Application Deadline: April 20, 2011

Teams registered and paid for Memorial Day by March 31, 2011 will receive a $25 discount from the entry fee.

The Virginia Rush Soccer Club and Nike are pleased to extend an invitation for your team to apply to the Rush Ralph Downey Memorial Day Classic which offers Premier and Classic level competition. A Team Champion and Finalist will be named in each flight. Ralph Downey Memorial Day Classic is the way to end your spring season.

Celebrate Memorial Day with Remember the Music - Remember the Heroes.  Spend Memorial Weekend at the Virginia Beach oceanfront for this special tribute to our military heroes! It's a Star Spangled Spectaular as bands from our Armed Forces perform throughout the weekend on stages under the stars. Travel the "Heroes Walk" and immerse yourself in the history of our nation's involvement in military endeavors throughout history. The Heroes Walk features essays written by local high school students displayed along the boardwalk from 17th to 25th Streets. 

The Ralph Downey Memorial Day Classic is an unrestricted tournament sanctioned by the Virginia Youth Soccer Assn. All US Youth State Association member teams, US Club Soccer teams, and other national affiliate teams may apply. The tournament has permission to host club teams and club teams with 5 guest players (U9-U19). 

Prior permission of the tournament director is not required for the use of guest players. Teams must follow the rules and procedures for guest players as provided by their own home state association or national affiliate. All players must have a valid 2010 -2011 seasonal year player pass and medical release. Recreational players may be used as guest players for all teams. A player may participate with only one team in the tournament.

Competition levels: The tournament will have both Premier and Classic flights.  Flight placement is at the descretion of the tournament committee.  The Memorial Day Soccerfest offers small-sided competition in age groups U9 - U12.  U9 - U10 format will be 7v7 and U11 format will be 8v8.  The U12 age group will offer 8x8 only.

The tournament will be held on complexes in the City of Virginia Beach to include the Hampton Roads Soccer Complex, Princess Anne Athletic Complex, both were home of the 2005 & 2006 Region 1 Championships, and Redwing Park.  In addition the Virginia Rush's new home facility, The Virginia Beach Sportsplex, will be used.  All fields are within a 20 minute drive of the hotels on our list.