high-quality event standards.
“The Festival gives players a chance to face new opponents and rise to new challenges,” said Mike Wilson, Member Services Program Director at Iowa Soccer Association. “You will compete against clubs you may never see during the regular season. It is exciting, different and still rooted in that fun, recreational atmosphere.”
In addition to the matchday experience, the League America Festival incorporates player-first rules that align with U.S. Soccer’s development initiatives. Match lengths and field sizes are also adjusted for each age group to ensure an enjoyable, age-appropriate experience.
“The League America Festival is one of the best weekends of the year for soccer in Iowa,” said Dan Cataldi, Chief Executive Officer of Iowa Soccer Association. “It is the opportunity to bring together hundreds of kids who play because they just love the game. The chance to provide a joy-filled weekend loaded with smiles, laughter and positive support from spectators is special for everyone involved, and we are thrilled to continue the tradition of ensuring our recreational players have access to an event that is all about celebrating them.”
To protect the integrity of the event, only recreational teams are eligible to compete. Players may only roster on one team, and all coaches must meet Iowa Soccer Association’s Risk Management standards. These steps ensure that every sideline is managed in a safe and structured environment for each game.
Do not miss your chance to participate in this fun, family-friendly event! Registration is open now for the Iowa Soccer USYS League America Festival, but the window to sign-up will close on April 13. To learn more about the League America Festival, check out its official page on the Iowa Soccer Association website.
