Ernie Henderson Challenge
Tournament & Festival | September 18-20, 2026
The Ernie Henderson Challenge Cup is one of Ontario’s premier rep soccer events, proudly hosted by Richmond Hill Soccer Club. Now entering its 28th year, the tournament continues to grow in size and reputation. In 2024, the Challenge Cup reached a record 241 teams, making it the largest event in its history. The 2026 edition is set to be even bigger and better!
The Ernie Henderson Challenge Cup has always been a competitive and exciting event that offers teams an opportunity to compete with others from across Ontario, Canada and the northern United States. Organized by the dedicated staff and volunteers of the Richmond Hill Soccer Club, the Challenge Cup provides top-notch tournament management and co-ordination.
Join us for our 28th year! It is always a memorable experience for all teams and a great way to end the outdoor season.
Tournament Format Overview
- Festivals: U10–U13
- Tournament: U14–U17 & Women's
- Boys & Girls divisions available
- Guaranteed games for all teams
- Tiered divisions where applicable
Festival & Tournament Dates
U10–U11 Festival
- Boys: Saturday, September 19
- Girls: Sunday, September 20
- Fee: $395
- Games: Two 40-minute games
U12–U13 Festival
- Boys: Saturday, September 19
- U13 Boys Tier 1: Sunday, September 20
- Girls: Sunday, September 20
- Fee: $395
- Games: Two 50-minute games
U14–U17 & Women’s Tournament
- Preliminary Round: Friday & Saturday, September 18–19
- Semi-Finals & Finals: Sunday, September 20
- Fee: $675
- Games Guaranteed:
- Preliminary: Three 50-minute games
- Semi & Final: 60-minute games
Note: Friday matches are used only when required to accommodate large entries and will apply only to clubs located within one hour of Richmond Hill.
Registration & Payment
- Register your team via PowerUp
- Payment Deadline: August 25, 2026
- Accepted Payment Methods: Credit Card, E-Transfer, Cash
- Cheques: Not accepted unless hand-delivered by the deadline
Team Entries & Schedules
- Team entries posted: Approximately 4 weeks prior to the event
- Schedules posted: Approximately 1 week prior
To view schedules:
- Select Ernie Henderson Challenge Festival or Challenge Cup under Category on PowerUp
- Select your age division and tier (if applicable)
- Leave the team field blank to view all games, including semi-finals and finals
Tournament Coordinator
Stina Markou: tournament@richmondhillsoccer.com - 905-883-2864
All tournament-related questions, scheduling requests, and documentation should be directed to the Tournament Coordinator.
Team Check-In & Rosters
Teams must submit the following via email by August 28, 2026, including:
- Proof of player and staff season registration
- Travel permission (if outside York Region)
- Proof of insurance (if outside Ontario)
Additional notes:
- All players and staff must be entered into PowerUp by August 28
- No roster changes accepted after September 9
- Scheduling requests must be submitted by September 4
- Coach conflicts will be considered but remain the responsibility of the entering club
Teams may be tiered within their age division if numbers allow. Grassroots teams may request a tier change up to September 9.
Travel, Sanctioning & Host Forms
Festivals (U10–U13)
- Open to Ontario teams
- Teams outside Ontario must contact the Club
- Required forms include:
- Host Approval Forms (age and division specific)
- U12 to U13 Boys Host Approval Form (excluding U13 Tier 1/Target)
- U13 Boys Tier 1/Target Festival Host Approval Form
- U10 to U13 Girls Host Approval Form
- Ontario Soccer Application to Travel (if applicable)
- OS Travel Form Boys
- OS Travel Form U13 Boys Tier 1/Target
- OS Travel Form Girls
Tournament (U14–U17 & Women)
- Open to North American teams
- Teams outside North America must provide minimum 3 months’ notice to allow for international permissions to be obtained
- Required forms include:
- Host Approval Forms
- U14 to U17 Host Approval Form
- Women's Host Approval Form
- Ontario Soccer Application to Travel
- U14 to U17 Host Approval Form
- Women's Host Approval Form
Rules & Regulations
All teams are expected to comply with the tournament and festival rules and regulations, including discipline, eligibility, and match procedures. To view the full tournament and festival rules, click the link below.