Tournament History

This tournament was inaugurated in April 2005, the anniversary weekend of Julian’s passing. It hosted 122 teams and over 2,000 players from 37 localities spanning the Carolinas and other parts of the Southeast.

The second tournament took place in April 2006, and was distinguished by its international flavor as a result of a partnership with Charlotte Sister Cities, the Mayor of Charlotte, the Mayor of Limoges, the Honorary French Consul of Charlotte, Smith Language Academy, and Alliance Française.  A total of 177 teams hailed from five states and one team traveled from Limoges, France to participate.

The third tournament took place in April 2007, with more than 200 domestic and foreign teams participating in a fun-filled environment that offered great competition for U9 to U18 boys and girls at Challenge, Classic and Premier levels of play. The major venues included Ramblewood Soccer Complex in Charlotte, North Carolina as well as the Manchester Meadows Soccer Complex in Rock Hill, South Carolina. Thousands of spectators, including college coaches, converged on our venues to participate, referee and watch some wonderful soccer.

The 2008 version of the Julian Brown Memorial Cup outdid all previous tournaments with over 260 teams participating.

The 2009 tournament was the most successful in tournament and club history with over 330 teams applying!

Thanks to the proceeds from previous tournaments, other fundraising efforts and community outreach, in 2006-8 the Julian Brown Memorial Fund provided the following:

• 14 Julian Brown Memorial Soccer Scholarships to Classic level players from South Charlotte SA, Highland FC, Greensboro SC, and Charlotte United FC

• 3 free week-long Julian Brown Memorial Soccer Camps for a cumulative total of close to 900 disadvantaged children

• 4 Julian Brown Memorial Spirit Trophies to the teams participating in the North Carolina State Science Olympiad Tournament that demonstrated the best teamwork

• 6 “Man-of-the-Match” Trophies to players who demonstrated the best skill and character in Julian Brown Memorial Service exhibition games

In addition, other organizations have sponsored the following awards to recognize Julian’s characteristics in deserving youth:

• Julian Brown Youth Award – Presented by the Metrolina Association of Black Social Workers to one high school student each year who demonstrates outstanding scholarship, community service and leadership

• Julian Brown Science Award – Presented by Myers Park High School to one student each year who demonstrates excellent performance and dedication in the Regional Science Olympiad Tournament

We look forward to expanding and enhancing this tournament so that Julian’s legacy helps to promote outstanding scholarship, athleticism and character among youth as well as greater access to “the beautiful game.”

Click Here to learn more about past scholarship recipients and how you can apply for the 2010 Julian Brown Memorial Fund Scholarship!

Interested in donating to the Julian Brown Memorial Fund?  Click the Donate Now button, which will take you to the Julian Brown Memorial Fund website.