2026 National Championships Location Information
2026 Keeper Wars 6th Annual National Championship
This year's event will bring together over 300 Youth & Adult Goalkeepers from across the U.S.!
St. Louis, Missouri - February 27, 2026
We are beyond excited to officially announce the location of the 2026 Keeper Wars National Championships!
This year, our 6th Annual Championship Weekend is headed to Ellicott City, Maryland, where the top qualifying goalkeepers, youth & adults from across the country will come together for an unforgettable Nationals experience.
Ellicott City sits in the heart of one of the strongest soccer regions in the country, just outside Washington, DC and within reach of Baltimore and Annapolis. With the United States celebrating its 250th birthday in 2026, this championship year will carry even more energy, pride, and excitement. We cannot imagine a better setting for our biggest stage. And we cannot wait to share some very exciting additions to this years’s event!
Nationals is not an open tournament. Every goalkeeper earns their place through regional competition by stepping into pressure and performing. Keeper Wars is built specifically for goalkeepers. Rapid decision making. Shot stopping. Distribution. Mental toughness. This is where confidence is forged.
Registration is officially open for athletes who have already qualified. If your goalkeeper has earned their spot, keep an eye on your inbox. A detailed email with important next steps and athlete specific information will be coming your way in the next few days.
If your goalkeeper has not yet qualified, there is still time. Regional events are continuing across the country, and the road to Ellicott City is still wide open. We would love to see your athlete step onto the field, compete, and fight for their place at Nationals. Every Keeper Wars event builds resilience, courage, and belief under pressure.
Championship Weekend
Keeper Wars 6th Annual National Championships - Ellicott City, Maryland, July 31 - August 2, 2026
💚 We will have the following Divisions:
✅ Boys 8-18: Premier & Championship Divisions, by Single Birth Years
✅ Girls 8-18: Premier & Championship Divisions, by Single Birth Years
✅ Collegiate Men 19-25, Collegiate Women 19-25
✅ Men Under 30 & Over 30, Women Under 30 & Over 30
💪 Adults will play Friday Night, July 31
💪 Youth will play Sat/Sun Aug 1-2
We are so proud of this community. Whether your athlete is chasing qualification or already preparing for Nationals, this journey is about growth, bravery, and rising to the moment.
Thank you for being part of the Keeper Wars family. We cannot wait to see what your goalkeeper does next.
With excitement and gratitude,
Tonya Pinkerton & The Keeper Wars Ink Team
HAVEN’T QUALIFIED YET?
We still have 2+ events on the calendar in each region of the U.S.!
We will also have 2 Divisions at Nationals, to Support All Skill Levels!
🧤Let’s Go!! Click here to find an event near you & Sign Up!