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US Youth Soccer Appoints Katie Cole as West Girls Technical Advisor

FRISCO, Texas (August 25, 2025) â€“ US Youth Soccer (USYS) is thrilled to announce the appointment of Katie Cole as the Olympic Development Program’s (ODP) new West Girls Technical Advisor.

Cole’s extensive expertise in youth talent identification and development will continue cementing ODP as the home for many of the nation’s top players. In her new role, Cole will use her scouting knowledge and long-standing experience to enhance the West region’s talent identification, coaching integration, and player progression.

“We are excited to welcome Katie back into the ODP family,” said US Youth Soccer CEO Tom Condone. “Her proven track record in talent identification, paired with her professional scouting experience, will be invaluable in advancing the future leaders of the game.”

Cole joins USYS’ development leadership with a notable portfolio of experience. She currently serves as Head of Domestic Scouting for the NWSL’s Bay FC, where she leads efforts to identify elite prospects across the development pipeline, and prior to Bay FC served as a Senior Talent Identification Manager for U.S. Soccer’s Women’s Youth National Teams, overseeing scouting and talent initiatives across the West, Central, and South regions. Cole also previously worked with the Arizona Soccer Association’s Olympic Development Program, starting as a coach in 2005 and becoming the ODP Director in 2013.

Prior to her work in professional fields, Cole was a four-year starter for the University of Texas women’s soccer team, a valuable experience in her understanding of the player journey.

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 2.68 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.

Dates, Locations Announced for USYS’ 2024-25 Event Schedule

FRISCO, Texas (Nov. 12, 2024) â€“ To kick off the start of its new seasonal year, US Youth Soccer today announced dates and locations for all of its 2024-25 events. The full schedule features events in 12 cities throughout nine U.S. states and will also have teams competing internationally in four different countries.

Among the events are USYS’ top competitions and competitive programs – the National Championships, Presidents Cup, National League, and the Olympic Development Program (ODP) – which will continue the momentum for the largest youth sport organization in the country, fresh off celebrating its golden anniversary.

US Youth Soccer’s premier event, the National Championships presented by New York Life, will return to familiar venues. Headlining the locations is ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort, which will host the event’s storied final stage for the fourth consecutive year.

  • June 20-25, 2025: Midwest Regional Championships at the Scheels Overland Park Soccer Complex and Garmin Olathe Soccer Complex in Overland Park, Kan.
  • June 20-25, 2025: Far West Regional Championships at the Simplot Sports Complex in Boise, Idaho.
  • June 27-July 2, 2025: Southern Regional Championships at the MoneyGram Soccer Park and Toyota Soccer Center in Dallas, Texas.
  • June 28-July 3, 2025: Eastern Regional Championships at the Hal and Berni Hanson Regional Park, Philip A. Bolen Memorial Park, and Potomack Lakes Sportsplex in Loudoun County, Va.
  • July 22-July 27, 2025: National Championships at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex and ChampionsGate Sports Complex near Orlando, Fla. 

Presidents Cup, US Youth Soccer’s alternative championship event, will enter its first full summer with Springhill Suites by Marriott as its presenting partner. 

  • June 13-17, 2025: Eastern Presidents Cup at The Proving Grounds and Plymouth Whitemarsh High School in Valley Forge, Pa.
  • June 13-17, 2025: Midwest Presidents Cup at the Creve Coeur Park Soccer Complex and the SportPort International in St. Louis, Mo.
  • June 13-17, 2025: Southern Presidents Cup at Russell Creek Park in Plano, Texas.
  • June 13-17, 2025: Far West Presidents Cup at the Simplot Sports Complex in Boise, Idaho.
  • July 11-15, 2025: National Presidents Cup at the Tournament Sportsplex of Tampa Bay in Tampa, Fla.

The National League and its robust schedule kicked off earlier this month. Four events will follow in the preceding six months, with December, January, and February rounding off four consecutive months of competition before the final event in May.

  • November 1-4 and 8-11, 2024: Quarterfinals at the Arizona Athletic Grounds in Mesa, Ariz.
  • December 6-9 and 13-16, 2024: Quarterfinals at the Arizona Athletic Grounds in Mesa, Ariz.
  • January 10-13 and 17-21, 2025: Quarterfinals at the Arizona Athletic Grounds in Mesa, Ariz.
  • February 21-25, 2025: Semifinals at the Round Rock Multipurpose Complex in Round Rock, Texas.
  • May 2-6, 2025: Semifinals at the SoCal Sports Complex in Oceanside, Calif.

Lastly, ODP will continue bringing its four regions together in January, where several days of practices and games will determine this year’s National Select Teams. Those chosen will represent the program in both domestic and international competition this coming spring, with top Italian sides AC Milan, Inter Milan, and Juventus highlighting the noteworthy list of opponents.

  • January 16-20 and January 30-February 3, 2025: Interregionals at the ChampionsGate Sports Complex near Orlando, Fla.
  • March 28-April 4, 2025: Friendlies for the 2010 National Teams in Costa Rica
  • April 1-9, 2025: Friendlies for the 2009 National Teams in England
  • April 13-22, 2025: Tournament for the 2008 National Teams in Italy
  • April 14-19, 2025: Easter International Cup for the 2011/12 National Teams in Orlando, Fla.
  • April 23-May 3, 2025: Friendlies for the 2007 National Teams in Spain.

– USYS –

About 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.

Eighteen USYS Alumnae Fuel Soccer Gold Medal Win at Paris Olympics

PARIS (Aug. 10, 2024) â€“ The United States Women’s National Team added to its record number of soccer gold medals Saturday afternoon in Paris, earning its fifth in Olympic Games history with a 1-0 win over Brazil at the famed Parc des Princes. The victory marked the third time (2004 and 2008) the Stars and Stripes have beaten the Seleção in a gold medal match.

Two US Youth Soccer Olympic Development Program (ODP) alumnae – Korbin Albert and Mallory Swanson – combined to break the deadlock in the 57th minute, with Swanson’s fourth goal of the Olympics being her most important. Albert split the Brazilian defense with a pass that found Swanson and put her through on goal, with a clinical finish slotted in the far corner being the contest’s lone score.

The United States’ roster of 18 featured USYS heavily, with 17 of the players – including Albert and Swanson – as well as head coach Emma Hayes, having ties to the largest youth sport organization in the country.

US Youth Soccer Alumnae

  • Casey Murphy – Olympic Development Program and National Championship Series
  • Alyssa Naeher – Olympic Development Program
  • Emily Fox – National League and Olympic Development Program
  • Naomi Girma – Olympic Development Program
  • Casey Krueger – Olympic Development Program
  • Jenna Nighswonger – Olympic Development Program
  • Emily Sonnett – National League and Olympic Development Program
  • Korbin Albert – Olympic Development Program
  • Sam Coffey – Olympic Development Program
  • Lindsey Horan – Olympic Development Program
  • Rose Lavelle – National League and Olympic Development Program
  • Crystal Dunn – Olympic Development Program
  • Trinity Rodman – National Championship Series (Rodman also went up against USYS ODP during the 2016 Interregionals as a member of the U14 US Youth National Team)
  • Sophia Smith – Olympic Development Program
  • Mallory Swanson – Olympic Development Program
  • Jaedyn Shaw – National Championship Series
  • Lynn Williams – National Championship Series
  • Emily Sonnett (NASA, Georgia)
  • Casey Krueger (Eclipse Select, Illinois)
  • Trinity Rodman (So Cal Blues, Cal South)
  • Emily Fox (Herndon Youth Soccer, Virginia)
  • Rose Lavelle (CUP Crew Jrs, Ohio)
  • Casey Murphy (PDA Slammers, New Jersey)

Throughout its triumphant six-game run in Paris, the United States’ balanced roster – led by former regional USYS ODP coach Hayes – stood out on the world stage. Its defense, anchored by Olympic Development Program alumnae Naeher, Dunn, Girma, and Fox, earned four clean sheets, including one during every stage of the knockout rounds. With an impenetrable backline behind them, the United States’ front three of Rodman, Smith, and Swanson put the finishing touches on each opponent, with the US Youth Soccer alumnae combining for 10 goals during the event.

For Dunn, Naeher and Horan, the Paris Olympics marked their third time representing the Stars and Stripes at the Olympic Games after previously competing in Rio and Tokyo. Horan is the current team captain.

–USYS–

About 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.

US Youth Soccer Reveals 2023-24 Event Locations Ahead of 50th Anniversary

FRISCO, Texas (October 12, 2023) – US Youth Soccer (USYS) is thrilled to kick off its year-long celebration of its 50th anniversary by revealing the full slate of major events for the 2023-24 season.

The event schedule, which features competition in five U.S. time zones, includes National Championship Series, Presidents Cup and National League events, plus USYS Olympic Development Program (ODP) teams playing in established tournaments against club and international teams for the second-straight year.

Headlining the list is a return to the Stryker Sports Complex in Wichita, Kan., for National Presidents Cup and the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, Fla., for Nationals to close down our championship season.

Each site was carefully picked to ensure it truly enhances the experience for those involved, setting the stage for a year to remember.

  • National League Elite 64 Playoffs: Legacy Park in Mesa, Ariz., from November 3-6, 2023, and November 10-13, 2023.
  • National League Conference Playoffs: ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, Fla., from December 1-4, 2023, and December 8-11, 2023.
  • Olympic Development Program (ODP) Interregionals: ChampionsGate Sports Complex in Orlando, Fla., from January 18-22, 2024 (Girls), and January 24-28, 2024 (Boys).
  • National League Elite 64 Playoffs: Austin Tindall Sports Complex and ChampionsGate Sports Complex in Greater Orlando, Fla., from January 19-23, 2024, and January 26-30, 2024.
  • National League P.R.O.: Tournament Sportsplex of Tampa Bay in Tampa, Fla., from February 23-27, 2024.
  • Dallas Cup (ODP): Multiple facilities in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, from March 23-31, 2024.
  • Easter International Cup (ODP): Multiple facilities in Greater Orlando, Fla., from March 27-30, 2024.
  • National League P.R.O.: SoCal Sports Complex in Oceanside, Calif., from May 3-7, 2024.
  • Eastern Presidents Cup: Shawnee Sports Complex in Charleston, W.Va., and the Barboursville Soccer Complex in Barboursville, W.VA., from June 14-18, 2024.
  • Midwest Presidents Cup: Yankton Trail Park in Sioux Falls, S.D., from June 14-18, 2024.
  • Southern Presidents Cup: Russell Creek Park in Plano, Texas, from June 14-18, 2024.
  • Far West Presidents Cup: Regional Athletic Complex in Salt Lake City, Utah, from June 14-18, 2024.
  • Midwest Regional Championships: Garmin Olathe Soccer Complex in Olathe, Kan., and Schools Overland Park Soccer Complex in Overland Park, Kan., from June 21-26, 2024.
  • Southern Regional Championships: Tournament Sportsplex of Tampa Bay in Tampa, Fla., and the Lake Myrtle Soccer Complex in Auburndale, Fla., from June 21-27, 2024.
  • Far West Regional Championships: Waipio Peninsula Soccer Complex in Honolulu, Hawaii, from June 21-27, 2024.
  • Eastern Regional Championships: Shawnee Sports Complex in Charleston, W.Va., and the Barboursville Soccer Complex in Barboursville, W.Va., from June 27 – July 3, 2024.
  • National Presidents Cup: Stryker Sports Complex in Wichita, Kan., from July 12-16, 2024.
  • National Championships: ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, Fla., from July 23-28, 2024.

There will be much to recognize in 2024, whether it be the newly-crowned champions of Presidents Cup and our National Championships or USYS’ anniversary. As the calendar gets ready to flip, US Youth Soccer is excited to embark on a year-round celebration commemorating its 50 years of growing the game by revealing new, branded marks for the landmark.

The 50th anniversary marks include primarily blue and primarily red versions of the shield logo, as well as one where the “50” is gold in a nod to the golden anniversary.

US Youth Soccer was founded in 1974 and features 2.5 million players participating annually. Its mission is “To provide world-class support, resources, and leadership, helping every member fulfill their goals on and off the field of play.”

USYS also unveiled a campaign slogan “It Starts with US | Youth Soccer,” where the “US” serves as a double entendre, representing both the word “us” and the United States portion of the organizational name.

Video reveal of new campaign slogan and 50th-anniversary mark can be found here.

“We are proud to celebrate our 50th anniversary and thank the millions of players who have donned the USYS shield over the last five decades,” said US Youth Soccer CEO Skip Gilbert.

“We recognize those who founded our wonderful organization and the executives at our national office and the State Associations who made — and continue to make — US Youth Soccer what it is today. Most, we want to acknowledge past and present players, coaches, volunteers, parents and family members who are the lifeblood of our organization.”

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.

-USYS-

ODP’s Girls National Select Teams Excel at Las Vegas Mayor’s Cup

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FRISCO, Texas (March 3, 2023) – During the second weekend of the Las Vegas Mayor’s Cup International Showcase, the Olympic Development Program’s (ODP) Girls National Select Teams faced several talented opponents in their quests to be crowned champions.

Looking to capitalize on the success that the Boys National Select Teams had the week prior, the 2009 and 2010 Girls took the challenge of going up against the competition’s loaded field head on and shined.

2009 Girls

The National Select Team’s run through the U15 2008 Chapman Auto Group — while playing up a year — left no doubt that they were ready for the moment. From the very first whistle, the 2009s played with an apparent desire to be the last team standing.

Three group stage wins in two days against Heat FC ECNL G08 (2-0), Elite Development Academy G08 (7-0), and Steel United NJ National Team 2008 (4-0) were the start of a special run in Sin City. The National Select Team finished the group stage undefeated, holding its opponents scoreless in the process with Maddie Maves (WA) anchoring the back line and Charleston Caruso (MD) and Natalie Gram (WA) in between the sticks. Rhea Moore (CA-N), Alexa Heredia-Beltran (KS), Jacy Hackler (KS), Delia Loughnane (MA), Adley Accetta (TX-S), and Citlalli Reyes (NV) all found the back of the net during that stretch of games. Hackler continued a run of spectacular form after winning a US Youth Soccer National Championship with KC Legends Academy Red 2009 (KS) last July and receiving USYS’ 2022 Goal of the Year Award.

The National Select Team continued its strong display in its first knockout stage match, a quarterfinal matchup against Las Vegas Sports Academy 08 GA. The 2009s, led by braces from Moore, Heredia-Beltran, Accetta, and Kylie Larrahona (FL), showed no signs of wilting under the pressure of a win or go home matchup while moving on to the next round of play with a 9-0 win.

Sunday morning’s semifinal affair against Oregon’s Westside Metros FC Copa 08G was all business for the National Select Team, with eyes set on reaching the Mayor’s Cup finale. Loughnane, Accetta, and Hackler continued their imposing play with each scoring, while Annabelle Rudden (CO) added her first goal of the event to cement a 4-0 victory. The 2009s played with a visible urgency to reach the title game and did just that, setting up a showdown with St. Croix 08 Academy 1.

Vying for the Las Vegas Mayor’s Cup crown, the 2009s stayed true to what got them to the final day and remained the aggressor, with Hackler, Larrahona, and Moore finding the back of the net again. Led by a defense that did not allow a goal throughout the competition and an offense that seemingly became more clinical each day, the National Select Team defeated St. Croix 08 Academy 3-0 and earned the storied trophy.

2010 Girls

The 2010 Girls National Select Team’s showing at Las Vegas Mayor’s Cup may have ended just shy of their ultimate goal, but a trip to the championship match was something to be proud of in its own right.

The 2010s’ stifling defense, led by goalkeepers Audrey Stine (AZ) and Paige Stanoch (IN), combined with a potent offense, propelled their advancement out of the two-game group stage. Wins over Las Vegas Sports Academy 09 GA (7-0) and De Anza Force SC 09G ECNL (4-1) were momentum builders for the National Select Team, with seven goal scorers opening their tallies. Julia Dern (CO), Margaux Henning (IN), Payton Galuski (NY-E), Riley Rountree (WA), Kahali’a Huddleston (HI), Kylen Clack (NC), and Lynn Byun (CA-N) each found the back of the net, while the back line remained nearly impenetrable.

In its semifinal match against Nevada Rush 2009 Select on Sunday morning, the National Select Team’s resolve was on full display. In an evenly matched game, Dern’s game winner was the difference between the two sides, with the 2010s’ unbreakable defense surfacing again to see the match out and claim a shutout.

With the win over Nevada Rush, the National Select Team a­dvanced to the final match against Las Vegas Surf Soccer Club Elite 64 09G just a few hours later. The 2010s had their hands full with a competitive and physical side but refused to back down. This championship match ultimately came down to penalty kicks with the two sides unable to separate themselves in regulation and extra time. The National Select Team fell just short, but its special run was worth celebrating all the same.

“It was an extremely rewarding moment to watch these two groups of players come together and work as teams,” said Senior Manager of ODP Aaron Heffernan. “We want to credit the players, their families, the State Associations, and their staff for all of the hard work that they put in to make this a successful week. They represented the Olympic Development Program and its history so well. This is a great starting point in the players’ careers, and we look forward to seeing what this beautiful game has in store for them.”

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.

ODP Boys National Select Teams Shine at Las Vegas Mayor’s Cup

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FRISCO, Texas (Feb. 23, 2023) – In a long-anticipated return to tournament competition, the Olympic Development Program (ODP) Boys National Select Teams battled some of the best teams in the country at Las Vegas Mayor’s Cup this past week.

Led by a collection of some of the most talented players inside of US Youth Soccer, the 2009 and 2010 Boys were insistent on earning a place in the storied competition’s history under the bright lights of Sin City.

2009 Boys

During the 16th year of the Las Vegas Mayor’s Cup, the Olympic Development Program’s 2009 Boys National Select Team added its name alongside some of the legendary former champions after winning the U15 2008 Chapman Auto Group.

Playing up a year, they never flinched — not even in the face of adversity after narrowly losing the opening match to Canadian team CS St-Laurent 2008M in a back-and-forth affair.

Putting the initial defeat in the rearview and demonstrating a resiliency commonly found in championship teams, the 2009s bounced back a few hours later. Facing San Nicolas Academy 2008 (NV), the National Select Team’s persistence made all the difference. Graham Ford (UT) and Sandro Cunningham’s (NJ) goals, assisted by Elvin Bajrektarevic (IA) and Christopher Munoz (CA-N), respectively, led to a shutout victory and jumpstarted this team’s run.

Playing with confidence and swagger after rebounding Saturday afternoon, the 2009s defeated both Albion SC Merced B08 Academy (CA-N) and Solar Soccer Club ECNL Deleon (TX-N) during Sunday’s last group stage and quarterfinal matches. Munoz and Cunningham each added to their tallies, while Rodrigo Lozada (MI) and Hunter Peralta (HI) also got in on the action.

Squaring off against CDA Slammers ECNL B08 (CA-S) in the semifinals, the National Select Team found themselves behind for the first time since the opening match. The same resiliency that helped them reach the knockout stage surfaced again, as Christopher Munoz leveled the game and sent it to penalty kicks. In a tense shootout, keeper Maverick Deutsch (CA-S) saved two penalties while Ethan Nonthaveth (WA) added the decisive kick to send the National Select Team through to the finals.

In their sixth and final game in three days, the 2009 Boys mustered up every last bit of energy they had. Up against Players SC 08 Elite (NV), the National Select Team’s depth made the difference in the championship match. Replacing the starting keeper Deutsch, Nick Surdenik (MI) stepped in after the intermission and heroically led the team to a second win in penalty kicks to crown them as Las Vegas Mayor’s Cup champions.

2010 Boys

In a bracket featuring some of the top-ranked teams in the country, the National Select Team’s run to the quarterfinals in the U14 2009 Chapman Auto Group — while playing up a year — caught the eye of many spectators. From the very first game, the 2010s showed that they traveled to Las Vegas with one goal in mind. Zamir Loyo (NV), Eli Georgas (TX-S), and Frederic Bond (GA) each scored in the opening match against Tuzos Academy 09 (AZ) to cement an impressive shutout victory, and the National Select Team used the momentum from that first game to notch a second 3-0 win against top-ranked Albion SC Merced B09 MLS NEXT (CA-N) just hours later to cap off a perfect Saturday.

In the second day of competition, the 2010s followed up the previous day’s two shutout victories with one more. Earning a hard-fought 2-0 win over Heat FC ECNL B09 (LV) in the early hours on Sunday, the National Select Team booked its ticket to the quarterfinals, where their storybook run came to an end. In a competitive match against a CASA Inter Sandoval 2009 (CO) team that fielded three full-time MLS NEXT players including Jonathan De La Fuente, the 2010s came up just short.

“We are very proud of the performances of the National Select Teams on and off the field, as they both advanced out of their group and positively reacted to the adversity they faced,” said Senior Manager of ODP Aaron Heffernan. “This experience assisted in the facilitation of their development and was instrumental in exposing them to the next level of their chosen pathway. We want to thank the Las Vegas Mayor’s Cup staff and volunteers for being great hosts.”

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.

Olympic Development Program Announces New Regional Technical Advisors

FRISCO, Texas (Nov. 2, 2022) – US Youth Soccer is excited to announce that its Olympic Development Program (ODP), home to many of the nation’s top players, has hired three new regional Technical Advisors.

Craig Jones, the new East Boys Technical Advisor, Carolyn Warhaftig, the new East Girls Technical Advisor, and Gina Brewer, the new West Girls Technical Advisor, will be instrumental factors in continuing to further ODP’s purpose: to identify and provide opportunities for high potential players, facilitate their development, and expose them to the next level of their chosen pathway.

Jones, who has been an East Region Olympic Development Program Head Coach since 2017, remains on staff in his new, elevated role. Jones is the collegiate head coach of his alma mater, George Washington, where he holds a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science and has recently earned national acclaim during his 11-year coaching tenure. He led the Colonials to the 2015 Atlantic-10 Regular Season Championship and was promptly named the conference’s Coach of the Year that season. Additionally, Jones holds a USSF A License and played for the Welsh National Youth Team prior to his four-year career at George Washington, where he started all but one of his 63 matches played.

Warhaftig joins ODP having seen much success in her professional career after graduating from Colgate University. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and a minor in Spanish from Colgate, as well as a Master of Arts in Teaching from Western Carolina University. She followed up her successful tenure at Colgate, where she was named a captain and team MVP during her senior year, with a professional stint at Fjölnir in Iceland’s Landsbankinn Premier Division. Warhaftig was named to the NSCAA 30 Under 30 Program in 2013 and has since served as the Asheville City Head Coach in the WPSL, Asheville Buncombe Youth Soccer Association’s Director of Coaching, and in an Administrative Operations role with the University of Virginia’s women’s soccer team. She is currently the Dean of Students and a middle school teacher at the Tandem Friends School in Charlottesville, Virginia.

Brewer continues her work with ODP after holding numerous positions with the program in recent years. She was previously an Idaho and Utah ODP State Team Assistant Coach, ODP West Region Assistant Coach, and most recently, the Hawaii ODP State Team Head Coach in 2019. Brewer was also Hawaii Pacific University’s Head Coach for nine seasons (2011-2020) and has served as an assistant coach at numerous colleges, including the University of Idaho, Utah State University, University of Hawaii, Loyola Marymount University, and Santa Clara University. Before starting her career on the sidelines, Brewer attended the University of Washington and was a member of the team from 1998-2001. With the Huskies, she was a Pac-10 Champion (2000) and went to the NCAA Tournament three times, reaching the national quarterfinals once. Brewer holds a USSF A License and is both a USSF Youth National Team Scout and Grassroots Instructor.

For more information on the Olympic Development Program, click here.

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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 nearly 1 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, offering programs that provide a fun, safe and healthy environment for players at every level of the game.

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ODP Alumni Shining at Collegiate Level as 2022 Season Nears Midpoint

FRISCO, Texas (Sept. 27, 2022) – Sunday marked the end of another week of games in the college soccer season, with multiple top matchups taking place. Impressive performances from Olympic Development Program (ODP) alumni were a common theme amongst the week’s winners as teams started the push for conference titles.

Some standout performances from ODP alumni:

Liam Butts scored the winner for Penn State as they knocked off #15 Akron in a tight matchup on Sunday, days after coming away with a draw against a top-10 side in Maryland. Butts competed at both the 2014 and 2015 Thanksgiving Interregionals with the Region III ‘01s, where he was named an ODP All-Star at the latter and chosen to travel to Argentina with his peers the following spring.

Michelle Cooper was a common fixture on the scoresheets as fifth-ranked Duke picked up two shutout victories over Boston College and NC State. Cooper, who competed at both the 2015 and 2016 Thanksgiving Interregionals with the Region II ’02s, added four goals and two assists to her season tally last week.

Lucas Meek had a hand in three of second-ranked Washington’s goals during a win against Seattle on Tuesday, tallying one goal and two assists. He followed up that performance with two more goals in the Huskies’ win against Grand Canyon on Saturday. Meek was a 2016 ODP Region IV Champion with Washington ‘99.

Maddie Mercado, a three-time ODP Region IV Champion with Cal South ‘01, scored the decisive goal in Notre Dame’s shutout win against second-ranked Virginia on Thursday.

Jenna Nighswonger was instrumental in helping the reigning National Champions, Florida State, pick up wins against Louisville and Clemson to stay undefeated in ACC play. Nighswonger, who was a three-time ODP Region IV Champion and 2017 ODP National Champion with Cal South 00, scored one goal and tallied three assists in the Seminoles’ win over Louisville on Thursday.

For more information on US Youth Soccer alumni, click here.

For more information on US Youth Soccer’s Olympic Development Program, click here.

US Youth Soccer Olympic Development Program National Select Teams to Compete at 2023 Tournament Competitions

FRISCO, Texas (August 30, 2022) – US Youth Soccer (USYS) announced today that its Olympic Development Program (ODP) will be sending its National Select Teams to two tournament competitions in 2023.

“We are excited to send our ODP National Select Teams to two historic tournament competitions next year,” said USYS CEO Skip Gilbert. “Dallas Cup and Las Vegas Mayor’s Cup are two of the most prestigious competitions in the country, with extremely rich histories, and we think they represent the perfect opportunity to showcase the talent in our program.”

The 2005-2008 National Select Teams will compete at the 2023 edition of the storied Dallas Cup, held April 1-9 in North Texas. The U15-18 Boys will participate at the Dallas Cup presented by Coca Cola, while the U15-18 Girls will participate at the third annual Dallas Cup Girls’ Invitational presented by Mary Kay.

Dallas Cup is an invitation-only event that has been held annually since its inception in 1980. It remains one of the world’s most well-known events, averaging more than 100,000 spectators during tournament week, and has hosted teams from 48 U.S. states and more than 100 countries across six continents.

“Dallas Cup is thrilled to welcome the Olympic Development Program National Select Teams to Texas in 2023,” said, Peter Davis, Executive Director of Dallas Cup, Inc. “We have a storied history of welcoming the best teams from around the world to compete at the highest level while experiencing a diversity of playing style and social interaction each spring. The addition of the ODP only stands to enrich the excellence for which Dallas Cup is known around the world.”

The 2009-10 National Select Teams will compete next year at the renowned Las Vegas Mayor’s Cup, in Las Vegas, Nevada. The U13-14 Boys will play over President’s Day weekend, February 18-20, while the U13-14 Girls will play the following weekend, February 24-26.

The Las Vegas Mayor’s Cup is an annual event that was first held in 2001. It continues to be one of the premier international tournaments in the world, having hosted teams from five continents, and is one of the largest and most attended recruiting showcases in the country.

“It is very exciting to have the ODP National Select teams in the Las Vegas Mayor’s Cup International Showcase,” said Bob Briare, Las Vegas Mayor’s Cup Tournament Director. “They are joining what is already considered one of the most competitive tournaments in the world. We are confident that with our very strong domestic participants combined with international teams, the ODP National Select teams will be sufficiently challenged and have a great experience in Las Vegas.”

For more information on US Youth Soccer’s Olympic Development Program, click here.

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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 nearly 1 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, offering programs that provide a fun, safe and healthy environment for players at every level of the game.

ABOUT DALLAS CUP

The Dallas Cup is the oldest and most prestigious international youth soccer tournament in the United States. Consisting of age groups from U12 to U19 in the Boys category and U16 to U19 in the Girls category, Dallas Cup averages more than 100,000 spectators during tournament week. Since its inception as a non-profit organization in 1980, Dallas Cup has hosted teams and referees from across 47 states, six continents and more than 100 countries. Follow Dallas Cup on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

ABOUT THE LAS VEGAS MAYOR’S CUP

The Las Vegas Mayor’s Cup International Showcase is cosponsored by the Downtown Las Vegas Soccer Club and the City of Las Vegas. It showcases some of the most competitive domestic and international teams in a tournament format. In the 21 years of its existence, the Las Vegas Mayors Cup has hosted over 500 international teams from 6 continents and featured some to the world’s top future players playing for their youth clubs. Hundreds of college coaches consider the Las Vegas Mayor’s Cup as one of the best events to identify and recruit players. For more information, visit https://lvmayorscup.com.

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