All qualified Referees are invited to join over 500 other Match Officials from around the world, representing over 15 countries and 30 US States, for two great tournaments as the 25th edition of the Schwans USA Cup will be staged on 21-25 July 2009.

In the past 24 years, the Schwans USA Cup has hosted teams from 35 US States as well as countries such as Austria, Bermuda, Brazil, Columbia, Denmark, England, Hungary, Ireland, Japan, Russia, Scotland and Sweden.

The Tournament is played at the National Sports Centre, the world’s largest premier football complex, with over 50 full size grass fields in one location. and is located just north of Minneapolis in Blaine, Minnesota.

The championship games will be held on one of the side-by-side exhibition stadiums where the US National teams have played. The tournament provides excellent competition and cultural exchange that is an experience you will remember forever.

The 'diagonal officiating' system is used, with one Referee and two Assistant Referees. Schwans USA Cup follows FIFA and USYSA rules, with minor modifications. Once teams have played their preliminary 'World Cup' rounds, they are seeded into an A or B play-off group according to their 'World Cup' round record. The play-off round is single elimination. A complete set of rules will be given to you prior to the competition.

If your application is successful the cost to attend the Schwans USA Cup as an official will be around £650 depending which airport you fly from. You could expect to receive around $18 to $30 per game depending on whether you act as referee or an assistant. Accomodation throughout will cost $34 per night including three meals per day.

If you are interested in applying to officiate in the Schwans USA Cup, you can request an application form or any further information from Trevor Wing at trevor.wing@northridingfa.com or trevor.wing10@btinternet.com