Heritage Cup

The Heritage Cup is Arizona’s biggest tournament, taking place every year the weekend before Thankgiving.

Taking place every year in the outskirts of Phoenix, Arizona – it sees the participation of some of the best “college soccer” teams from all around the southwest.

Referees who attend this tournament can combine this tournament with world famous Surf College Cup, taking place in nearby California the weekend after.

2023 will mark the 2nd year of the successful cooperation between Heritage Cup and Referee Abroad.  

Read about the Surf College Cup (and apply if interested in both events) here. 

All referees who referee adult football and who are 18 years of age or over are welcome to apply for the Heritage Cup.

All selected referees stay at the same accommodation in the vicinity of the fields. Free water and snacks are offered on the fields and during games.

Referees will instead be responsible for getting to/from the pitches. If a group is organized, renting a car might be the most viable of ways to get there given the lack of public transport in the area.

Referees will also receive a partial travel refund. While the exact amount will be confirmed only later, it is around 300.00 euros.

If attending also the Surf College Cup, accommodation is not provided between the two tournaments, Referee Abroad will organize a tour and all referees will keep costs to a minimum by sharing rooms and cars.

Please notice that each selected referee will need to submit the following documents in order to be officially accepted for the event:

– Copy of passport and VISA (if applicable);
– Copy of referee card/licence;
– Letter from home federation granting permission to referee and summary of referee experience;
– Proof of background check;
– Safesport training certificate (an access code to take the test will be sent to you).

Until all paperwork is approved your participation will not be officially confirmed.

All accepted referees will be accommodated free of charge in close proximity to the fields in Phoenix or Mesa

Referees will be able to check-in on the Thursday, and check-out on theMonday after the end of the event.

Referees can expect free accommodation based on double or triple occupancy in the same room.

Phoenix is the capital city of Arizona and is located in the central region of the state. People may know it for its year-round sun, desert beauty, and world-class resorts and golf, but as the fifth-largest city in the U.S., it also offers sophisticated urbanscapes, southwest culture and lots of outdoor adventure.

Nearby Sedona, Route 66 and Grand Canyon are also nice attractions for the traveller. Perfect for a roadtrip in between tournaments.

The closest airport to the tournament would be Phoenix International Airport (PHX) which boasts a number of connections to most North-American cities and beyond (Europe has a few direct connections, but not many).

An easier option for international travellers could be Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) or San Diego International Airport (SAN) in California which instead is very well connected to Europe and all other destinations throughout the world, being one of America’s main gateways. This could be a good choice, especially if attending both the Heritage Cup and Surf College Cup.