Jeff Illingworth with the worlds greatest soccer player Christiano Ronaldo (Ronaldo is the guy on the left)Jeff immigrated to San Diego, California in July 1981 from the hotbed of soccer Manchester, England. Since 1981, he has been totally involved in the incredible growth and development of youth soccer in Southern California - an area believed by many experts to be home to many of America’s top youth soccer programs. Not only has Jeff coached at these programs, he is responsible for founding and developing several of his own programs. With 27 years experience, Jeff’s career has seen him achieve incredible highs and success, mixed with painful failures and heartbreak.

This book is not about pointing fingers or giving blame. It is a frank, factual, and vivid description of this mammoth cultural phenomenon – US Youth Soccer. Few parents know or understand the incredible, behind the scenes, politics and power struggles that occur daily in many soccer programs.Fortunately, the purity of the game of soccer always rises above these negatives.

 

The “beautiful game” played by beautiful kids.

 

                                             “Soccer is not about life and death. It is more important than that!” 
                                              Bill Shankley – Liverpool Manager, 1970’s

The San Diego Pegasus Cup, cordially invites you to participate in our 12th annual Pegasus Cup. The tournament will be played in beautiful San Diego, California. Our city enjoys a mild 70 degree climate and it’s only 10 minutes from downtown, and the world famous zoo.

This is a class I tournament, open to USYSA,US Club Soccer, Super Y League, AYSO and FIFA affiliated teams (2008-2009 age group will be used). We have grown from 76 teams in 1998 to over 400 teams last year. The Pegasus Cup is proud to announce that the tournament is now one of the largest in the country. Due to the overwhelming interest, the tournament will take place in two different weekends to insure that everyone gets to play on the best fields and facilities available. The 12th Annual Pegasus Cup will be held June 27,28,29 and July 4, 5, 6, 2009.

Registration will take place June 26th from 6 pm to 9 pm for the youngers (U8 to U13) and July 3rd from 6 pm to 9 pm for the olders (U14 TO U19). This year we expect over 400 teams, please sign up your team early to assure place in the Pegasus Cup.

We will be offering gold and silver brackets. This is a great opportunity for coaches to test their new teams against some of the best in Southern California.

Games will be played through out the city of San Diego. Each team is guaranteed three (3) games. Unlimited loan players will be permitted with a maximum of eighteen (18) players on the roster. (22 players for U17 and older).

Teams U8, U9, are limited to fourteen (14) loan players and roster. U10 will be allowed to play 11 aside. All players will receive a Pegasus Cup pin. 1st and 2nd place teams will receive a crystal team trophy.

The entry fee is not refundable, if a team is accepted. Teams not accepted will have their fees returned. Accepted teams will be posted on our Website. Each team will receive a notification via e-mail.

Entry fees for U8-U9 $575 and U10-U19 $675.

After the games, relax and enjoy the numerous restaurants, nearby entertainment, shopping and of course our great beaches. The tournament is also located 90 minutes from Disneyland, 30 minutes from the Mexican border, 10 minutes from Sea World, 20 minutes from Legoland.

Also don’t forget to stop by our village and check out our new and bizarre inflatables.

                                                                                                          See you there!