Crossbar Challenge : Carabiner Cup
Crossbar Challenge : Carabiner Cup
Sign up a team for the first Crossbar Challenge : The ‘Carabiner Cup’. A women’s 5-A-Side tournament on May 2nd at Lewes FC’s home ground - the Dripping Pan.
24 Teams will compete in a group stage of a minimum 3 games. The top two from each group will then proceed to the knockout stages of the tournament.
Registration and arrivals will be from 10AM, with the Tournament round 1 starting at 11AM. The Tournament Final should Kick off by 7:30PM. Event ends at 8:30PM.
Prizing will be for 1st, 2nd, 3rd, Player of the Tournament and Golden Boot.
In partnership with: Foudys, Puma and Lewes FC.
Tickets are £25 entry per player - Please note the default team size is 5 players, additional 6th/7th/8th players can be added below. Tickets include a Team Shirt, entry to the tournament, opportunity to meet a BHAWFC player and take part in Sussex’s biggest women’s 5 A Side Tournament.
Upon purchase you will receive an email with a form to collect additional information. This will include your choice of team shirt colour, squad name details, kit sizing and full event information.
Captain’s Note:
The Tournament Entry covers your first 5 players.
Team size can be a maximum of 8. Please add the ‘Extra Players’ ticket below to your cart if you wish to have more than 5 players in your squad.
Coming to watch? Grab a spectator pass to access The Dripping Pan. Enjoy the 24-team battle and join the fun!
The Full Experience: Don't worry about the drive. Grab a bus transfer from the ground straight to the Crossbar Afterparty at the bar. Note: Afterparty tickets are strictly capped at 75!
Important: Once you complete your checkout, check your email! You will receive a link to our Team Registration Form to submit your player names, shirt sizes, and team colours.
Additional Information:
1. The Schedule
10:00 AM: Registration & Team Briefing (All captains must check in at the 'Crossbar' desk).
11:00 AM: First Round of Group Stage Kick-off.
11:00 AM – 6:00 PM: Group Stages & Initial Knockouts.
6:00 PM – 7:30 PM: Semi-Finals & The Grand Final.
7:30 PM: Trophy Presentation & Partner Prize Giving.
8:00 PM: Tournament Finish & Bus Transfers Depart for Brighton.
9:00 PM – 1:00 AM: The Crossbar Afterparty.
2. Tournament Format & Match Rules
The Structure
Group Stage: 24 teams split into 6 groups of 4.
Progression: The Top 2 teams from each group, plus the 4 best-performing 3rd-place teams, will progress to the Round of 16.
Match Duration: 12 minutes (two 6-minute halves) with a 2-minute halftime turnaround.
Knockout Deciders
Round of 16 to Semi-Finals: If level at full-time, matches go straight to Penalties (3 per team, then sudden death).
The Grand Final: If level at full-time, 6 minutes of Extra Time (3 mins each way) will be played. If still level, it goes to Penalties.
3. On-Pitch Regulations (5-a-side)
To keep the game flowing and fair, we will follow standard small-sided FA-style rules with a few specific adjustments:
Head Height: Play is allowed above head height.
Goalkeepers: Keepers are permitted to leave their area but must not kick the ball directly from their hands (must be placed on the ground or thrown).
Pass Backs: Pass-backs to the goalkeeper are permitted.
Substitutions: "Roll-on, roll-off" substitutions are allowed at any time when the ball is dead, with the referee’s permission.
Slide Tackling: To ensure player safety and longevity of the day, sliding tackles are strictly prohibited.
4. Discipline & Kit
Sin Bins: A Yellow Card results in a 2-minute Sin Bin. The team must play with one fewer player until the time expires. A Red Card results in a permanent sending-off for that match.
Footwear: Strictly no metal studs. Molded boots and Astro-turf trainers are permitted.
Shin Pads: Mandatory. No player will be allowed on the pitch without shin pads.
Kit Ready: Please arrive kit-ready. Limited communal changing space is available for quick changes, but we recommend arriving ready to play.
5. Facilities & Vibe
Cashless Event: The stadium bar, Coffee Kick Collective, and merch stands are card only.
The Bar: The rebranded 'Crossbar' stadium bar will be open throughout the day for players and spectators.
Ethos: This is a celebration of women’s football. We expect a competitive but fun and community-spiritedatmosphere. Abuse of officials or other players will not be tolerated.
6. Prizes
The Crossbar Trophy: Winners will lift the physical trophy, with a replica displayed permanently at the Crossbar bar.
Medals: Awarded to the top three finishing teams.
Partner Prizes: Including bar tabs, drinks, and premium items from Puma and Foudys.