MLK Freedom - Futsal Tournament

01/21/2026

Coaches, team managers, players, parents, and siblings,

Thanks for attending a very competitive 2026 MLK Freedom futsal tournament at Spooky Nook on Monday. Here are some high-level stats from the day:

2026 MLK Freedom Stats
Games: 228
Games decided by 2 goals or fewer: 114 (50%)
Games decided by 6 goals or more (the max GD was set at 5): 37 (16%)
Average GD: 3.30 (our 2nd best ever in 13 years of running futsal tournaments - our historical average is 4.11)

Although we know that each team will always have their own unique experience, we strive to create the best competition and the best overall tournament experience possible, and this is how we hold ourselves accountable.

New Exposure App Was Smooth
Our switch to Exposure instead of Tourney Machine seemed like a winner. Other than some annoying ads, the app was easy to use and updated quickly. The right teams showed up to the right courts and games started and ended on time. The refs that did the score reporting got them entered quickly and accurately about 99% of the time.

22 Champions Were Crowned & Almost All Got Medals
Congrats to all our Champions and Finalists! Last year we had 108 teams, so we ordered medals based on an estimate of 120 teams. And then we blew past that number and had 138. We had some anxious moments waiting to see if we'd have enough medals for the last teams to finish (U9 Boys) and we ended up having the exact number of silver "Finalist" medals that we needed and 5 extra gold "Champion" medals. Whew! Big thanks to a the older boys team that was kind enough to not take medals and to a few players that accepted a t-shirt instead of a medal. You made a little kid's day.

Next Up: Presidents Day Rush on Mon Feb 16
Our next event is the Presidents Day Rush on Mon Feb 16 at Spooky Nook. Last year we had a record 150 teams and used 16 courts. Based on our other trends, we're anticipating about 180+ teams this year. Please register early and we hope to see you there!

Next Year's MLK Freedom & The EPIC Cup X
Mark your calendar for Mon Jan 18, 2027 for our 14th edition of the MLK Freedom, and if you like how we run events, consider joining us for The EPIC Cup X this spring!

Yours in futsal,
Brett Dickson & Russell Lewis
Tournament Directors, 2026 MLK Freedom

01/20/2026

What a day! Thank you for being a part of it!

01/16/2026

Schedules are posted!
https://futsal.exposureevents.com/261553/2026-mlk-freedom/schedule

01/12/2026

🔥 117 TEAMS & COUNTING! 🔥

The MLK Freedom Futsal Tournament is shaping up to be something special — 117 teams already registered and ready to compete! 💪⚽

We’re excited to welcome clubs from across the region, including:
Team PIVO, Mercury, Fusion FC NKY, FOSC, Toeballers, Strike Force, Seven Hills Futsal Club, Red Pandas, Rebels, Queens FC, Net Rippers, LSO United, LEON FC, Just4Kicks, Footie FC, Footie SC, Eclipse East, DPA Cobras, GirlChester United, Evolution, LFC Gray, CU, Cincy Showtime, and many more!

From U8 all the way to Adult divisions, boys & girls — this weekend will be packed with energy, competition, and futsal at its best.

Huge thank you to all the clubs, coaches, players, and families who continue to support this event. 🇺🇸⚽

📍 Spooky Nook Champion Mill
🏆 https://cincysc.com/tourneys/mlk-freedom/

01/09/2026

⚽️ MLK Freedom Futsal Tournament ⚽️
📍 Spooky Nook Sports Champion Mill | Hamilton, OH
📅 MLK Monday

Skip the snow and play futsal! ❄️🔥 Fast-paced games on basketball courts with tons of touches and minimal downtime between games.

Details:
• Ages: U8–U19 (Boys & Girls) + Adult
• 5v5 with goalkeepers
• 24-minute games
• Guaranteed 3 games (some teams play 4)
• Roster: 6–8 players recommended
• Cost: $185/team | $30 Free Agent

The MLK Freedom celebrates creativity, expression, and the freedom futsal was built on. Teams and free agents welcome—we’ll combine players into teams as needed.

Tag your teammates & come play! ⚽️

01/02/2026

⚽️ MLK FREEDOM FUTSAL TOURNAMENT ⚽️
📍 Spooky Nook Sports – Champion Mill (Hamilton, OH)
📅 MLK Monday
https://cincysc.com/tourneys/mlk-freedom/

Skip the snow and play futsal! ❄️🔥 Fast-paced games, tons of touches, and a fun Monday off from school.

Details:
• Ages: U8–U19 (Boys & Girls) + Adult
• 5v5 with goalkeepers
• 24-min games
• Guaranteed 3 games (some play 4)
• $175/team | $30 Free Agent
• 6–8 players recommended

The MLK Freedom celebrates creativity, expression, and the freedom futsal was built on. Teams and free agents welcome—we’ll form teams as needed.

Tag your friends & register now! ⚽️🙌

01/22/2025

01/20/2025

Tony's memory will inspire us on days like today! RIP Mate

I am the team manager for Tempest FC Beasties Girls, and our team has lost one of the g… Phetmany Brower needs your support for In Memory of Coach Tony Dotson

01/20/2025

Hopefully this helps offset the parking fee.

01/20/2025

We are off!

01/17/2025

Schedule is posted for the 2025 MLK Freedom Futsal Tournament! We pushed back the start time to 9am and managed to fit everything in before 5:30pm. There may be some changes over the next couple days, but hopefully not too many. It's not easy scheduling 20 divisions and 108 teams (both MLK Freedom records) in one day! https://tourneymachine.com/R140566

We're looking forward to a great day at Spooky Nook Sports Champion Mill!

01/15/2025

MLK Freedom Futsal Tournament – Now or Never!
🔥 We’ve hit 102 TEAMS! 🔥

The MLK Freedom Futsal Tournament is officially on track to be our biggest and best yet! With 102 teams already registered, we’re beyond excited for an epic day of futsal at Spooky Nook Sports Champion Mill on Monday, January 20, 2025.

📅 Bracket Announcement:
We’re finalizing brackets and schedules on Wednesday, January 15th, so if you haven’t added your team yet, it’s NOW OR NEVER!

⚡ Spots are filling FAST – Join the fun! ⚡
👉 Register Here: https://cincysc.com/tourneys/mlk-freedom/

Don’t miss out on an unforgettable MLK Day filled with fast-paced games, fierce competition, and loads of fun! Let's make it an incredible event together!

Location: Spooky Nook Sports Champion Mill, 601 North B Street, Hamilton, OH, 45013 Ages: U7-U19 (boys & girls), adult Games: 24 mins long, guaranteed at least 3 games/team (some teams play 4 games) Format: 5v5 with gks for all age groups Roster: 6-8 players (recommended) Cost: $175/team; $30/free a...