Regional Presidents Cups Come to a Close, Set Stage for Next Month’s National Finals

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FRISCO, Texas (June 19, 2024) – A week of high stakes matches is now in the books, marking the end of US Youth Soccer’s Regional Presidents Cup, presented by Springhill Suites.

In what can be considered the start of an action packed summer schedule for USYS, more than 580 teams competed in their respective regional events all throughout the country the last few days – notably in Charleston & Barboursville, W.Va., Sioux Falls, S.D., Plano, Texas, and Salt Lake City.

Teams had their sights set on advancing to the National Presidents Cup in Wichita, Kan., later this summer with a chance to claim the cup.

One of the unique aspects of Presidents Cup is the year-long journey that it puts teams on to reach this stage. Teams are given the opportunity to compete at three different levels – State, Regional, and National – to claim their rightful spot as champions. Jeff Wolford, head coach of Hulmeville Demons 2011 (Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer), shared how he was able to get his team to buy in and continue their journey.

“Before I could build a team, I had to build individuals, so I remind them constantly that they’re a part of this team,” said Wolford. “Everybody has their own role and if they can all do their own role and do their job, then we’re going to continue to play.”

Each region had 26 teams qualify for the national event, with 25 different State Associations represented, showcasing the depth of talent across the United States and a desire to participate in one of USYS’ signature events, just one year after Presidents Cup celebrated its 15^th anniversary. Of State Associations with multiple winning teams, Illinois led the way with 6, followed by Eastern Pennsylvania (5), Idaho (4), Oklahoma (4), Maryland (3), Montana (3), South Texas (3), Utah (3), Wisconsin (3), Florida (2), Louisiana (2), Michigan (2), New Jersey (2), and West Virginia (2).

While teams celebrated their achievements this week, those advancing will pivot quickly and begin preparation for National Presidents Cup – set to kick off July 12. “We’re glad we were able to get the job done,” said Ella Credille of Tupelo FC 2010 Girls (MS). “Our coach has always told us about quality and effort, and that’s the main thing we were able to focus on when we went into this. Even though this was a good stage to perform on, we’re going to bring it to a higher level.”

For more coverage of US Youth Soccer’s Presidents Cup, follow USYS on social media or visit its webpage.

About the United States Youth Soccer Association (US Youth Soccer)

US Youth Soccer, the largest youth sport organization in the country, is on a mission to provide world-class support, resources, and leadership, helping every member fulfill their goals on and off the field of play. US Youth Soccer registers nearly 2.5 million players annually. Through its programming, resources and leadership, US Youth Soccer is advancing the game for its 54 Member State Associations, 10,000 clubs and leagues and one million administrators, coaches, and volunteers. US Youth Soccer connects families and communities to the power of sports and its shared love of soccer. US Youth Soccer provides a path for every player, coach and referee offering programs that provide a fun, safe and healthy environment at every level of the game.

About the US Youth Soccer Presidents Cup

The US Youth Soccer Presidents Cup is designed for teams seeking additional challenges to play against teams of similar abilities for a national title. Presidents Cup provides a progressive and competitive experience to teams, allowing them to participate in a series of unique experiences highlighting competition, camaraderie, and community from the state to regional to national levels of US Youth Soccer. The US Youth Soccer Presidents Cup is a separate series of events from the US Youth Soccer National Championship Series.

– USYS –