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New Haven Counts
Winter Classic
Soccer Tournament
An Annual Celebration of Math, Movement, and Teamwork
Indoor 7v7 soccer for grades 3–8 across multiple divisions, hosted at Soccer Roof New Haven (formerly CFC Arena) in Hamden, CT. A premier event where young athletes compete, learn, and build lasting friendships.
Tournament Highlights
Relive the excitement from past tournaments
Proudly Sponsored By
Supporting youth athletics and community development
Event Overview
The Winter Classic Soccer Tournament is New Haven Counts' flagship annual event, bringing together elementary and middle school teams from across the region for an unforgettable day of competition, community, and celebration.
Tournament Format
Two-day indoor event with multiple divisions
Daily Schedule
10:00 AM – 1:00 PM each day
Team Size
8–15 players per team
Competition
Championship trophies & placement awards
🎯 Our Promise: Every team plays at least 3 games, with guaranteed opportunities for friendly competition, skill development, and unforgettable memories.
Why the Winter Classic Matters
The Winter Classic is more than a soccer tournament—it's a cornerstone of New Haven Counts' mission to support academics through athletics and build confident, capable young leaders.
Academic Connection
Reinforces the Math + Sports model that helps students see connections between athletics and academics.
Teamwork & Leadership
Builds collaboration skills, confidence, and the ability to work toward shared goals.
School Pride & Tradition
Creates lasting memories and fosters citywide school pride through friendly competition.
Character Development
Teaches discipline, resilience, and sportsmanship through structured athletic competition.
Every game played, every goal celebrated, and every lesson learned contributes to New Haven Counts' vision of empowering students through the power of math and sports.
Past Champions
Grades 3-4 Division
Grades 5-6 Division
Grades 7-8 Division
Who It's For
- ✓ Compete with your school team
- ✓ Build confidence & teamwork
- ✓ Receive tournament t-shirt
- ✓ Celebrate with your peers
- ✓ Build school pride & unity
- ✓ Send multiple teams if desired
- ✓ Teacher chaperones welcome
- ✓ Foster student leadership
- ✓ Spectators welcome
- ✓ Comfortable viewing areas
- ✓ Celebrate your student's growth
- ✓ Safe, structured environment
- ✓ Support youth development
- ✓ Strengthen community bonds
- ✓ Visible partnership opportunities
- ✓ Impact local students
Tournament Format & Game Play
- 7v7 Format: Fast-paced action with smaller teams
- 15-Minute Games: Running clock keeps games moving
- Kick-Ins: Instead of throw-ins for faster play
- No Slide Tackling: Safety-first approach
- Referee Respect: Required at all times
- Group Play: All teams compete in round-robin format
- Playoffs: Top teams advance to championship rounds
- Placement Games: Every team plays meaningful matches
- 3 Games Minimum: Guaranteed play time for all
- Awards Ceremony: Recognition for all participants
Sample Tournament Day Flow
Arrival & Check-In
Teams arrive, check in, and receive tournament materials. Coaches review schedules and field assignments.
Opening Ceremony
Team introductions, rule reminders, photo opportunities, and welcome from New Haven Counts leadership.
Group Play Games
Two fields running simultaneously. Teams compete in round-robin format to determine playoff seeding.
Playoffs & Finals
Top teams advance to championship rounds while all teams play placement games for final standings.
Closing Ceremony & Awards
Trophy presentations, championship shirts for winners, team photos, and celebration of all participants.
Logistics & Location
Soccer Roof New Haven
(formerly CFC Arena)
1018 Sherman Ave
Hamden, CT 06514
- Premier indoor soccer facility
- Two full-size turf fields
- Bleacher seating for spectators
- Climate-controlled comfort
- Snack bar & refreshments
- Designated team areas
School Coordination
Schools arrange and coordinate bus transportation for their teams. Arrival window before first scheduled game.
Check-In Time
Teams should arrive 30 minutes before their first game for check-in and warm-up.
Departure
After closing ceremony and awards presentation. Buses depart following final celebrations.
Note: Detailed schedules and arrival times will be communicated to registered schools prior to the event.
What's Included
Every participant receives a complete tournament experience
Tournament T-Shirt
Every player receives an official Winter Classic tournament shirt
Water Provided
Hydration stations available throughout the tournament
Championship Shirts
Winners receive special championship t-shirts
Tournament Trophy
Bragging rights for a year
Professional Referees
Experienced officials ensure fair and safe play
Community Celebration
A day of school pride, teamwork, and lasting memories
Expectations & Code of Conduct
Sportsmanship Required
All players, coaches, and spectators must demonstrate positive sportsmanship at all times. Celebrate success with humility and handle setbacks with grace.
Respect Officials & Opponents
Referees' decisions are final. Teams must show respect to officials, opposing players, and coaches throughout the tournament.
No Trash Talking
Negative language, taunting, or trash talking will not be tolerated. Players engaging in such behavior may be removed from games or the tournament.
Positive Celebrations
Celebrate goals and wins enthusiastically but respectfully. No excessive celebrations that disrespect opponents.
Safety First
All safety rules are strictly enforced. Dangerous play results in immediate consequences to protect all participants.
The Winter Classic is a celebration of youth athletics, community, and character. We expect all participants to uphold these values throughout the tournament.
Tournament Schedule & Results
Tournament Schedules
Tournament Results
4-Team Tournament Schedule (2 Fields)
Teams: Barnard, Martinez, Fair Haven, Conte
Arrival: 9:45–10:15
Opening Ceremony: 10:15–10:25
Group Play Games (Rounds 1–3): 20 minutes each
Breaks/Transitions: 10 minutes between games
Closing Ceremony: 12:40–1:00
| Time | Field 1 | Field 2 |
|---|---|---|
| 9:45 – 10:15 | Arrival & Check-In | Arrival & Check-In |
| 10:15 – 10:25 | Opening Ceremony | Opening Ceremony |
| 10:25 – 10:30 | Transition to Fields | Transition to Fields |
| Round 1 (20 min) 10:30 – 10:50 | Barnard vs Martinez | Fair Haven vs Conte |
| 10:50 – 11:00 | Break / Reset | Break / Reset |
| Round 2 (20 min) 11:00 – 11:20 | Barnard vs Fair Haven | Martinez vs Conte |
| 11:20 – 11:30 | Break / Reset | Break / Reset |
| Round 3 (20 min) 11:30 – 11:50 | Barnard vs Conte | Martinez vs Fair Haven |
| 11:50 – 12:00 | Break / Standings + Seeding | Break / Standings + Seeding |
| Semi-Finals (15 min) 12:00 – 12:15 | 1st Place vs 4th Place | 2nd Place vs 3rd Place |
| 12:15 – 12:25 | Break / Reset | Break / Reset |
| Finals (15 min) 12:25 – 12:40 | Championship (Winners) | 3rd Place Game (Losers) |
| 12:40 – 1:00 | Closing Ceremony | Closing Ceremony |
6-Team Tournament Schedule (2 Fields)
Teams: Barnard, Martinez, Fair Haven, Conte, East Rock, Hooker
Arrival: 9:45–10:15
Opening Ceremony: 10:15–10:25
Group Play Games (Rounds 1–5): 10 minutes each
Breaks/Transitions: 10 minutes between games
Closing Ceremony: 12:50–1:00
| Time | Field 1 | Field 2 |
|---|---|---|
| 9:45 – 10:15 | Arrival & Check-In | Arrival & Check-In |
| 10:15 – 10:25 | Opening Ceremony | Opening Ceremony |
| 10:25 – 10:30 | Transition | Transition |
| Round 1 (10 min) 10:30 – 10:40 | Barnard vs Martinez | Fair Haven vs Conte |
| 10:40 – 10:50 | Break / Reset | Break / Reset |
| Round 2 (10 min) 10:50 – 11:00 | East Rock vs Hooker | Barnard vs Fair Haven |
| 11:00 – 11:10 | Break / Reset | Break / Reset |
| Round 3 (10 min) 11:10 – 11:20 | Martinez vs Conte | East Rock vs Barnard |
| 11:20 – 11:30 | Break / Reset | Break / Reset |
| Round 4 (10 min) 11:30 – 11:40 | Hooker vs Fair Haven | Martinez vs East Rock |
| 11:40 – 11:50 | Break / Reset | Break / Reset |
| Round 5 (10 min) 11:50 – 12:00 | Conte vs Hooker | Fair Haven vs East Rock |
| 12:00 – 12:10 | Break / Standings + Seeding | Break / Standings + Seeding |
| Semi-Finals (15 min) 12:10 – 12:25 | Seed #1 vs Seed #4 | Seed #2 vs Seed #3 |
| 12:25 – 12:35 | Break / Reset | 5th Place vs 6th Place |
| Finals (15 min) 12:35 – 12:50 | Championship (Winners) | 3rd Place Game (Losers of the Semi-Finals) |
| 12:50 – 1:00 | Closing Ceremony | Closing Ceremony |
7-Team Tournament Schedule (2 Fields)
Teams: Barnard, Martinez, Fair Haven, Conte, East Rock, Hooker, Saint Martin
Arrival: 9:45–10:05
Opening Ceremony: 10:05–10:10
Group Play Games (Rounds 1–7): 10 minutes each
Breaks/Transitions: 5-10 minutes between games
Final Whistle: 1:00 PM
| Time | Field 1 | Field 2 |
|---|---|---|
| 9:45 – 10:05 | Arrival & Check-In | Arrival & Check-In |
| 10:05 – 10:10 | Opening Ceremony | Opening Ceremony |
| 10:10 – 10:15 | Transition | Transition |
| Round 1 (10 min) 10:15 – 10:25 | Hooker vs Martinez | Fair Haven vs Conte |
| 10:25 – 10:30 | Break (5 min) | Break (5 min) |
| Round 2 (10 min) 10:30 – 10:40 | East Rock vs Hooker | Saint Martin vs Barnard |
| 10:40 – 10:45 | Break (5 min) | Break (5 min) |
| Round 3 (10 min) 10:45 – 10:55 | Martinez vs Conte | Fair Haven vs Saint Martin |
| 10:55 – 11:00 | Break (5 min) | Break (5 min) |
| Round 4 (10 min) 11:00 – 11:10 | Hooker vs Fair Haven | Martinez vs East Rock |
| 11:10 – 11:15 | Break (5 min) | Break (5 min) |
| Round 5 (10 min) 11:15 – 11:25 | Barnard vs Conte | East Rock vs Saint Martin |
| 11:25 – 11:35 | Break (10 min) | Break (10 min) |
| Round 6 (10 min) 11:35 – 11:45 | Barnard vs Fair Haven | Martinez vs Saint Martin |
| 11:45 – 11:55 | Break (10 min) | Break (10 min) |
| Round 7 (10 min) 11:55 – 12:05 | East Rock vs Conte | Hooker vs Barnard |
| 12:05 – 12:15 | Break + Seeding Reset (10 min) | Break + Seeding Reset (10 min) |
| Semi-Finals (15 min) 12:15 – 12:30 | Seed #1 vs Seed #4 | Seed #2 vs Seed #3 |
| 12:30 – 12:45 | (Championship field reset) | Seed #5 vs Seed #6 |
| Finals (15 min) 12:45 – 1:00 | Championship (Winners) | 3rd Place Game (Losers) |
Join the Winter Classic
Registration opens each fall. Spots are limited and fill quickly—don't miss your chance to be part of this annual tradition!
Ready to Register Your School?
Contact our tournament coordinator to learn more about registration, logistics, and how to bring your school to the Winter Classic.
Questions?
We're here to help with registration questions, team logistics, tournament details, and more.
Note: Team slots are limited and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Schools may register multiple teams if space allows.