Making Dreams a Reality

30 September - 4 October 2026

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About the Event

Since 2010, the Kapstadt CUP has grown from a community initiative into an international youth football competition, hosted annually by FC Kapstadt. Open to all SAFA and FIFA-affiliated football clubs from around the world, the tournament’s success has led to local media recognising it as the premier youth football event of Cape Town and South Africa.

Organised to the highest professional standards, the tournament offers premier youth soccer development in Cape Town within a safe and family-friendly environment.

Volunteers, families and local supporters drive the event. Its mission is clear: uplift communities through grassroots football festival programmes. With its powerful slogan of “Making Football Dreams Come True”, the event creates a platform for African talent to develop and rise to fame on the global stage.

Highlights & Milestones

Over 2,000 youth footballers and 100+ teams from 35 clubs competing.

Participation from South Africa’s top PSL academies, including Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates, Mamelodi Sundowns and Ajax Cape Town.

English Premier League club, Liverpool FC Academy, was invited to participate in 2020 – a key achievement despite the event being cancelled due to the pandemic.

The tournament looks forward to welcoming them and other major clubs in the near future.

The tournament has reached an historic milestone in 2020 by becoming the first South African international grassroots football competition.

Competition Format

The Kapstadt CUP hosts nine age divisions (U7 – U23) with matches played in 5v5, 8v8 and 11v11 formats, mirroring the structure of a World Cup style competition.

VIEW FORMAT VIEW FIXTURES

The event adopts the PLAY & RESPECT initiative, part of the Cape Town Tygerberg Football Association (CTTFA) Junior Football programme, aimed at fostering a positive environment for young players by promoting respectful behaviour within the sport.

Age Groups, Format & Field

Age Group Format Field
Under-7 5v5 44m x 22m
Under-8 5v5 44m x 22m
Under-9 5v5 44m x 22m
Under-10 8v8 60m x 40m
Under-11 11v11 Standard FIFA Size
Under-12 11v11 Standard FIFA Size
Under-14 11v11 Standard FIFA Size
Under-16 11v11 Standard FIFA Size
Under-20 11v11 Standard FIFA Size

Age Groups, Format & Field

Age Group Format Field
Grassroots
Under-7 16 128
Under-8 16 128
Under-9 16 128
Under-10 16 192
Under-11 16 192
Youth
Under-12 16 320
Under-14 16 320
Under-16 16 320
Under-20 8 200
Total: 138 Teams 1928 Players

2026 match venues

With world-class facilities, the FC Kapstadt tournament provides a professional platform for the next generation of footballers.

Matches take place at the SASRIA-compliant Hartleyvale Stadium, the historic home of FC Kapstadt and a cornerstone of Cape Town’s football heritage. Key fixtures, including the Cup Finals, are hosted at Green Point Athletics Stadium, its rugby fields, and Athlone Stadium.

Group Stage Matches
Under-12 to Under-20 Green Point Common Sport Ground
Under-7 to Under-11 Green Point Park
Under-12 to Under-20 Hartleyvale Stadium, D Field
CUP FINALS
Under–10 & Under-11 Cup Finals Green Point Athletics Stadium
Under-12 to Under-20 Cup Finals Athlone Stadium

Opening Ceremony & Entertainment

Friday 2 October 2026
Green Point Athletics Stadium
18h30

The FC Kapstadt CUP Opening Ceremony is a highlight of the festival, blending sport, culture and entertainment.

Clubs participate in a march-past, after which event partners and stakeholders share messages to officially open the tournament. Entertainment plays a key role in the ceremony, which have drawn full crowds at Hartleyvale Stadium and Athlone Stadium, creating a significant marketing opportunity.

Impact & Differentiators

The Kapstadt CUP is more than a tournament.

Since 2010, it has impacted over 500,000 youth, providing a platform where many players were scouted and went on to professional careers. As the first South African grassroots football festival with international sanctioning from SAFA, CAF and FIFA, the event delivers a professional, inclusive and unforgettable football experience.

An event renowned for its culture of good behaviour and sportsmanship, it prioritises safety and security in a clean, family-friendly environment.

Clubs and participants enjoy comfort, medical services, quality playing surfaces, punctual match schedules and well-organised administration. Entertainment, good food, and high-quality competition make the Kapstadt CUP a standout experience for players and fans alike.

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