Dave Shelton Memorial Cup
Completed
One of San Diego’s premier soccer tournaments hosted in Escondido, bringing together teams from across Southern California.
Completed
Registration Closed
U6-U10: $795
U11-U12: $995
U13-U19: $1,195
*Includes Referee Fees
SDSC Surf Escondido’s Premier Soccer Tournament
The Dave Shelton Memorial Cup is one of the premier youth soccer tournaments in Escondido and throughout San Diego County. Hosted by Escondido Soccer Club, this annual event brings together teams from across Southern California for a competitive and well-organized tournament experience focused on player development, community, and the love of the game.
The structure of the event is designed to create fair and competitive matchups, ensuring that every team has the opportunity to compete at the appropriate level.
The tournament is open to boys and girls teams from U6 through U19 and welcomes a wide range of competition levels, including recreational, intermediate, and competitive teams. Whether a team is preparing for an upcoming season, looking for meaningful games, or simply wanting to experience a high-quality soccer tournament in North County San Diego, the Dave Shelton Memorial Cup provides a balanced and rewarding environment.
The Dave Shelton Memorial Cup is a great fit for teams of all backgrounds. Competitive clubs use it as a way to prepare for league play and test themselves against strong opponents, while recreational teams gain valuable tournament experience in a positive and supportive setting. For teams traveling into the area, it also provides an opportunity to experience soccer in one of the most active youth soccer regions in Southern California.
Escondido offers more than just soccer during tournament weekend. Families can take advantage of nearby restaurants, parks, and local attractions, making the event enjoyable both on and off the field. The combination of strong competition, a central location, and a welcoming environment continues to make this tournament a favorite for teams year after year.
Teams are encouraged to register early, as space is limited and divisions fill quickly.
U6-U19
Boys & Girls Age Groups
7v7, 9v9, 11v11
Formats Vary by Age
Why Teams Choose the Dave Shelton Memorial Cup
Held at Frances Ryan Park, the tournament creates a true soccer atmosphere with all games played in one central location. This single-venue format makes it easy for players, coaches, and families to enjoy the event without the need to travel between fields, while also building a strong, energetic environment throughout the weekend.
Teams choose this tournament not only for the level of competition, but for the overall experience. Escondido’s central location makes it easily accessible from across San Diego County, as well as Riverside and Orange County, making it an ideal destination for both local and traveling teams.
Frances Ryan Park
All Games. One Location.
Frances Ryan Park serves as the perfect setting for a tournament of this size, with multiple well-maintained fields and a layout that keeps everything connected.
Multiple well-maintained natural grass fields
Centralized layout for easy navigation
Family-friendly environment
Plenty of space for teams and spectators
Field Map & Locations
All Games. One Location.
Please refer to the field map for all game locations during the Dave Shelton Memorial Cup. All games will be played at Frances Ryan Park in Escondido.
Field assignments are subject to change, so we recommend checking back prior to game day to confirm your team’s field number and location.
DAVE SHELTON’S STORY
Dave was a long time resident of Escondido, he served many years on the NCYSA board in many different capacities, he was instrumental in the development of all our soccer programs as well as the Mayors Cup tournament.
He enjoyed being part of helping the youth in Escondido that he continued coaching long after his own children had grown. Dave devoted over twenty years of his life to the young soccer players of Escondido. He had a wonderful relationship with all the kids, many of whom he sponsored out of his own pocket as the need arose. He truly realized the value and purity of athletic competition in youth sports. He took great pride as well in the opportunity to coach alongside his son Josh. Josh can now be seen roaming the fields at Ryan Park and other locations as a top referee.
In 1966 Dave and his wife Linda were recognized by California Youth Soccer Association (CYSA) for their many years of volunteerism dedicated to the young soccer players in their community. They were awarded the CYSA Lifetime Honorees Award for their outstanding contributions to youth soccer in our district.
Regrettably on October 28th 1999 Dave succumbed to cancer, and we all lost one of the “founding fathers” of youth soccer in Escondido. His name and legacy will live on forever, most of all the young soccer players that play in Escondido today will never know who Dave Shelton was, but as they grace the fields of Ryan Park, Dave will be looking down with pride, seeing what was always his pride and joy, “kids playing soccer”.
He was a great man, and it was a pleasure to have shared so many years with him, there was not a day while we were at Kit Carson Park that we did not see Dave.
