In an increasingly competitive and polarizing youth soccer world, where athletes are pushed to their physical and emotional limits in pursuit of their dreams, an often-overlooked aspect is the mental toll that it can take. Inspired by Abbi Agosta, an elite youth soccer goalkeeper who died by suicide in March of 2024, Abbi’s Cup aims to combine high-level soccer competition with education and empowerment on mental health that can often be ignored or stigmatized as a sign of weakness. 

The second annual tournament, organized by Abbi’s parents, Monica and Paul, took place on August 9th, as four teams from the Houston area (HTX GA, Houstonians FC, Albion Hurricanes ECNL, and RISE GA) had their U19 teams participate as part of their pre-season preparations. The timing of the tournament is vital to Abbi’s father, as he stated to TDS.

“We feel like August is a good time to do it because the teams are ramping up for their seasons and are all playing friendly games. Why not play a friendly match that has a purpose . . . Let’s take an extra hour, 30 minutes before and 30 minutes of half-time to talk about mental health and give the tools and courage to destigmatize this and normalize the conversation.”

Although the matches were played at a competitive level, the highlight of the event was the pre-game and half-time talks, where mental health professionals led a discussion with athletes and parents on prioritizing mental health and how to support those who may face those challenges.

“Mainly it is just about empowering these young women to speak out about their mental health and to be present for their teammates, classmates, friends, co-workers, and family members,” Agosta told TDS.  

Lila Bailey, a participant through Rise GA, composed a heartwarming social media post after the event. “I had a great time this morning at The Abbi’s Cup. It is so amazing seeing such a wonderful community come together and speak about mental health, especially in athletes. I realized the importance of having good mental health and being there for your teammates. Play like Abbi.”

The tournament’s official motto, ‘Play like Abbi,’ could be found on wristbands throughout the event. It references the passion and courage that Agosta showed on the field.

Another player was Jocelyn Kianka, an ex-teammate of Abbi’s who is now with the Albion Hurricanes. She spoke about how impactful the message was. “Yes, it is competitive, but at the same time, doing it for a cause and having this just builds everyone up and makes sure we are starting the season right . . . We never know what anyone is going through, so hopefully this is reaching out to many other people so that they can ask for help.”

Collegiate players from Rice, Houston, and Houston Christian were also in attendance to show support and listen to the messaging from the mental health professionals. One of those was Jasmine Diaz, an ex-teammate of Abbi’s, who is preparing for her freshman season with the Hostoun Christian Huskies.

“She was definitely a person you would want in your life and probably one of the best keepers I have ever had because she was so dedicated. . . I think [mental health] is so important as an athlete. It gets tough to worry about how you’re playing and how you’re being received. You have to make sure you’re good first before getting out there.”

While Abbi’s struggle was with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, there are a host of mental health challenges that can impact the lives of young athletes. Her generosity and character, her father says, inspired the creation of the tournament.

“Abbi’s things that she lived by were her courage, kindness, and inclusivity. That’s what she displayed in her life and is what it takes to combat this stigma of mental health awareness.”

Abbi’s mother also aspires to extend the reach of the cup. “We would love to take it to the college level . . . And, culturally, boys are taught that to show emotion like sadness or anxiety is a form of weakness, so being able to share this message by getting some boys’ teams involved is extremely important.”

While the first two tournaments have been in Houston, Agosta hopes the event will one day be held as a grassroots event in soccer communities across the country as part of pre-season friendlies every August.

For more information on how to host an Abbi’s Cup in your city, email Owl91@yahoo.com or follow on Instagram at @abbiscup.

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