Earlier this month, Connecticut Junior Soccer Association (CJSA) teamed up with Soccer Wars to bring one of the sport’s most unique competition formats to Newington, Connecticut. Players ages 8–18 from across the state and beyond came together for two days of fast-paced matches where adaptability and leadership were just as important as skill.
“It was awesome being able to bring our club-neutral event to Connecticut!” said Casey Clark, CEO of Soccer Wars. “I couldn’t have asked for better support for our first event on the East Coast—from the multiple states of families who attended and from Josh, Amy, and the entire CJSA staff for believing in the vision of what we’re building across the U.S. We’re honored to work with partners who share our mission: creating something for all levels and all positions to enjoy, compete, meet new people, and hopefully leave with an even deeper love for the game of soccer.”
A Unique Competition
Unlike traditional tournaments, Soccer Wars does not require teams to sign up together. Rather, players register individually and then rotate through small-sided matches with different teammates each game. Points are earned for both individual and team performances, and the highest scorers advance to the championship match. The format keeps the competition fresh, challenges players to adapt quickly and creates opportunities for everyone to step into the spotlight.
For CJSA, co-hosting the event was about more than the games on the field. It provided players of all skill levels and backgrounds a chance to compete, grow and connect through the sport in a new way. The sidelines were filled with families cheering not just for their own kids, but for new friends and teammates met along the way, all while capturing the community spirit that makes youth soccer so impactful.
“Soccer Wars did an awesome job with their event in Newington,” said Josh Krusewski, Executive Director of the Connecticut Junior Soccer Association. “It was really well organized and a big success. With how well things went this year, the sky’s the limit going forward. I’d definitely recommend it to my colleagues in other state associations.”
What sets Soccer Wars apart is the variety of ways players can test themselves. The event features three signature formats:
- Player Wars: Fast-paced, small-sided battles that lead to the showcase finals.
- Goalie Wars: Goalkeepers go head-to-head in rapid-fire matchups.
- Skill Wars: A series of challenges designed to spotlight individual technique and creativity.
Combined with a festival-style atmosphere that is complete with music, food and community activities, Soccer Wars is as much a celebration of the game as it is a competition.
Looking Forward
The Newington stop marked a successful step in Soccer Wars’ national expansion and highlighted CJSA’s commitment to providing innovative opportunities for players across Connecticut. As this format grows, so does the platform for young athletes to test their skills, develop leadership and share their love of the game.
To contact the Connecticut Junior Soccer Association, please call (860) 676-1161 or email office@cjsa.org. Also make sure to follow us on social media!