NEW PALTZ, NY — As the world turns its attention to soccer, Ulster County is bringing the spirit of the game home to the Hudson Valley.
The first Ulster Future Stars Unity Cup will take place Saturday, June 6, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Field of Dreams, 241 Libertyville Road in New Paltz. The free community event will combine a youth soccer tournament with a cultural fair featuring food, art, games and family-friendly activities.
A rain date is set for Sunday, June 7, at the same time and location.
The event is co-hosted by Ulster County and the United Way of Ulster County, with “One Life Only,” an initiative of Ulster County District Attorney Emmanuel Nneji, serving as the title sponsor.
Sarah Kramer-Harrison, Ulster County’s director of arts, culture and open spaces, said the idea grew out of the excitement around the World Cup and a desire to create something local for young people and families.
“We wanted to elevate the love of soccer, the culture that goes along with it,” Kramer-Harrison said. “It’s a great sport, and we wanted to create an opportunity for all youth to be able to experience it.”
The tournament will be open to youth players, with teams grouped into four divisions: Under 8, Under 10, Under 12 and Under 18. Registration is free and encouraged in advance, though players may also register on the day of the event.
Kramer-Harrison said young people do not need to already be part of a soccer league or team to participate.
“If your youth is not a part of a soccer league or a rec team and don’t necessarily have other players that they know they want to play with, that’s okay,” she said. “We’re going to make teams so that youth can participate.”
Alongside the tournament, the youth cultural fair will run throughout the day. Food vendors are expected to include Stir It Up Colombian Coffee, Sippin’ Pretty Sodas, Hudson Valley Catering and Gary’s Pickles, offering what Kramer-Harrison described as a mix of international flavors and traditional fair food.
The event will also include activities from local youth-serving organizations. Kramer-Harrison said the Ulster County Youth Bureau will offer crafts and activities, while MyKingstonKids, One Strike and others will provide games and interactive opportunities. An Ultimate Frisbee group is also expected to offer a clinic on how to throw a Frisbee.
Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger said the Unity Cup is meant to bring families together around soccer, culture and community.
“The Unity Cup is about family fun, healthy youth competition and play, and a celebration of the rich cultural diversity the game represents internationally and in our own communities,” Metzger said. “I want to thank all of our partners for helping make this event possible, and all of our sponsors for supporting the vital work of United Way of Ulster County. I look forward to seeing everyone at the Field of Dreams on June 6.”
Nneji said the event also reflects the mission of the One Life Only initiative, which focuses on youth outreach, safety, opportunity and community care.
“Through the ‘One Life Only’ initiative, our focus has always been on uplifting young people, promoting safety, and reminding our youth of the incredible value of their futures and that they only have one life, and that life spent in prison is no life at all,” Nneji said.
He said supporting youth sports and the United Way is part of a broader effort to invest in prevention, mentorship and safer communities.
Stephanie Kearns, president and CEO of United Way of Ulster County, said the event brings together youth sports and the cultures that make the region vibrant.
“The Ulster Future Stars Unity Cup does exactly that by beautifully merging the teamwork of youth sports with the rich heritage of our local community,” Kearns said.
All funds raised through sponsorships and donations at the event will support United Way of Ulster County’s impact programs.
Kramer-Harrison said she hopes young people leave the event with hope, inspiration and maybe a new love for soccer.
“To me, this is a day of hope in the future,” she said. “If we all leave a little bit happier, a little bit more hopeful, to me that’s the win.”
She said organizers would like to see the Unity Cup continue in future years, though those conversations will take place after this year’s event.
“We would love to see this become an annual event,” Kramer-Harrison said.
Youth players can register at ulstercountyny.gov/FutureStarsCup. If the event is moved to its rain date, Ulster County officials will announce that by Friday, June 5, at noon on the Ulster County Tourism website and county social media channels.
For tournament details, vendor inquiries or media credentials, contact Sarah Kramer-Harrison, director of arts, culture and open spaces, at skrh@ulstercountyny.gov.