Girls' Weekend — August 15–16, 2026
We are pleased to invite your team to the 2026 AFC Lightning Challenge (Girls' Weekend), held August 15–16 in Fayette County, GA — home of US Soccer's national headquarters. Start the season with exceptional soccer competition on premier fields. This is an unrestricted event, welcoming teams of all affiliations to apply.
Register today to secure your spot!
Apply Here
General Information
Important Dates...
June 8th: Registration Opens August 3rd: Registration Closes & Fees Due August 5th: Schedules Published Adjustment requests due by August 7th. August 10th: Deadline to Begin Online Check-In August 13th: Online Check-In Closes at 5:00 PM
Roster Limits
U08 - U10 (7v7): 14 players max U11 - U12 (9v9): 18 players max U13 - U19 (11v11): 22 players max
5 guest players maximum
Match Duration
U08 - U12: 2 x 25 minutes U13 - U14: 2 x 30 minutes U15 - U19: 2 x 35 minutes
Secure your spot in the 2026 AFC Lightning Challenge — one of the Southeast's premier youth soccer tournaments!
Registration Fees
U8 – U10: $675 U11 – U12: $775 U13 – U19: $875
Registration is limited. Lock in your team’s spot today before it’s gone.
Got questions or need help? We’re here for you!
[email protected]
Age Groups
U08: Aug 2018 – Jul 2019 U09: Aug 2017 – Jul 2018 U10: Aug 2016 – Jul 2017 U11: Aug 2015 – Jul 2016 U12: Aug 2014 – Jul 2015 U13: Aug 2013 – Jul 2014 U14: Aug 2012 – Jul 2013 U15: Aug 2011 – Jul 2012 U16: Aug 2010 – Jul 2011 U17: Aug 2009 – Jul 2010 U19: Aug 2007 – Jul 2009
Online Check-in is now closed. What is Online Check-in?
Hotels
Click Here for Tournament Hotels
This is a Stay-to-Play Tournament
To ensure their place in the tournament, all out-of-town teams must book hotel reservations through THE TOURNAMENT OFFICE, Inc. Failure to comply with this requirement may result in the team forfeiting their acceptance into the tournament.
This hotel link is for everyone who needs a room for the tournament. We encourage all teams to book their rooms immediately to reserve the same hotel. All rooms are first come, first served — team managers are not required, nor can they block out rooms, to keep things fair for everyone. This is designed to protect the hotel inventory and prevent teams from blocking out too many rooms. We appreciate your understanding and wish you all much success in the tournament!
Hotel Contact: Jeff Welch
Email: [email protected]
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