NM Soccer Classic (Pilot Cup)

The Newport Mesa Soccer Classic aka “Pilot Cup” is a community soccer tournament held annually the week after Memorial Day at the Jack R. Hammett Sports Complex in Costa Mesa.  Public and private schools in the Newport-Mesa area form and enter teams to represent their respective schools in the tournament.  

This tournament is known as “the greatest community pick-up soccer tournament in the nation.”

St. John the Baptist has a strong history of participation in the tournament, including several finalist team medals and championship cup wins!  

This year’s tournament dates:  May 26-May 31, 2026

 

About the tournament

• Started in 2000
• Formerly known as the Pilot Cup (from the days when LA Times’ local newspaper Daily Pilot was the main sponsor)
• Today is sponsored by Costa Mesa United 
• Open to Newport-Mesa Unified & area private schools 
• Has grown from 500 players to thousands 
• Built and run entirely by volunteers

THE TOURNAMENT THAT IS MEANT TO BE PLAYED! (not just won)

 

SJB Legacy

• Long-standing tradition of entering teams annually at all skill levels
• Several championship wins over the years 
• Tons of fun, a great way to make memories with school friends, and represent the best of our school out in the community 

 

Who can participate?

• Boys and Girls Grades 3-6 of all skill levels 
• SHIN GUARDS ARE REQUIRED

 

Where is the tournament held?

• Jack R. Hammett Sports Complex (Costa Mesa) and surrounding fields 

 

Why sign up?

• HAVE FUN 
• Make awesome memories 
• Grow in friendships 
• Represent SJB
• Build school pride 
• Share our values with the surrounding community

 

Team Formation

• SJB players evaluated yearly for team placement 
• NO CUTS! EVERYONE MAKES A TEAM! 
• Teams formed by age and skill level
• ALL SJB teams are coached by SJB volunteers 
• Each coach sets their own practice days & times 
• Priority: Fun and community spirit!

Fun fact: The entire tournament is run by volunteers!  Coaches, refs, schedulers, liaisons, organizers, parking attendants… Everyone is a volunteer.  Not $1 is made on this tournament.  

 

Scheduling

• TOURNAMENT HELD ANNUALLY THE WEEK AFTER MEMORIAL DAY
• Every team is guaranteed 2 games Tues-Fri
• You win, you keep playing for the “cup” over the weekend 
• Game schedules are usually released the week before the tournament

Winners get to take the trophy to their school for the whole year!

 

How to sign up

• When registration opens, fill out the online form
• Bring registration fee to the school office (this cost includes the t-shirt your child will wear in the tournament)
• Teams will be formed based on age/ grade division, volunteer coach availability, and skill level to make the experience as enjoyable as possible for all involved - especially our kids! 
• Everyone makes a team***.  There are no cuts!  

***We will field as many teams as we have coaching support for!  This varies by year.  Reach out to volunteer to help coach and help us take on as many kids as possible!

Once a team is formed, you’ll be contacted by your child’s coach.