Cindy Eskwith Soccer Tournament

Each fall, when the aspens turn gold and the crisp air settles over the Eagle River Valley, hundreds of young athletes take the field in one of Colorado’s largest and most spirited youth soccer tournaments. The Cindy Eskwith Memorial Vail Cup, held October 3–5, 2025, is more than just a weekend of soccer—it’s a celebration of community, mentorship, and the woman whose name has become synonymous with both.

Named in honor of Cindy Eskwith, a pioneering force in youth sports and a beloved local educator, the tournament honors her legacy with every goal, every whistle, and every handshake at midfield.

Who It’s For
This is a tournament with heart. Designed for youth teams from across the Mountain West and beyond, the Vail Cup welcomes players ages U9 to U18. You’ll find families cheering from sidelines, local volunteers managing field logistics, and coaches who’ve brought teams here for years as part of their seasonal tradition.

Unlike adult-focused tournaments like the Fred Ammer Vail Invitational, this event centers around development, sportsmanship, and community pride. Parents, siblings, teachers, and local leaders show up not just to support the players—but to honor Cindy, whose impact on both education and athletics in Eagle County continues to shape lives.

When It Happens
The 2025 tournament runs Friday, October 3 through Sunday, October 5. Matches begin Friday evening under the lights and run throughout the weekend, culminating in Sunday award ceremonies recognizing both athletic excellence and team spirit.

Each age division crowns champions, but every player leaves with the experience of having competed in one of the region’s most respected fall soccer events.

Where It Happens
Games are played at fields throughout Eagle County, with primary venues including:

Freedom Park in Edwards, home to artificial turf fields made possible by Eskwith’s advocacy. Located near the Edwards Riverwalk, the park sits just steps from Main Street Grill, The Bookworm of Edwards, and Village Bagel, all favorite stops for post-game fuel.

Ford Park Athletic Fields in Vail, walking distance from Vail Village, where local businesses like Yeti’s Grind and Vendetta’s Pizza welcome teams and families throughout the weekend.

Additional matches may be hosted in Avon, EagleVail, and Eagle, providing a full-county footprint that showcases the best of the Vail Valley.

Lodging is available through regional hotel partners including The Sebastian – Vail, Christie Lodge in Avon, and Comfort Inn Vail Valley in Eagle. Teams are encouraged to book early, as October in the mountains is also peak season for fall color hikes and scenic drives along Gore Creek Drive and the Eagle River Corridor.

Why It Matters
Because this isn’t just a tournament—it’s a tribute. The Cindy Eskwith Memorial Vail Cup continues the work Cindy began, creating space for youth to thrive on and off the field. It’s an event where sportsmanship is applauded, mentors are remembered, and the next generation of athletes is inspired.

Signature experiences include:

Friday night matchups under the lights at Freedom Park

Saturday game-day atmosphere with local food trucks, community booths, and team photo ops

A culminating Sunday awards ceremony where coaches and players reflect on the values that matter most: dedication, teamwork, and respect

Whether you’re a first-time team or a returning finalist, this is a weekend that fosters connection and creates memories far beyond the scoreline.