Surf Cup

The Surf Cup is probably one of America’s most famous and high quality tournaments.

Taking place every year in the outskirts of San Diego, California – it sees the participation of some of the best “soccer” clubs and schools from all around the country.

Organized by pro team Surf Cup Sports, it is divided into two weekends, one of the older age categories (U15-U18) and one for the younger age categories (U10-U14). With referees being given the possibiity of attending both tournaments, it is the perfect opportunity to combine a holiday to beautiful California with some refereeing.

2023 will mark the 5th year of the successful cooperation between Surf Cup and Referee Abroad.

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

All selected referees stay at the same accommodation in the vicinity of the fields. Free snacks and water are available during the 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. The approximate amount of such refund is decided only shortly before the tournament and also depends on the exchange rate, but it is around 300.00 euros per tournament.

Accommodation is not provided between the two tournaments.

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 San Diego or Oceanside.

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

Referees can expect free accommodation based on double or triple occupancy in the same room. For those officials attending both the olders and youngers events, accommodation will not be provided betwee the two events, but it will be organized by Referee Abroad at a cost (sharing with other referees to reduce costs).

Located on the coast of the Pacific Ocean in Southern California, San Diego is widely known as “America’s Finest City.” Famous for its miles and miles of white-sand beaches and amazing weather, the city offers an abundance of fun attractions for visitors of all ages.

Boasting a citywide population of more than 1.3 million and more than 3 million residents countywide, San Diego is California’s second largest city and the United States’ eighth largest. San Diego County is made up of 18 incorporate cities and towns along with other charismatic neighborhoods and communities, such as Carlsbad, Coronado, Del Mar, Downtown San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter, Point Loma, Chula Vista, Old Town, La Jolla, and North Park.

San Diego is renowned for its incredible climate, which is characterized as warm, dry summers and mild winters with most of the annual precipitation falling between December and March. America’s Finest City also showcases many popular attractions for the whole family to enjoy. Some of these include Sea World San Diego, LEGOLAND California, the world-famous San Diego Zoo, the Cabrillo National Monument, Balboa Park, several casinos, and many historic parks and museums.

Another attraction of San Diego is its immediacy to Mexico

The closest airport to the tournament would be San Diego International Airport (SAN) 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) which instead is very well connected to Europe and all other destinations throughout the world, being one of America’s main gateways. Depending on where the referees’ accommodation will be, Los Angeles Airport may be only marginally more distant than San Diego Airport.