US Youth Soccer

FRISCO, Texas (June 9, 2025) – US Youth Soccer (USYS) is excited to announce that Sofia Millner Calvo and Matthew Rosa have been selected as its 2025 William J. “Billy” Goaziou Scholarship recipients.

Millner Calvo graduated Littleton High School in Colorado first in her class and will attend Cornell University this fall. She was a member of the National Honor Society and Vice President of her senior class.

Her extensive list of extracurricular activities included Littleton’s Key Club, Mathletes, Technology Student Association, Mock Trial Club, and band. Millner Calvo also played varsity soccer for three years and was team captain during her senior year. Her club soccer endeavors spanned eight years with Colorado United playing in Colorado Soccer Association’s Advanced League.

Millner Calvo also spent numerous hours volunteering in her community, whether with Colorado Feeding Kids, Project C.U.R.E, Passion Project, Valverde Elementary School, or as a coach for Lollipops youth soccer.

Rosa, from Massachusetts, will attend the University of Maryland in the fall. He finished in the top 15% of his graduating class at Westwood High School and held a 3.79 weighted GPA.

While Rosa played club soccer for the Boston Bolts and was a member of his high school’s varsity team for two years, he credits his time spent refereeing most for his growth. Rosa has officiated high-level competitions and will continue pursuing the referee pathway.

In the time Rosa isn’t playing or officiating, he can be found volunteering as a soccer coach at his local indoor complex, which he’s done for the last four years, or acting as an after-school intern for his local elementary school.

Millner Calvo and Rosa join a long list of accomplished individuals to receive US Youth Soccer’s Billy Goaziou Scholarship, which has been awarded annually for more than a decade and honors the life of longtime youth soccer figure William J. Goaziou.

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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