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Chris Bentley Named Director of Education

FRISCO, Texas (May 19, 2025) –  US Youth Soccer (USYS) today announced former Mississippi Soccer Association (MSA) Executive and Technical Director Chris Bentley as its Director of Education. USYS CEO Tom Condone made the announcement.

This pivotal position is aimed at advancing coach, player, parent, and club development nationwide. In this leadership role, Bentley will oversee the design and delivery of innovative educational initiatives and resources, supporting holistic growth across all levels of the game.

“We are thrilled to welcome Chris Bentley as our new Director of Education,” said Condone. “Having collaborated with Chris on several U.S. Soccer coaching licenses, I’ve witnessed firsthand his commitment to player and club development, as well as his work guiding coach educators. His leadership will be instrumental in driving the expansion of educational initiatives across the country.”

Bentley’s oversight of the Mississippi Soccer Association coincided with one of the largest periods of growth in the organization’s history. From 2022-2025, MSA saw a 28-percent increase in state membership, 72-percent increase in State Cup participation, and 198-percent increase in Olympic Development Program (ODP) participation.

His many day-to-day responsibilities included coaching education, player development, staff management, stakeholder engagement, strategic planning, and supporting local club programs. Bentley also led day-to-day operations, partnered with the board on statewide initiatives, and guided efforts to push organizational growth and long-term impact.

Prior to his time in Mississippi, Bentley was part of the leadership team that brought together one of the largest youth clubs in the country — the Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club. There, he served as Regional Managerbefore being promoted to Regional Technical Director, where he led coach education, player development, daily operations, and technical programming, also overseeing budgeting, scheduling, staff supervision, and member communications.

Bentley coached at the NCAA Division I, II, and III levels, as well as across all ages and levels of the youth game.

Bentley holds a Master of Education from Delta State University, Bachelor of Arts from University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, and his certifications include the following, among others:

  • U.S. Soccer ‘A’ License
  • U.S. Soccer Educator Developer License
  • U.S. Soccer Coach Educator Licenses
  • U.S. Soccer Director of Coaching License
  • United Soccer Coaches Coach Developer Diploma
  • United Soccer Coaches Premier Diploma

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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 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.

120 National League Reps Punch Tickets to 2025 National Championships

Qualifiers (List)
Qualifiers (Gallery)

FRISCO, Texas (May 14, 2025) — After an exciting 2024-25 event season, 120 teams from The National League have secured their place in the 2025 USYS National Championships, presented by New York Life.

The National League representatives — featuring boys and girls teams in the 14U-19U age groups — will join representatives from the upcoming USYS Regional Championships to compete at the National Championships, which take place July 22-27 in Orlando, Fla.

Each National League team that qualified for Nationals did so by proving itself against some of the top competition in the country. A field of more than 780 teams started at the National League Quarterfinals level and eventually pared down to the 120 sides that punched their tickets to Nationals through top performances at one of the two National League Semifinal events.

+ VIEW: See the list of 120 National Championships qualifiers

“The semifinals in Texas, and California each featured great performances, and the teams battling to secure their place at the National Championships added even more excitement to great environments,” said Marc Frankland, National League General Manager. “Congratulations to all the teams that are moving on to Nationals, and thanks to everyone who contributed to a great National League event season.”

The National Championship qualifiers from the National League events feature teams from 25 different USYS State Associations. Ohio leads the way with 12 qualifiers, while Illinois is close behind with 10.

In total, 85 different clubs have secured at least one berth to the National Championships, and 25 clubs have multiple teams set to compete this July in Orlando. City SC Utah (UT) and Los Angeles SC (CA-S) each qualified four teams to lead all clubs.

Among the qualifiers are six defending USYS National Champions who are looking to defend their titles. For more information on the 2025 USYS National Championships, click here. 

To learn more about to the formats of the National League events for the upcoming 2025-26 season, click here. 

Applications for team-based divisions within the National League are now being accepted. Click here for information on applications and deadlines in your area of the country.

Tom Condone Appointed US Youth Soccer CEO

FRISCO, Texas (April 28, 2025) – US Youth Soccer today announced Tom Condone as its new Chief Executive Officer. USYS Board Chair Tina Rincon made the announcement.

Condone was named interim CEO in February after serving as the organization’s Chief Soccer Officer for more than a year. His tenure at USYS began in 2017 as the General Manager – South Region before being tabbed the Director of Sport Development in 2020.

“The Board of Directors is excited to remove the interim label and have Tom serve as our CEO and continue to lead us through the changing youth soccer landscape,” said Rincon.  

“We have been very pleased with the leadership he is providing and the progress made on existing priorities since he took over as interim CEO earlier this year and believe this will be received well by our State Associations and external stakeholders. Tom has ample experience as a state executive, coaching educator and as a senior leader in the National Office, which allows him to navigate our unique structure.  I am looking forward to our continued partnership as we grow the game.”

Condone’s background within US Youth Soccer also includes a five-year tenure as the Executive Director of the Alabama Soccer Association from 2012-2017 and nearly seven years as the Technical Director for the Tennessee State Soccer Association from 2006-2012.

“I am honored to step into the role of Chief Executive Officer at US Youth Soccer,” said Condone. “Together, we will continue to inspire, develop, and support all of our constituents — players, coaches, parents, and administrators — as we build a stronger future for youth soccer across the nation.”

He earned master’s degrees from Florida State University and Spring Hill College, along with a bachelor’s from Monmouth University. Condone holds the following licenses and certifications:

  • U.S. Soccer Federation Coach Educator: D and Grassroots License
  • U.S. Soccer Federation Coach Educator: CTL-1 License
  • U.S. Soccer Federation: National A License
  • U.S. Soccer Federation: National Youth License
  • United Soccer Coaches: Director of Coaching Diploma
  • United Soccer Coaches: Master Coach & Soccer Leader Certificate

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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 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.

US Youth Soccer Announces Jason Elliott as Director of Events

FRISCO, Texas (April 25, 2025) – US Youth Soccer (USYS) today announced former Oklahoma Soccer Association (OSA) Executive Director Jason Elliott as its Director of Events. USYS interim CEO Tom Condone made the announcement.

Elliott spent the last three years at OSA, where he oversaw operations for the Sooner State and its more than 31,000 members. His day-to-day responsibilities included building relationships with member clubs, fundraising efforts, budget management, and supervision of five staff members, among other duties.

“We’re excited to welcome Jason as our new Director of Events,” said USYS interim CEO Tom Condone. “He did an incredible job transforming his State Association as Executive Director and we know he’s going to bring that same energy and vision to the national stage. We’re looking forward to seeing how he helps elevate our events for players, families, and communities across the country.” 

Elliott will begin with US Youth Soccer May 5 and manage more than 30 major events USYS hosts annually.

Prior to his time with the Oklahoma Soccer Association, Elliott developed valuable experience in education and sales. As Dean of Students at Vista PEAK Preparatory, Assistant Principal of Ben Franklin Academy Middle School, and Sales Manager of UniFirst First Aid & Safety, Elliott established a strong background in mentorship, personnel management, relationship building, and organizational growth practices that positioned him for leadership roles.

Elliott also has a strong history of success throughout more than two decades of coaching soccer with Rangeview High school, Vista PEAK Preparatory, and the Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club. Elliott’s coaching at Rangeview led to many of his players receiving scholarships to play at the collegiate level and he was the recipient of multiple accolades while the first-ever coach at Vista PEAK, including being named the 2016 Colorado 7 League Coach of the Year. Elliott currently holds a U.S. Soccer National ‘C’ License.

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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 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.

Joel Dragan Announced as USYS’ Director of Member Services and Participant Safety

FRISCO, Texas (April 7, 2025) – US Youth Soccer (USYS) today announced Joel Dragan as its Director of Member Services and Participant Safety. USYS Interim CEO Tom Condone made the announcement. Dragan will transition into his new role with USYS after being the Executive Director of the Florida Youth Soccer Association (FYSA) since 2019.

Dragan will oversee membership support for each of the 54 State Associations via the US Youth Soccer national office, as well as oversight of USYS’ player safety. Dragan currently serves as Chair of the US Youth Soccer Participant Safeguarding Committee, which is tasked with developing and implementing safeguarding policies for each of the 2.68 million soccer players inside of USYS. 

“I am thrilled to welcome Joel Dragan as our new Director of Member Services and Participant Safety,” said Condone. “With his extensive background as a State Executive Director in Florida and Kansas, Joel brings valuable insight and a deep understanding of the needs of our State Associations. His leadership will be instrumental in furthering our efforts to enhance the safety, support, and overall experience of our members and participants.”

Under Dragan, FYSA’s growth helped position itself as a leader in the youth soccer landscape. Primary initiatives, such as fostering inclusivity, creating additional pathways for player development, and providing top coaching for its members, led to a record 113,000 registered players in Florida in 2023.

Dragan has also been an influential figure in the implementation of Florida Statute 943.0438 (CS/CS/HB 975), calling for background checking and fingerprinting of youth sport coaches in Florida.

Before his time with FYSA, Dragan held leadership roles with both the Kansas State Youth Soccer Association (Executive Director) and Michigan State Youth Soccer Association (Director of Member Services), giving him more than 15 years of experience inside of the US Youth Soccer landscape.

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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 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.

US Youth Soccer, US Club Soccer, and AYSO Returning to Seasonal-Year Age Group Formation in 2026 

FRISCO, Texas (March 5, 2025) –  US Youth Soccer (USYS), US Club Soccer, and American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO), today announced that they have agreed to adopt the seasonal year age group formation cycle for its players starting with each’s 2026-27 season. USYS Board Chair Tina Rincon, US Club Soccer CEO Mike Cullina, and AYSO National President Doug Ryan made the announcement. 

The cycle, which will run from September 1 to August 31, represents the opportunity for more players in the each’s system to play club-based soccer with their classmates. 

Rincon, Cullina, and Ryan offer the following statement: 

 “The three organizations coming together to put our nation’s youth soccer players first is a positive move. Soccer, regardless of the level of competition, is meant to be fun – and it is more fun when players can play with their friends and classmates. This decision is the right move for the millions playing in each of our respective systems and we are thrilled to establish this standard and find common ground.” 

The decision stems from a U.S. Soccer Federation policy put in place late in 2024 empowering member organizations to be the decision-maker on the registration choices for leagues and competitions that they sanction and/or run. 

Rincon, who also serves as the U.S. Soccer Youth Council Chair, detailed the following on behalf of the council: 

 “We are excited that the three largest member organizations have aligned to make a decision that will bring the youth soccer landscape together, rather than further fracturing it. We received input from a variety of sources that helped us reach this decision and meet our goal of increasing participation in our sport. We look forward to continuing to work with other member organizations to make the best choices for youth soccer players and continue collaborating with clubs and leagues to ensure a smooth transition next year.” 

The three organizations’ registration parameters will not change for next season (2025-26) and will affect rostering beginning in August 2026. 

Aligning with the school-year calendar is a return to a policy in place prior to a 2016 U.S. Soccer decision to move to birth-year registration (January 1 – December 31). The change was made in effort to align with international soccer standards. 

Youth players born before September 1 will have the opportunity to play up with older age groups in accordance with their club’s governance. 

U.S. Soccer performed an assessment of available data (e.g., 2020 U.S. Census & National Center for Education Statistics) and qualitative feedback and determined that September 1 represents most school districts’ calendars (~68%) across the country. 

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 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. 

About US Club Soccer

A National Association member of the U.S. Soccer Federation, US Club Soccer fosters the growth and development of soccer clubs in order to create the best possible development environment for players of all ages. 

Anchored by Players First and its pillars of Club Development, Coaching Development, Player Development, Referee Development, Parent Engagement & Education and Player Health & Safety, US Club Soccer offers registration, league- and cup-based competition platforms, player identification and a variety of other programming, resources and services. 

US Club Soccer is sponsored by Nike, DICK’S Sporting Goods and Gatorade.

About AYSO

American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) is a national nonprofit organization committed to delivering quality youth soccer programs in a fun, family-friendly environment. AYSO is rooted in Six Philosophies: Everyone Plays®, Balanced Teams, Open Registration, Positive Coaching, Good Sportsmanship, and Player Development. Now celebrating its 60th year since inception in 1964, AYSO programs span over 640 communities across the United States. 

As a member organization of the U.S. Soccer Federation, all AYSO programs, including AYSO PLAY!, conform to U.S. Soccer standards for safety and player development curricula. Learn more about AYSO at www.ayso.org.

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BazookaGoal Named Official Equipment Partner of the USYS Game Format Project

FRISCO, Texas (Jan. 7, 2025) – US Youth Soccer (USYS), the largest youth sport organization in the country, is thrilled to announce a multi-year partnership with BazookaGoal, the global leader in portable soccer goals. As the new official equipment partner of the USYS Game Format Project, BazookaGoal will be essential in the initiative’s focus of promoting small-sided soccer formats to foster creativity, skill development, and engagement among players, coaches, and clubs nationwide.

“BazookaGoal’s innovative equipment and commitment to grassroots development will help US Youth Soccer further its mission of providing world-class support, resources, and leadership to every member,” said USYS CEO Skip Gilbert. “The Game Format Project is a key initiative, and BazookaGoal’s pledge to provide each of the 18 member clubs with equipment is crucial to its success.” 

USYS will also work alongside BazookaGoal in continuing to explore opportunities to expand the Game Format Project and develop new initiatives that enhance the small-sided experience for youth players across the country.

“This partnership with US Youth Soccer is a monumental step in our mission to make small-sided soccer more accessible and engaging for all,” said BazookaGoal Founder and Managing Director Anders Wennesland. “Together, we aim to inspire clubs, coaches, and players to embrace the transformative potential of small-sided formats, creating a more inclusive and dynamic soccer culture.”

BazookaGoal will be at the USYS Workshop in Chicago at the United Soccer Coaches Convention and will present Where Every Player Counts: Transforming the Future of U.S. Small-Sided Soccer Based on the European Success Model at 11:00 AM on Friday, January 10, in Room 175A. The session is open to all convention attendees.

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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 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.

About BazookaGoal

BazookaGoal is the world’s leading supplier of portable soccer goals, trusted by professional academies and grassroots clubs worldwide. Known for their durability and innovative design, BazookaGoal products are revolutionizing the way soccer is played, making it accessible for players of all ages.

Ian Barker Honored With 2025 Dr. Thomas Fleck Award

FRISCO, Texas (Jan. 6, 2025) – US Youth Soccer (USYS) is thrilled to announce that Ian Barker, a long-standing presence in the coaching community, has been named as the recipient of its 2025 Dr. Thomas Fleck Award. 

Barker – the 21st individual to receive the award – joins a list of mentors that have made extensive and far-reaching contributions to the process by which youth soccer coaches are educated, while consistently displaying integrity, honor, humor, and humility.

Barker attended the University of Warwick in England, where he played collegiately and received both a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and Literature and a Post Graduate Certificate in Education.

His role on the sidelines can be traced back to 1989 during his days as an assistant coach for the University of Wisconsin-Madison men’s soccer team. In the eight years Barker spent with the Badgers, the team made four NCAA tournament appearances and reached the pinnacle of the sport in 1995, when they won both the Big Ten and National Championship. During Barker’s time as the lead assistant, the Badgers posted an impressive record of 111-38-20.

After leaving Madison, Barker took on the Director of Coaching and Player Development position inside of the Minnesota Youth Soccer Association. He held that role for more than 10 years, overseeing the coaching education of a State Association that represented more than 140 clubs and 75,000 members. While residing in the Gopher State, Barker also took coaching roles at Macalester College in St. Paul for 13 years. In his eight seasons as head coach of the Scots, Barker went 87-53-14 and won three MIAC conference championships.

Barker left Macalester and the college game in 2012 to become the Director of Coaching Education for United Soccer Coaches – a role he held for 10 years.

Throughout Barker’s many years in the coaching community, he served on the national instructional staff for U.S. Soccer, US Youth Soccer, and United Soccer Coaches. He holds formal coaching qualifications for all three, as well as the English and German Football Associations.

Barker is currently a Coach Educator Developer for U.S. Soccer.

What they’re saying about Ian Barker…

“This award recognizes Ian’s exceptional commitment to advancing coaching education and his dedication to shaping the next generation of coaches. Through his leadership, he has not only elevated the profession but also empowered others to reach their full potential.”

– Tom Condone, US Youth Soccer Chief Soccer Officer

“I, along with many others, consider Ian a great teacher of the game. Through all of his interactions, he has been able to inspire a great love and passion for soccer. He has the ability to shape all of the people he meets by sharing his lessons from the game to improve anyone both on and far beyond the field.”

– Adam Howarth, Illinois Youth Soccer Association Director of Coaching

“Anyone who has had the opportunity to work alongside Ian understands the impact he has made on helping individuals to become the best versions of themselves. As a coach educator, Ian simply doesn’t teach soccer, he teaches life lessons.”

– Bill Glaze, Ohio Soccer Association Chief Technical Officer

“Ian truly deserves this award. His constant support for thousands of coaches has been remarkable. He is always willing to give his time and attention to all who seek it and has done so with a smile on his face.”

– Tim Bradbury, Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association Director of Coaching Education

“Ian’s impact on coaches and the game is immeasurable. He is a terrific educator and mentor to many, including myself.”

– Derek Willis, Kentucky Youth Soccer Association Technical Director

US Youth Soccer will honor Barker alongside its Hall of Fame inductees and national award winners at its annual awards luncheon on Thurs., Jan. 9, 2025, in Chicago at the United Soccer Coaches Convention.

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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 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.

Pam Copple, Shannon MacMillan, and Kari Seitz Headline Hall of Fame Class

FRISCO, Texas (Jan. 2, 2025) – US Youth Soccer (USYS) today announced Pam Copple, a decades-long volunteer of both Washington State Youth Soccer and USYS; Shannon MacMillan, a former United States women’s national team star; and Kari Seitz, one of the most decorated referees of all time, as the newest members of its Hall of Fame.

Copple’s relationship to the sport can be traced back nearly 50 years to her early days with the Washington State Youth Soccer Association. Some of her preeminent work came during her first few years as President in the Evergreen State – most significantly her efforts to establish a Risk Management program in 1992. 

Copple’s success in that endeavor earned her the attention of the US Youth Soccer Region IV Committee, who enlisted her as Chair shortly thereafter. Copple then found herself participating on USYS’ Risk Management Committee, where she helped position the largest youth sport organization in the country as one of the leaders in the field – a title still true today.

Throughout almost five decades of service to the sport, Copple also served on many noteworthy committees to further the game, namely the U.S. Soccer Women’s Committee, U.S. Soccer Constitutional Commission Planning Committee, USYS Girls National Championship Committee, and the USYS Region IV ODP Strategic Planning Committee, among many others.

Copple’s efforts to grow the game are ongoing, as she is the current US Youth Soccer Historian and a member of the USYS Hall of Fame Committee.

MacMillan’s first days on the pitch were with Cal South’s Escondido Rancho Bernardo Soccer Club. She stayed with the US Youth Soccer affiliate – first with the Hornets, then with Pegasus and the Nomads – her entire youth career. MacMillan’s run to the finals of the USYS National Championship with Pegasus caught the eyes of college scouts and earned her a scholarship to the University of Portland.

MacMillan then took the collegiate game by storm during her first year with the Pilots. She was named the WCC Freshman of the Year in 1992 and followed that up with WCC Offensive Player of the Year honors as a sophomore. MacMillan continued to get better each year and became the first Pilot to earn the sport’s highest individual honor – the MAC Hermann Trophy – as a senior.

Throughout her illustrious career at Portland, MacMillan was a three-time MAC Hermann Trophy finalist, three-time United Soccer Coaches first team All-American, and four-time All-WCC first team selection. She ranks third all-time in program history in points (219), goals (87), and assists (45).

MacMillan’s impressive start to her collegiate career drew the eyes of the U.S. Women’s National Team, and she made her first appearance for the Stars and Stripes in 1994. Throughout 12 years with the USWNT, MacMillan appeared in 176 games and scored 60 goals. She was a crucial piece to the United States’ World Cup winning team in 1999 and was also a member of the 2003 team that finished third. MacMillan also played for the U.S. Olympic Team twice, earning both gold (1996) and silver (2000) medals.

MacMillan is now the Chief Impact Officer for the NWSL’s San Diego Wave FC. 

Seitz’ memorable career in refereeing started in Brighton, Mich., in 1984. She officiated youth games for eight years in the Great Lakes State before moving to Chicago, where she had access to tournaments on the regional and national stages. Seitz also participated in Iowa Soccer’s Olympic Development Program. She then moved to California in 1997 and attended two USYS tournaments as a referee and mentor with Cal-North Youth Soccer.

Seitz, while continuing to support referees inside of US Youth Soccer, became a FIFA referee in 1999 and officiated in her first World Cup that year. She would go on to participate in three more and is the only referee to ever cover four World Cups (1999, 2003, 2007, 2011) and four Olympic events (2004, 2008, 2012, 2016).

Seitz’s 28-year career as a U.S. Soccer referee saw her officiate matches in 18 different countries and cover national teams from 42 different countries. In addition to Seitz’s career on the international stage, she was an MLS referee for four years (1998-2001) and officiated for WUSA, WPS, and NWSL from 2001-2013. Seitz also officiated four NCAA Finals across Divisions I-III and the 2013 NWSL Championship match.

Seitz has been a FIFA Instructor since 2014 and became U.S. Soccer’s first Vice President of Refereeing in April. Prior to coming back to the United States, Seitz had been the Head of Refereeing for FIFA, where she was responsible for leading the global development of female refereeing, since 2016.

This year’s three-person class will be honored next week at US Youth Soccer’s awards luncheon on Thurs., Jan. 9, 2025, in Chicago at the United Soccer Coaches Convention.

The US Youth Soccer Hall of Fame has honored individuals that have made significant contributions to the sport on an annual basis since its establishment in 2008. With Copple, MacMillan, and Seitz being inducted, there are now 50 members of USYS’ most esteemed group. To read more about each member, click here.

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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 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.

Organizational Members’ Statement on Age Group Formation Decision

Over the past several months, U.S. Soccer’s member organizations, leagues, and clubs have collaborated to determine the best approach regarding roster formation for participants across various levels and regions of the country. 

We support U.S. Soccer’s approach to providing choice to allow member organizations and their leagues to make decisions in the best interest of their participants. While the ultimate authority for any potential changes lies with the Organizational Members (i.e. National Associations, National Affiliate, State Associations), we aim to do so with feedback collected during this process. 

We want to reiterate our intention to work together to ensure clarity and mitigate issues regarding the implementation of any potential changes for the 2026-27 soccer calendar. We anticipate a formal release of a comprehensive plan following the U.S. Soccer AGM (February 27-March 1).

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