FRIENDSHIP CUP 2026
25 Years of Building Champions
New Location
The Friendship Cup 2026 will have a new location with wood floors, air conditioning, and located only two miles from the old location.
New Location: Courts4Sports — 854 Reading Road, Mason, Ohio 45040
Our Legacy
The Friendship Cup was started over 25 years ago by volleyball coach and friend to many, Zen Golembiowsky. We honor this memory by continuing to elevate an event that has meant so much to so many.
Event Overview
The event features 3 days and 24 sets of competitive play that gives coaches an opportunity to evaluate their team’s chemistry, lineups, and identify who will step up as leaders on the court for the upcoming season. Having the event over three days allows the athletes and coaches to have quality team bonding in the evenings, accentuated in 2026 by the Day 2 evening extravaganza at Liberty Collective.
Event Components
Returning favorites:
- 24 sets over 2½ days
-
3 Meals Provided:
- Day 1: Dinner provided
- Day 2: Lunch provided
- Day 3: Lunch provided
- All meals served on-site at Courts4Sports
- Hotel blocks for teams at discounted rates
New for 2026:
- Day 2 evening extravaganza at Liberty Collective, an amazing new entertainment facility just two miles from the playing site featuring 6 restaurants, ice cream and desserts, plus activities like karaoke, ping pong, cornhole, and sand volleyball.
www.liberty-collective.com - Package A includes a team day at Kings Island amusement park
Dates
| SESSION | DATES | DAYS |
|---|---|---|
| SESSION 1 | July 14th, 15th, and 16th | Tuesday – Thursday |
| SESSION 2 | July 17th, 18th, and 19th | Friday – Sunday |
Packages & Pricing
COMMUTER A — The Full Experience
Includes: Includes: Tournament + Kings Island + 3 Meals (Day 1: Dinner, Day 2: Lunch, Day 3: Lunch)
Kings Island Highlights:
- One of the largest amusement parks in the Midwest with over 100 rides and attractions
- World-class roller coasters including Orion, Diamondback, and the legendary Beast
- Soak City water park included—perfect for cooling off after competition
- Located right in Mason, just minutes from the tournament venue
- An unforgettable team bonding experience your athletes will talk about all season
| Base Price (10 players + head coach) | $2,300 |
|---|---|
| Deposit (50%) | $1,150 |
| Each Additional Player | $230 |
| Assistant Coach | $80 |
COMMUTER B — Competition + Fuel
Includes: Tournament + Liberty Collective Extravaganza + 3 Meals (Day 1: Dinner, Day 2: Lunch, Day 3: Lunch)
Liberty Collective Extravaganza
An evening of fun with karaoke, games, and beach volleyball. A great opportunity for team bonding and connecting with other teams attending the tournament. Choose from 6 amazing restaurants (food purchased separately).
| Base Price (10 players + head coach) | $1,900 |
|---|---|
| Deposit (50%) | $950 |
| Each Additional Player | $190 |
| Assistant Coach | $35 |
COMMUTER C — Pure Competition
Includes: Tournament Only
| Base Price (10 players + head coach) | $1,600 |
|---|---|
| Deposit (50%) | $800 |
| Each Additional Player | $160 |
| Assistant Coach | FREE |
Schedule
| DAY | TIME | ACTIVITY |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | 2:00 – 3:00 | Check-in |
| 3:00 – 3:15 | Coaches meeting | |
| 3:15 – 6:30 | Pool play (2 matches) | |
| 6:00 – 7:00 | Dinner | |
| 6:30 – 10:00 | Pool play (2 matches) |
| Day 2 | 8:30 – 11:30 | Power pool play (2 matches) |
| 11:00 – 12:30 | Lunch | |
| 11:30 – 3:30 | Power pool play (2 matches) | |
| 5:45 – 10:00 | Evening Extravaganza at Liberty Collective |
| Day 3 | 8:30 – 11:30 | Championship bracket play (2 matches) |
| 11:00 – 12:30 | Lunch | |
| 11:30 – 3:30 | Championship bracket play (2 matches) |
3-Day Playing Format
DAY 1 — Pool Play: Teams seeded into pools based on high school division (Varsity and JV
separated).
DAY 2 — Power Pools: Re-seeded based on Day 1 results: all 1st place teams pooled together, all 2nd place teams pooled together, and so on.
DAY 3 — Championship Brackets: Teams compete in Gold, Silver, Bronze, and Copper brackets based on Day 2 outcomes. Prizes awarded to each division winner.
separated).
DAY 2 — Power Pools: Re-seeded based on Day 1 results: all 1st place teams pooled together, all 2nd place teams pooled together, and so on.
DAY 3 — Championship Brackets: Teams compete in Gold, Silver, Bronze, and Copper brackets based on Day 2 outcomes. Prizes awarded to each division winner.
Varsity and JV teams are welcome and will be placed in separate playing divisions