The Maryland State Youth Soccer Association’s Let’s Play! program is an after-school initiative designed to transform the lives of participants by providing a safe, character building, community supported program that helps to teach social and emotional skills while fighting obesity and related illnesses; all while growing excitement around the beautiful game of soccer!
US Youth Soccer
Unconventional Training Methods by Jessica Davis
Written by guest contributor – Jessica Davis
Jessica Davis is a professional soccer player from the United States. She has spent the past 5 years playing overseas in four different countries, including Australia, Sweden, Northern Ireland, and Denmark. Exposure to European sports structures led her to question the United States’ “pay to play” model. She fondly remembers her humble beginnings in sport and believes that elite soccer in the states is becoming increasingly more challenging for families with modest means, thus limiting its accessibility and stunting the progression of the sport as a whole.
In the mid-90s, if you had found yourself in Alexandria, Virginia, heading down the hill on Phillips Drive, you would have seen a small house with white siding and green shutters perched on the raised lawn of a corner lot. If you looked closely, you would have seen a garden overgrown with flowers and vegetables nestled in front of two old sheds housing rusty tools, watering cans, and a family of bikes. And if you looked even closer and timed it right, you just might have caught a glimpse of a little blonde girl clumsily kicking a soccer ball around a line of upside-down wine bottles lodged deep into the earth.
In today’s age, this almost certainly would attract strange glances, cell phone-recorded videos, and a possible health and safety disaster — but we’ll get to that.
I started playing soccer the same way many kids did back then. During recess, a cluster of boys — yes, boys — would head out to a big, open grass field. I followed closely behind, curious about their destination. This big, open grass field, as it turns out, was for soccer, and little did I know that this simple school-time play-break would turn into a decades-old love affair that has given me an education heavily subsidized by a scholarship, opportunities to live, travel and play professionally abroad, and almost every beautiful and challenging life lesson I’ve learned.
I have lived and played soccer in the United States, Australia, Sweden, Northern Ireland, and now Denmark. After an unforgettable four years with Penn State University Women’s Soccer and a short-lived (and very premature) “retirement” that ended at 27, I re-emerged into the soccer scene with a burning desire to play professionally and make good on the dreams I had as a little girl.
Since getting back into the sport after college, I’ve captained two teams, won a league title and grand final in Australia, and won three cups in Northern Ireland. I’ve scored game-winning goals, gotten four black eyes (battle scars!), and seen parts of the world I never would have imagined possible. In short, my professional soccer career has been a dream come true, and it all started with the only things you need to turn a passion into a profession: a desire to make it happen and someone to believe in you.
In my case, it was my dad.
Finding a Believer
My dad was born in 1944 and grew up in small-town Richland Center, Wisconsin. Where he was from, as it is with many places in the Midwest, boys played baseball, basketball, and American football. Soccer didn’t exist in his world, and he wouldn’t really hear about it until his 20s. I can only imagine his surprise when in his late 40s, his 6-year old daughter came home with jeans ripped at the knees, grass-stained sneakers and confidently stated, “I want to play soccer.”
It was clear from the very beginning that I was more coordinated than my peers. I was aggressive, assertive, and athletic, especially for a 6-year-old. While it took a couple of seasons for me to age into club soccer, we were buzzing for my first tryout. It was a humble beginning making the “B” team, but I was never discouraged.
I was admittedly competitive and sometimes so much so that it was a fault. Being on the second team was a necessary steppingstone to get to the first. My dad echoed these sentiments, and for as much as I wanted to improve, he was there helping to make it happen.
My dad pushes people. He pushed my mom to move away from the town she grew up in, leaving their friends, family, and jobs behind. He pushed the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee to enroll him in a graduate program even though they had rejected his initial application twice. He isn’t concerned with the fear of rejection, and if he believes something is worth fighting for, he can be relentless. If I expressed frustration with my skills or lack thereof, he didn’t take it lightly.
Doing Things Differently
My parents both worked full-time jobs my entire childhood, and to close out the day, they each usually had a glass of wine or two. Empty wine bottles were collected during the week with nowhere to go but the recycling bin. Claiming that orange cones would “uglify the yard,” my dad hatched a plan to up-cycle the emptied wine bottles for soccer training. Wine bottles won’t blow away in the wind. Wine bottles won’t budge if you kick a ball off of them. Wine bottles are enough of an obstacle that you must go around them and not over. A wine bottle, it seemed, was the perfect training tool.
Sometimes I would dribble in circles around the bottles. Sometimes my dad would wear oversized winter gloves during the heat of summer to mimic a goalkeeper. Sometimes I would stand at the bottom of a hill to practice getting height on my throw-ins. And sometimes, my dad invited a younger neighborhood boy who lived up the street to come over and chase me around just so I had an opponent. This was the extent of my early soccer education. Despite its unconventional nature, it was working.
Each time I became comfortable as one of the better players on the team throughout my youth, my dad pushed me to a higher level. Over the years, the scenery changed, but the training remained committed to humble roots and core fundamentals. Instead of throwing the ball up the hill, I graduated to throwing it in over the backstop of a baseball diamond. Instead of wine bottles, I found a stump of a tree turned on its side to use as a rebounder. It wasn’t about fancy equipment — it was about using the tools at my disposal to improve.
A Threat to Fundamentals
The older I got, the higher the level of play I encountered. This higher level meant access to better training and facilities. Eventually, my dad was all but replaced by former professional players and other experts. These resources came with a price tag, but it was still relatively affordable as opposed to what elite soccer costs families now. As an adult, I find myself questioning the rapid changes that have occurred, making professional or even elite youth soccer seem inaccessible to those of modest means.
In the United States, families who are able to pay thousands of dollars have to do so in order to ensure their child has the best soccer education possible. Soccer, historically an inexpensive sport requiring little more than a small space and a ball, is now becoming inaccessible to many — especially at the highest levels. I find myself wondering, if I were a youth player now, would my family have been able to afford the sort of quality training that so often leads to the best opportunities?
I wonder if it’s the best players making it to the top or if it’s simply the best players that can afford it. The Elite Clubs National League (ECNL) is one of the more reputable youth soccer leagues in the US. It’s estimated that competing at this level costs between $8,000-$10,000 annually per player. I’ve also seen a few clubs listing prices for the Girls Academy (GA) Program starting at $6,000 — not including uniforms or travel. While clubs offer financial aid when possible, even a parent making $56,000 per year (an average US salary in 2020) would have to use roughly 15-20% of their earnings on one child’s sport.
Hope for the Future
One of the reasons soccer is the most popular sport in the world is because of its innate accessibility to play. You don’t need expensive equipment or a dedicated field. Soccer is unusual in its process of allowing someone to develop the basics of the game. Different than most other sports, all you need is a person, a ball, and a desire to play. While a simple search on the internet will lead to hundreds of online tutorials and how-tos, the truth is that sometimes the answer is right in front of you. A brick wall can be the best passing partner, a pesky young neighbor can be a relentless defender, and an overturned garbage can could certainly act as a goal. Speaking from experience, these training methods are seldom glamorous, but they can certainly build character.
The glamour of the sport, as it turns out, is only what fans and spectators see on the surface. Some players learn the game in a privileged setting. However, many greats begin barefoot on a dirt pitch in the street. If you have a vision, a little creativity, and someone who believes in you, there continues to be a fighting chance for you to earn a spot in professional soccer.
Back in 1995, we didn’t have fancy equipment, advice from a coach, or any experience. All we had were some leftover wine bottles, a ball, a dream for the future, and a father-daughter team dedicated to making it come true.
I believe soccer is a sport meant for all. Whether you can pay for an expensive individual trainer or you’re using a tattered ball on a stretch of dirt in an unused corner of a city, there is room on the pitch for everyone.
Women and Girls in Soccer (WAGS)
Rael Vodicka and Mavis Derflinger, two important cogs in the women’s soccer landscape, willingly stepped into the unknown one day in 1974.
Having been around the sport for multiple years, these two trailblazers made a decision that would positively impact future generations of women and girls in soccer for the foreseeable future.
They decided to begin the Washington Area Girls Soccer League (WAGSL) with a single age group that fall. Vodicka, who was the perfect choice to be the founding President, saw the promise that came with it and had a desire to pursue more. She had her mind set on having the league sponsor an all-girls competitive tournament, envisioning the very best of Virginia, Maryland, and D.C. competing against the best in the country and Canada. The WAGS Tournament came to fruition in 1975 after considerable time and planing.
WAGSL enjoyed tremendous success in its inaugural season, but Vodicka, who was so vital to the league, left to become the Virginia Metro DC State Associations Vice-President after the year. She was succeeded by Polly Phillips, and after a tumultuous two years that included Vodicka returning as President in 1976, Adele Dolansky was elected to hold office. For the next 20 years, Dolansky would help shape the future of soccer for all women and girls.
Vodicka passed away in 1980, but her contributions to the sport will be remembered forever. The aforementioned event was renamed the Rael Vodicka Memorial Tournament shortly after, and it now holds even more significance.
Since then, large-scale organizational changes have taken place to better the future of women and girls in soccer. In 2017, the Washington Area Girls Soccer League transitioned to Women and Girls in Soccer after 40 years. It’s now a primarily volunteer-run 501 C (3) charitable organization with a focus on providing opportunities to sponsor, develop, or provide educational and character building programs through teaching and promoting an interest in the sport.
Even in challenging circumstances, WAGS has been able to provide unmatched opportunities for women and girls in soccer. It offered a safe playing environment for all girls participating in its annual tournament during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. With support from Elite Tournaments, WAGS hosted over 300 teams and 6,000 girls to their fields in Virginia.
WAGS was rewarded for its commitment to safety and success during a difficult time during last year’s tournament. More than 500 teams came to play — becoming the third-ranked all-female tournament and fifth-ranked overall tournament in the country.
The Rael Vodicka Memorial Soccer Tournament, annually held in October, is WAGS’ signature event, and in addition to money earned from the former league, is currently the only way funds are raised. Money is invested into six programs: a Soccer Hall of Fame Award, the United Soccer Coaches’ Women’s Award of Excellence, college scholarships, coach and referee certification courses, and worldwide outreach.
Along with first-class tournaments, WAGS also provides fully sponsored/refundable coaching and referee courses for women and girls. There have been 11 courses since March of 2018 — with two more currently scheduled to take place this year.
WAGS’ next course, a US Soccer All-Female National C License, will be held in April by the New Jersey Youth Soccer Association. Recently, 18 female referees received their certification at one of the courses.
Even with all of its success, WAGS is committed to doing more. Starting October 8-9, 2022, the ‘Legacy Division’ will be offered during the annual tournament for those who grew up playing the sport or are looking for a new chance to compete. It will have groups for 8v8, Over 40s, Over 50s, Over 60s, & Over 70s and be held at the RFK Fields in Washington D.C.
Women and Girls in Soccer has been an incredible success to follow from its early years in the ‘90s as Washington Area Girls Soccer to now. Shown by a constant dedication and ingenuity in creating new opportunities, there is plenty more to look forward to.
A Focus on Behavior
Written by US Youth Soccer CEO – Skip Gilbert
When I think of sport, I think of the values it instills in all of us. Soccer allows everyone who plays the opportunity to realize their full potential on the field and learn incredible characteristics to succeed off it. Certainly, I would not be the person I am today if it were not for the on and off field development learned through our beautiful game.
Look at the highlighted characteristics below. Every parent, every player, every coach and every referee should expect and yes, demand these seven attributes to be taught through our sport.
- Soccer teaches us to be accountable.
- Soccer teaches us to embrace a great attitude.
- Soccer allows us to gain and understand confidence.
- Soccer builds character.
- Soccer teaches us the discipline of focus.
- Soccer demands that we learn respect.
- Soccer teaches us the value of teamwork.
But for an increasing number, the need to win, the need to be recruited, and the need to stand-out is eroding the fundamental benefits soccer has always provided. Earlier this year, a parent had written me about her son badly injured in a game. The injury, and subsequent surgery, did not heal well and required more procedures and ultimately the loss of a school year. Very difficult for someone hoping to be recruited to college.
The extent of the injury or the length of recovery is not the topic. We unfortunately deal with these issues from time to time. What was most disturbing was how she characterized the reaction to the injury by the other team.
In her letter, the Mom wrote that the opposing team “was way too aggressive” and that nine (9) yellow cards were issued. She spoke with a parent from another team before kick-off and was warned that their culture was one of “take them out” and this team “will hurt your kids”. She continued by writing “even after my son was lying on the ground waiting for the ambulance, the coach was more worried about the time that would be put back on the clock rather than the wellbeing of a child”.
The point here is that we are too often dealing with issues of behavior, negative and abusive behavior. Coach behavior towards players and the referees. Parents behavior on the sidelines. And more recently, players behavior towards referees and players. This unfortunately is not just a soccer problem but one of society. Look at some of the headlines just from the past week:
- The mayor of a city was ejected from his daughter’s high school basketball game after threatening a referee.
- A volleyball official was followed off the court by a coach who was shouting obscenities.
- A referee was assaulted and knocked unconscious during a basketball tournament.
- A student from the opposing school in the stands shouted racist comments at a high school basketball player on the court.
- At another game in another state, inappropriate chants were made against the opposing team’s players on the court.
- While it was at a lower level, continued poor parent behavior in the stands led a Central New York youth basketball league to end the season early.
Back to the Mom’s letter to me, her attitude would have been completely different if her son’s injury had been handled better by the other team’s coach, the other team’s players, and the other team’s parents. For example, as the player was being lifted into the ambulance, the Mom acknowledged saying something to the other team’s players. Their response was aggressive and frightening…to an adult.
Those of us at USYS can’t wave a wand and have these issues magically disappear. We need help and we need help from every member of the USYS Family. We can’t condone bad behavior. We can’t accept that it is the way it is. To use the seven characteristics listed at the top to actually change behavior is easier than it might seem.
We need to hold everyone truly accountable for their behavior and as much as players should follow these guidelines, all adults must. They are simple. Praise others with great attitudes. Instill character development lessons into your vernacular. Teach respect by showing it at all times. Demand strong, unified teamwork with an unwavering focus on being aware of what’s happening around you and being sensitive to others. Be selfless and use your confidence to change the game and the world to be better.
Behavior is owned by all of us. It reflects sportsmanship. When we as parents speak of ethical behavior, fair play, and respect for the sport, we must demand it from our coaches, players, referees, the spectators and ourselves. We all need to do better; we all must do better.
US Youth Soccer and Florida State University Launching Program to Help Soccer Education
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, February 22, 2022
Contact: communications@usyouthsoccer.org or 1-800-4SOCCER
US Youth Soccer and Florida State University Launching Program to Help Soccer Education
University’s FSU COACH focuses on coaching development for USYS members
FRISCO, Texas (February 22, 2022) – US Youth Soccer (USYS) is forging a partnership with Florida State University (FSU) to have its FSU COACH program serve as a coach education provider. USYS Director of Sport and Member Development Tom Condone made the announcement Tuesday.
FSU COACH — Florida State University’s Interdisciplinary Center for Athletic Coaching — will provide a collection of resources designed to train USYS members in a variety of areas to improve their performance on and off the field. US Youth Soccer, the largest sports organization in the world, features NEARLY three million registered players and thousands of coaches among its 54 state associations.
“Our mission at USYS is to provide world-class support, resources and leadership, helping every member fulfill their goals on and off the field of play,” said USYS CEO Skip Gilbert. “Our partnership with FSU COACH is a terrific opportunity to educate our constituents through our USYS University platform on a wide variety of subjects. FSU COACH will help us elevate and enhance coaching development through a dynamic learning environment and we’re excited to get this relationship moving forward.”
FSU COACH and USYS will develop a USYS-University Coaching Clinic together with the goal of providing training for USYS coaches on a broad array of topics related to coaching and athlete development. A virtual clinic is scheduled tentatively for next month.
“USYS has a long history of prioritizing education and development of their coaches,” said Tim Baghurst, professor and director of FSU COACH. “We are thrilled to be part of that process and look forward to working with them on a variety of initiatives that support their coaches.”
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 3 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. We Are Youth Soccer
About FSU COACH
FSU COACH, which was launched in the fall of 2019, is designed to meet the growing demand for well-trained athletic coaches at all levels of competition, from school and amateur leagues all the way to professional organizations. Housed in the FSU College of Education, the center currently offers an online master’s degree in athletic coaching, as well as an online graduate certificate program in athletic coaching, which is available to degree-seeking students at FSU and the larger community.
– USYS –
Introducing USYS National League Elite 64
New elite performance tier provides competition for top 64 boys and girls youth soccer clubs
FRISCO, Texas (Jan. 20, 2022) — US Youth Soccer (USYS) is excited to launch its new elite performance tier of competition — National League Elite 64 — which will kick off in the fall of 2022 and provide club-based competition for the top boys and girls youth soccer clubs in the United States.
The launch of USYS National League Elite 64 (Elite 64) coincides with a new official partnership between USYS and STATSports, which will provide inaugural Elite 64 clubs with unparalleled access to the world’s most advanced performance wearable technology.
RELATED: World leading GPS tracking company STATSports partners with USYS in support of National League Elite 64
Featuring six age groups (13U, 14U, 15U, 16U, 17U and 18/19U), Elite 64 features year-round competition for the top 64 boys clubs and top 64 girls clubs in the country. The 64 clubs in each gender will be geographically positioned into eight groups of eight clubs, providing an annual competition calendar that includes…
- A minimum of 14 league games over a 10-month season, with a schedule created to aid a player’s periodization and involvement in high school soccer.
- The Elite 64 Finals and Showcase. All teams attend, and top regular season finishers compete in championship brackets, with winners in select age groups advancing to the USYS Champions Cup.
- Up to three national showcases taking place alongside National League P.R.O. — creating a cannot-miss scouting opportunity with the top club-based and team-based national competition.
- The ability to advance to the USYS Champions Cup, where Elite 64 Finals winners in the 14U-17U age groups can compete for an international title against other domestic and international champions.
- The option to play in the USYS National Championship Series via entry into their respective USYS State Cup.
“We are extremely excited to launch Elite 64. It’s the perfect home for clubs whose players have ambitions to play college soccer or become professional athletes,” said Simon Collins, USYS National League Commissioner. “Elite 64 will connect the best clubs in the country and provide the highest level of competition in league play, showcases and a national final. Each game will be a recruitable moment for college and professional scouts due to Elite 64’s ability to monitor every team’s games. Elite 64 and our partners at STATSports and ProScore will ensure players’ performances are seen by every college and professional club in the U.S. and internationally, while also allowing players to compare themselves against current professional soccer players. Elite 64 truly completes the USYS developmental pathway.”
Elite 64 will represent the elite club-based performance tier for the USYS National League — providing clubs with roster flexibility and ease of player movement between Elite 64 and existing National League competitions — the National League Conferences and National League P.R.O. The addition of Elite 64 adds to an already storied history of the National League, which — while featuring primarily team-based competition — has featured top American players such as Morgan Gautrat (née Brian), Daryl Dike, Jeremy Ebobisse, Rose Lavelle, Samantha Mewis, Jordan Morris, Emily Sonnett and Walker Zimmerman.
Elite 64 clubs will benefit from quantitative performance analysis provided by new USYS partner STATSports and its wearable tracking technology. Additionally, ProScore — an existing partner of the USYS National League — will continue to provide qualitative performance analysis for Elite 64 clubs that, combined with STATSports, will give players access to complete performance assessments that allow them to track progress over time.
“One of US Youth Soccer’s goals is to provide a home for every type of player who wishes to be involved in our great game. With the introduction of USYS National League Elite 64, we have further broadened our range of offerings with a high-end elite performance tier — giving clubs one association and development pathway that can accommodate everyone from their top-level athletes with professional aspirations to the players at the grassroots level,” said Skip Gilbert, CEO of USYS. “Elite 64 will enhance our ability to grow soccer in this country and promote lifelong involvement in the game — whether that’s continuing on as a college or professional player, moving into the coaching or refereeing realm, remaining a lifelong fan, or one of the many ways to stay involved.”
More information on Elite 64 is available on the USYS National League website.
Clubs interested in applying to be an inaugural member of Elite 64 can access forms for each gender using these links:
US Youth Soccer kicks off partnership with STATSports
Global performance technology leaders STATSports agree to groundbreaking partnership with National League Elite 64 platform. This unique partnership includes roll out of STATSports technology to all Elite 64 players.
FRISCO, Texas (Jan. 20, 2022) — US Youth Soccer (USYS) — the largest youth sports organization in the world with nearly 3 million players — is excited to announce it is partnering with STATSports to bring the world’s most advanced performance wearable technology to US Youth Soccer athletes and the clubs of the newly announced US Youth Soccer National League Elite 64 (Elite 64).
STATSports is used daily by the best players in the world, including Cristiano Ronaldo, Megan Rapinoe, Lionel Messi, Alex Morgan, Mo Salah and Neymar. Its technology is also utilized by top European teams, including Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal, Juventus and PSG, as well as some of the biggest international teams such as Brazil, England and Belgium.
Within the United States, STATSports has been the choice of U.S. Soccer’s Men’s and Women’s National Team programs, as well as its youth national teams. It has also been the technology provider for many MLS clubs and all of the NWSL clubs. STATSports also includes U.S. Soccer stars Megan Rapinoe, Alex Morgan, Tyler Adams, Tim Weah, and Caden Clark as global ambassadors.
STATSports now brings the exact same technology and metrics to US Youth Soccer and Elite 64, with further opportunities for players at all levels of US Youth Soccer and within its 54 State Associations. The FIFA Approved GPS tracker provides data to make players faster, stronger and perform at their physical best by competing against themselves and their peers. Data that Elite 64 players receive will allow them to compare themselves to other elite-level players within US Youth Soccer and give them the opportunity to see how they match up to some of the world’s top professional players. The feedback from the STATSports devices will also make every Elite 64 game a recruitable moment, as the performance data will be shared to a variety of colleges, national federations and professional teams globally.
STATSports Co-Founder Sean O’Connor remarked on an exciting partnership with US Youth Soccer: “The fact that US Youth Soccer is putting STATSports data at the forefront of player development is a huge statement of intent. What has been a core part of the elite game is now being made available to Elite 64 players and all aspiring US Youth Soccer players. Our physical performance data has been shaping the development of young soccer players across the world for several years now. Key performance indicators are emerging by position that will assist with developing national standards and key player pathways. Any US Youth Soccer player using our tracker can get performance data to benchmark, not just against the top U.S. senior players, but also fellow US Youth Soccer players based on gender, age and position. Add to this we will also be offering workshops and seminars from Europe’s top coaching staff, without doubt this will drive both player development and competitiveness.”
FIFA Women’s World Cup-winning star Alex Morgan added: “I have so many memories growing up playing in US Youth Soccer, and I’m so excited to see how US Youth Soccer National League Elite 64 will change the game for the next generation of top American soccer players. The collaboration between US Youth Soccer and STATSports will create an elite soccer experience that will help players take their games to the next level.”
STATSports has developed a customized product for US Youth Soccer, with a mobile app that will be available for Elite 64 participants to access and track their data. Additional benefits for Elite 64 players and coaches will include US Youth Soccer-specific performance leaderboards, coaching seminars with professional staff, and STATSports brand ambassador interaction.
US Youth Soccer National League Commissioner Simon Collins spoke about the excitement to come with the partnership: “STATSports is a world leader. Their devices are worn by top Premier League, MLS, NWSL and National Teams. Their data provides the players and coaches with valuable information to elevate individual and team performances. By connecting STATSports to the top players in US Youth Soccer — the largest youth sports organization in the world — this will help to raise the standard of play for soccer in the United States and beyond. I am very excited to see how our National League players enjoy the interactive experience STATSports brings to the table, as well as how coaches utilize the data to aid in the player development process.”
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About STATSports
STATSports are the global leaders in GPS sports performance analysis, combining cutting-edge proprietary technology, with revolutionary sport science and first-class client support.
Founded in 2008 by Alan Clarke and Sean O’Connor, STATSports have now more than 800 elite clients across the world in multiple sports, including soccer, American football, rugby, baseball, and basketball.
Teams use STATSports APEX technology to analyze real-time and post-session data during training and games to help them optimize and maximize performance, inform strategy, and reduce injury risk.
Apex provides accurate and reliable feedback on live data in any stadium or training ground infrastructure, helping coaching staff make informed decisions in real-time with complete confidence and minimal fuss.
The first GPS wearable to receive FIFA’s highest award for data accuracy, reliability, and consistency, STATSports’ Apex technology is used by world renowned soccer clubs including Liverpool, Manchester City, Paris Saint-Germain, and Juventus, plus international federations such as England, Germany, and Brazil. Other US sporting organizations using STATSports technology include the Washington Football Team, the Miami Dolphins, the New York Yankees, and the New York Mets.
In 2019, STATSports moved into the consumer market with its Apex Athlete Series GPS performance tracker for the individual player. Premier League stars including Harry Kane, Raheem Sterling, and Phil Foden are STATSports global ambassadors, with Megan Rapinoe and Alex Morgan representing the company in the United States of America.
In 2021, STATSports and Arsenal joined forces to create the STATSports Arsenal FC Edition GPS tracker – a bespoke product that allows Arsenal fans to compare their performances against the Arsenal men’s, women’s, and academy teams. The Premier League giants can also view users’ performance data as an additional talent identification channel.
About USYS National League Elite 64
Launching in Fall 2022, USYS National League Elite 64 features competition in six age groups (13U, 14U, 15U, 16U, 17U and 18/19U). It includes year-round competition for the top 64 boys clubs and top 64 girls clubs in the country.
The 64 clubs in each gender will be geographically positioned into eight groups of eight clubs, providing an annual competition calendar that includes at least 14 regular season league games and up to five national events.
As the elite club-based platform in the USYS National League, Elite 64 clubs have access to other USYS and National League competitions, such as the National League Conferences and National League P.R.O., to create a complete developmental pathway within a single organization.
The USYS National League debuted in 2007 and has provided a competitive national platform for several professional and international players, including Morgan Gautrat (née Brian), Rose Lavelle, Samantha Mewis, Emily Sonnett, Daryl Dike, Jeremy Ebobisse, Jack Harrison, Jordan Morris and Walker Zimmerman.
US Youth Soccer Announces Skip Gilbert as New CEO
FRISCO, Texas (Dec. 18, 2019) — US Youth Soccer is pleased to announce the selection of Mr. Skip Gilbert by the US Youth Soccer Board of Directors as the new Chief Executive Officer of US Youth Soccer (USYS).
An experienced executive, Mr. Gilbert has served in leadership roles with a number of sports organizations over the course of his career, most recently with the US Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) as its Managing Director of Operations, Marketing, and Development. Within this capacity, Mr. Gilbert oversaw USADA’s Olympic Testing and Client Services operations, while also supporting marketing and development efforts for the organization’s TrueSport division. Skip has extensive executive management experience from his involvement with the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency, the United States Tennis Association, USA Triathlon, USA Swimming, US Soccer, and as Chairman of the National Governing Bodies Council (NGBC).
“Skip brings decades of experience to US Youth Soccer, including invaluable insights into the sports business, governance and operational ecosystem. His experience and passion for sport will help ensure that US Youth Soccer meets its goal of making soccer the preeminent youth sport in America,” said US Youth Soccer Board Chairman Dr. Pete Zopfi. “We’re confident that Skip’s leadership and diverse skill set will enhance USYS capabilities across the board while continuing to deliver benefit to all our member stakeholders.”
Mr. Gilbert’s passion for sport extends beyond his professional experience, as Gilbert played soccer for the Tampa Bay Rowdies of the NASL, US Olympic Development Team, and trained with Sheffield United and other clubs in Holland, and Hong Kong. He is a licensed soccer coach and member of the University of Vermont and the Lawrenceville School Athletic Hall of Fame.
“It is an honor and a privilege to join the incredible team at US Youth Soccer to help support the regional and state associations that work tirelessly to enhance the soccer experience of our players, coaches, parents and other critical stakeholders,” said Mr. Gilbert. “I wish to thank Dr. Pete Zopfi, the Search Committee and the entire US Youth Soccer Board of Directors for their trust and confidence in my abilities to help guide the organization into and through its next exciting chapter.”
Gilbert currently resides in Connecticut with his wife Jenifer and three children. He will join the USYS team in Frisco, Texas, beginning January 10, 2020
US Youth Soccer 2021 Regional Award Winners
FRISCO, Texas (Nov. 23, 2021) — US Youth Soccer is excited to announce the 2021 regional winners of its 10 annual awards. The regional winners are now nominees for the national awards, and the national winners will be announced on Nov. 29th, before being recognized at the 2022 US Youth Soccer Awards Gala in Kansas City, Mo.
The Awards Gala will take place Jan. 22nd as part of the US Youth Soccer Workshop at the United Soccer Coaches Convention.
The awards include: Young Female and Male Referees of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, Administrator of the Year, TOPSoccer Buddy and Coach of the Year, Girls and Boys Recreation Coaches of the Year, and Girls and Boys Competitive Coaches of the Year.
Goal and Save of the Year nominees will be announced at a later date, and voting will take place to determine the winner of each honor.
| Award | Regional Recipients |
| Young Female Referee of the Year | Amelia Coutts – Massachusetts Yuzim Valencia – Illinois Trystyn Cabello – South Texas Sofia Trujillo – Washington |
| Young Male Referee of the Year | Domenic Hoxholli – Massachusetts Bradshaw Harris Morel – Wisconsin Jacob Cohen – North Texas Kevin Au – Hawaii |
| Volunteer of the Year | Lorraine Schubert – New Jersey Darin Weber – South Dakota Scott Thompson – Arkansas Pat Ferre – California North |
| Administrator of the Year | Melissa Riemer – Virginia Chad Collett – Wisconsin Jenny Ferguson – Alabama Ryan Youngblood – Oregon |
| TOPSoccer Buddy of the Year | Molly Jendryka – New Jersey George Hageage IV – Michigan Matt Shelton – North Texas Keegan Donaca – Washington |
| TOPSoccer Coach of the Year | Miya Carmichael – New York West Steve McCollum – Ohio Colleen Hiltonen – Florida Brian Longbottom – Wyoming |
| Girls Recreation Coach of the Year | Deana Moreschi – Massachusetts Cleyo Harris – Michigan Imran Qayyum – South Texas Abbi Forwood – Wyoming |
| Boys Recreation Coach of the Year | Meagan Kalchbrenner – Virginia Jacob Plummer – Ohio Gary Miracle – Florida Zachary Ramirez – Oregon |
| Girls Competitive Coach of the Year | Martin DiCola – Eastern New York Erin Coppernoll – Wisconsin Tareyn Blanton – North Texas Luciane Wentz – Oregon |
| Boys Competitive Coach of the Year | Fayanga Keita – West Virginia Nicole Lukic – Wisconsin Leonardo Santin – Alabama Dillon Nino – New Mexico |
For more information about the US Youth Soccer Awards Gala and award winners, go to https://www.usyouthsoccer.org/awards-gala/
US Youth Soccer 2021 National Award Winners
FRISCO, Texas (Nov. 29, 2021) — US Youth Soccer is excited to announce the 2021 National winners of its 10 annual awards. The winners will be recognized at the 2022 US Youth Soccer Awards Gala in Kansas City, Mo., where USYS will also honor the Dr. Thomas Fleck Award recipient, as well as the 2021 US Youth Soccer Hall of Fame class.
The Awards Gala will take place Jan. 22 as part of the US Youth Soccer Workshop at the United Soccer Coaches Convention.
The awards include Young Female and Male Referees of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, Administrator of the Year, TOPSoccer Buddy and Coach of the Year, Girls and Boys Recreation Coaches of the Year, and Girls and Boys Competitive Coaches of the Year. Goal and Save of the Year nominees will be announced at a later date, and voting will take place to determine the winner of each honor.
| Award Name | Recipient Name |
| Young Female Referee of the Year | Yuzim Valencia – Illinois |
| Young Male Referee of the Year | Bradshaw Harris Morel – Wisconsin |
| Volunteer of the Year | Pat Ferre – California-North |
| Administrator of the Year | Jenny Ferguson – Alabama |
| TOPSoccer Buddy of the Year | Keegan Donaca – Washington |
| TOPSoccer Coach of the Year | Steve McCollum – Ohio |
| Girls Recreation Coach of the Year | Deana Moreschi – Massachusetts |
| Boys Recreation Coach of the Year | Meagan Kalchbrenner – Virginia |
| Girls Competitive Coach of the Year | Erin Coppernoll – Wisconsin |
| Boys Competitive Coach of the Year | Dillon Nino – New Mexico |
| Dr. Thomas Fleck Award | Mike Barr – Wallingford, Pennsylvania |
| 2021 Hall of Fame Class | DaMarcus Beasley – Houston, Texas |
| 2021 Hall of Fame Class | Pat Pullen – Fort Worth, Texas |
| 2021 Hall of Fame Class | Kathy Zolad – Fort Myers, Florida |
| 2021 Hall of Fame Class | Tom Mendoth – Folsom, California |
| 2021 Hall of Fame Class | Jesse Harrell – Houston, Texas |
For more information about the US Youth Soccer Awards Gala and award winners, go to https://www.usyouthsoccer.org/awards-gala/.
