• The Cary Cup, the first youth soccer tournament of its kind, will take place in and around Cary in coordination with The Soccer Tournament (TST) June 6-8, 2025.
  • The tournament adopts the revolutionary Target Score Time™ and other TST rules including seven-on-seven matchups, custom field dimensions, and on-the-fly substitutions, all making for exciting non-stop action.
  • All rounds of this youth tournament will take place in Cary and Apex, culminating in the finals held at Cary’s WakeMed Soccer Park during TST. 

The Cary Cup TST

Cary, N.C. – The Town of Cary, with the support of The Soccer Tournament (TST), is proud to announce The Cary Cup, the nation’s first 7v7 youth soccer tournament featuring TST’s revolutionary Target Score Time™. Taking place in Cary June 6-8, 2025, this groundbreaking event will offer a festival-like atmosphere at premier sports venues in the Cary area, including Apex’s new Pleasant Park. Teams will compete for a spot in The Cary Cup finals which will take place at WakeMed Soccer Park, on the same fields as TST’s biggest stars and celebrities. 

TST has become a marquee event, bringing together top talent from around the world in an exciting, high-energy competition. Its success inspired Cary to create a community-focused youth soccer tournament, modeled after TST’s innovative format.

"Cary has been an excellent host and we are excited to be in on the ground floor as they develop a youth tournament around TST," said Jon Mugar, CEO of The Soccer Tournament. "TST already draws thousands of players and fans from across the world to North Carolina in celebration of the sport. With the addition of a youth tournament, the stage will be that much bigger. We can't wait to see our 7v7 rules on display in The Cary Cup!" 

As Cary continues to emerge as a hub for soccer at all levels, this tournament plays a crucial role in elevating the sport and providing youth players with a new platform to develop and show their skills. The competition will feature separate Boys and Girls Divisions in a variety of age groups and competitive levels allowing players to build their own teams, whether formed through clubs or independently.

"The Cary Cup represents more than just a youth soccer tournament; it is a celebration of the passion and talent that makes soccer such a vital part of our community,” said John Collins, Cary’s Director of Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources. “We are incredibly excited to host this 7v7 event, which showcases not only the dedication of our young athletes but also our continued commitment to making Cary a premier destination for soccer at every level.”

Games will be played at Thomas Brooks Park (Cary), Middle Creek Park (Cary), and Pleasant Park (Apex), with matches taking place on artificial turf and premium grass surfaces. The Cary Cup finals will be held Sunday afternoon at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, prior to the TST Semi-Final matches.

For more details about The Cary Cup, including rules, eligibility, application info, visit carync.gov/CaryCup. Stay tuned for updates as we approach this exciting event!

About Cary, North Carolina

With excellence and innovation in its DNA, Cary is a thriving community of over 190,000 people representing more than 60 nationalities at the heart of North Carolina’s renowned Research Triangle region. Cary consistently ranks among the most desirable places to live, work, have fun, and do business in the United States. Known for its safe neighborhoods, extensive network of bike-friendly parks and greenways, environment stewardship, robust business climate, and premier sports venues, Cary remains a place of inspiration and opportunity. With a “people first” philosophy, this local government values collaboration, experimentation, learning, and adaption, making Cary an exceptional place to call home and an inspiring destination for visitors.

About WakeMed Soccer Park

WakeMed Soccer Park is the Town of Cary’s 158-acre sports complex renowned for hosting premier soccer events at all levels, including The Soccer Tournament, a global soccer festival featuring legends of the game, celebrities, and millions in prizes. Since 2004, it has evolved into a central hub for professional, collegiate, and community soccer. Home to professional teams the NC Courage and North Carolina Football Club, the facility is designed to support a wide range of events, from international tournaments to local festivals, as well as sports, from high school football to polo.

Primary Contacts

If you have specific questions about Town services or operations, dial 311 anywhere in Cary, (919) 469-4000 outside Town limits, or email 311@carync.gov. 

Resources