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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.

– USYS –

About US Youth Soccer

US Youth Soccer, the largest youth sport organization in the country, is on a mission to provide world-class support, resources, and leadership, helping every member fulfill their goals on and off the field of play. US Youth Soccer registers 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.

– USYS –

About US Youth Soccer

US Youth Soccer, the largest youth sport organization in the country, is on a mission to provide world-class support, resources, and leadership, helping every member fulfill their goals on and off the field of play. US Youth Soccer registers 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).

US Youth Soccer Partners with VKTRY Gear to Enhance Player Performance and Protection

FRISCO, Texas (Dec. 12, 2024) – US Youth Soccer (USYS), the largest youth sport organization in the country, has teamed up with VKTRY Gear, the industry leader in performance insoles, to enhance player performance and protection for all of its members. Together, the two aim to empower the next generation of soccer players.

US Youth Soccer players will be provided with access to VKTRY Performance Insoles — a product scientifically engineered to improve athletic performance and reduce injury risk. VKTRY’s full-length aerospace-grade carbon-fiber insoles continue to be trusted by elite athletes across multiple sports with a design that boosts energy return, improves stability, and supports optimal biomechanics.

“Our partnership with VKTRY Gear aligns with our mission of providing world-class support and resources to help every member fulfill their goals,” said USYS CEO Skip Gilbert. “VKTRY’s dedication to innovation and player protection makes them a perfect partner to benefit the 2.68 million players inside of US Youth Soccer, along with the thousands of coaches and referees.”

In addition to access to the Performance Insoles, US Youth Soccer and VKTRY Gear will further the shared goal of advancing youth soccer by offering educational initiatives, product availability at USYS events, and special offers for players and families. USYS will also work alongside VKTRY to host interactive sessions on injury protection, recovery, and performance enhancement.

“We’re thrilled to join forces with US Youth Soccer,” said VKTRY Gear CEO Steve Wasik. “Youth soccer is a critical part of developing future stars in the sport, and we are dedicated to helping these players perform at their best while staying safe. Together, we’re creating a pathway for success on and off the field.”

VKTRY Gear’s expertise and innovative products that support player performance and well-being will ensure all of USYS’ member athletes continue to be equipped with the tools they need to succeed.

– USYS –

About US Youth Soccer

US Youth Soccer, the largest youth sport organization in the country, is on a mission to provide world-class support, resources, and leadership, helping every member fulfill their goals on and off the field of play. US Youth Soccer registers 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 VKTRY Gear

VKTRY Gear is a performance-driven company revolutionizing athletic footwear with its patented VKTRY Performance Insoles. Built with aerospace-grade carbon fiber, VKTRY Insoles are trusted by athletes at all levels to improve performance, protect against injuries, and boost confidence. Learn more at www.vktry.com.

US Youth Soccer’s National Award Winners Announced

FRISCO, Texas (Nov. 22, 2024) – US Youth Soccer (USYS) is thrilled to announce the recipients of its 10 national awards, with the honorees hailing from nine different USYS State Associations.

Each individual was initially nominated at the state-level and then selected from a regional selection committee, with US Youth Soccer announcing the finalists for these awards earlier this month.

national award winners

Administrator of the YearMegan Ballweg (Wisconsin)
Volunteer of the YearAddie Edwards (New York West)
Young Female Referee of the YearLexi Schneider (North Texas)
Young Male Referee of the YearBenjamin Schlenz (Virginia)
TOPSoccer Coach of the YearBob Glavin (Ohio)
TOPSoccer Buddy of the YearOwen McCormack (Eastern New York)
Competitive Boys Coach of the YearGuillermo Lumbreras, Jr. (Alabama)
Competitive Girls Coach of the YearNikki Thorne (Ohio)
Recreational Boys Coach of the YearTom Powers (Washington)
Recreational Girls Coach of the YearSilvia Robles (South Texas)

US Youth Soccer will highlight the national award winners, as well as this year’s Hall of Fame inductees and Dr. Thomas Fleck Award recipient, at its January awards luncheon on Thurs., Jan. 9, 2025, in Chicago at the United Soccer Coaches Convention. Tickets for the event – Afternoon of Accolades | The USYS Awards Luncheon – are available by contacting the US Youth Soccer offices in Frisco.

About US Youth Soccer

US Youth Soccer, the largest youth sport organization in the country, is on a mission to provide world-class support, resources, and leadership, helping every member fulfill their goals on and off the field of play. US Youth Soccer registers nearly 2.5 million players annually. Through its programming, resources and leadership, US Youth Soccer is advancing the game for its 54 Member State Associations, 10,000 clubs and leagues and nearly 1 million administrators, coaches, and volunteers. US Youth Soccer connects families and communities to the power of sports and its shared love of soccer. US Youth Soccer provides a path for every player, offering programs that provide a fun, safe and healthy environment for players at every level of the game.

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US Youth Soccer Among Group of National Soccer Organizations to Debut All-Female Club Technical Leadership Pathway Together

FRISCO, Texas (Nov. 13, 2024) – US Youth Soccer has joined Women and Girls in Soccer, US Club Soccer, and U.S. Soccer’s SheChampions Coaching Initiative – three other national soccer organizations/initiatives – in a collaborative effort to increase the number of women in leadership roles across the soccer landscape.

Together, the four are hosting the first-ever all-female entry-level course for the Club Technical Leadership Pathway (CTL1). The CTL1, formerly known as the Director of Coaching License course, is a course that helps club technical leaders understand their role connected to their club’s mission, values and principles, to begin developing competencies as technical leaders.

The first course, which is blended with in-person and virtual components, begins January 22, 2025, and progresses through the end of April. The in-person portion will be held at the U.S. Olympic Performance Center on the campus of UNC Charlotte in North Carolina from January 30-February 2.

This trailblazing initiative covers participants’ course expenses, travel fees and meals. Interested coaches must complete an application for review. The review committee is comprised of individuals affiliated with the four co-hosting organizations, and the selected applicants will be invited to register for the course in the U.S. Soccer Learning Center.

Applicants with a ‘B’ license will meet the qualifications for this course. U.S. Soccer can waive that requirement for coaches who meet the following standards:

  • Is a ‘C’ license holder and has five years of technical leadership experience.
  • Is in a current technical leadership role within a club OR can provide a letter from a club/league stating that the student technical leader has been identified for a current or future role within the club.

Information on how to apply for a waiver can be found here. The application deadline is December 6, 2024, and all accepted applicants will be notified by December 20. Once accepted, coaches will have until December 30 to register for the course.

Additional program information is provided within the application, which can be reviewed and completed here. For any further questions, please contact Dr. Sari Rose, USYS’ Senior Manager of Grassroots.

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About Women and Girls in Soccer

Women and Girls in Soccer (WAGS) is a charitable organization with a mission of empowering girls and women – from all over the world – through soccer. They support five unique programs just for girls and women in soccer that promote confidence, strength, character and leadership in a variety of ways. Their mission is to provide opportunities to sponsor, develop, or provide educational and character-building programs for the benefit of girls and women through teaching and promoting an interest in the game of soccer.

About US Youth Soccer

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

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 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.

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About U.S. Soccer SheChampions

The SheChampions Coaching initiative was developed by U.S. Soccer Coaching Education and former U.S. Women’s National Team head coach Jill Ellis in 2021. U.S. Soccer aims to empower women in coaching across the country as well as inspire the next generation of female players and coaches through critical representation in the sport.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

– USYS –

About US Youth Soccer

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

US Youth Soccer’s National Award Finalists Announced

FRISCO, Texas (Nov. 6, 2024) – US Youth Soccer (USYS) is excited to share the national finalists for its 10 annual awards. National winners will be announced and honored individually at USYS’ awards luncheon on Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025, in Chicago at the United Soccer Coaches Convention.

Each of the national finalists were first nominated and selected from their respective USYS State Association and then chosen from a regional selection committee. In total, seventeen different State Associations are represented with a national finalist.

ADMINISTRATOR OF THE YEAR

Megan Ballweg (Wisconsin)
Jonathan Frazier (Alabama)
Janet Gargan (Massachusetts)
Chris Hudler (Virginia)

Volunteer of the Year

Cindy Barnes (Arizona)
Larry Collins (Ohio)
Addie Edwards (New York West)
Alan Paez (Virginia)

Young Female Referee of the Year

Allison Ambrose (Arizona)
Audrey Atwell (Virginia)
Maddie Hanson (Nebraska)
Lexi Schneider (North Texas)

Young Male Referee of the Year

Maddox Filter (Wisconsin)
John Haggard (Ohio)
Benjamin Schlenz (Virginia)
Alec Sibbernsen (Nebraska)

TOPSoccer Coach of the Year

Jessica Bruce (Massachusetts)
Bob Glavin (Ohio)
Mary Miele (Washington)
Louis Mignone (New Jersey)

TOPSoccer Buddy of the Year

Emilio Duran (Ohio)
Owen McCormack (Eastern New York)
Emma Prior (Wyoming)
AJ Uhl (Wisconsin)

Competitive Boys Coach of the Year

Carlos Enriquez (Washington)
Guillermo Lumbreras, Jr. (Alabama)
Megan Johnson (Wisconsin)
Matt Walker (Massachusetts)

Competitive Girls Coach of the Year

Roberto Aguas (New Jersey)
Aric Canonico (West Virginia)
Dean Muckle (Michigan)
Nikki Thorne (Ohio)

Recreational Boys Coach of the Year

Jason Liddy (Ohio)
Joseph Pajak (Massachusetts)
Tom Powers (Washington)
Daniel Velasquez (Virginia)

Recreational Girls Coach of the Year

Erick Hilbert (Indiana)
Kris Newman (Virginia)
Beth Noss (West Virginia)
Silvia Robles (South Texas)

Winners for each of the 10 awards will be announced later this month.

US Youth Soccer will also highlight the newest members of its Hall of Fame and the 2025 Dr. Thomas Fleck Award recipient at its January awards luncheon.

– USYS –

About US Youth Soccer

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

National Presidents Cup Champions Crowned in Wichita

Event Photos | Highlights & Videos

Wichita, Kan. (July 16, 2024) – After a thrilling week of action, fourteen teams claimed US Youth Soccer National Presidents Cup titles at the Scheels Stryker Sports Complex in Wichita, Kan.

More than 4,500 spectators were on hand in the Sunflower State to take in the last moments of this year’s Presidents Cup, presented by SpringHill Suites by Marriott, with multiple thrilling final matches providing a fitting ending to a campaign that started last fall.

One final – the 17U Boys – was a rematch from the Eastern Presidents Cup championship just last month. Deptford Premier FC ’07 Boys (NJ), who finished as finalists in Charleston, W.Va., reversed that outcome this week in a nail-biting match against SAC Boys 2007 – Premier Blue (MD) that went all the way to penalty kicks – with fourteen rounds needed to separate the two sides.

Illinois was the lone State Association to have two title-winning teams, while Cal South, Florida, Idaho, Kansas, Michigan, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Jersey, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Utah, and West Virginia each had one.

ChampionsFinalists
13U BoysUnico Futbol Club B2011 (CA-S)Hulmeville SC Demons (PAE)
13U GirlsKansas Rush Wichita Academy 11G (KS)Beadling 2011 Girls West (PA-W)
14U BoysWZD Oak Brook FC 2010 Blue Boys (IL)Lakeshore United FC U14B Navy 2010 (WI)
14U GirlsTupelo FC 2010 Girls (MS)Cap City 10 Girls Grey (MI)
15U BoysRockford City 2009 (IL)Quad City Strikers Hammers (IA)
15U GirlsDakota Alliance SC 2009G Ambush 1 (SD)Elmbrook United 09G Premier 1 (WI)
16U BoysDetroit City FC South Oakland 08B Rouge (MI)Vail Valley SC 2008 Boys Navy (CO)
16U GirlsUtah Celtic FC 08G – BB (UT)Slidell Soccer Club 08G Storm Elite (LA)
17U BoysDeptford Premier FC ’07 Boys (NJ)SAC Boys 2007 – Premier Blue (MD)
17U GirlsThorns North FC 07G Academy (ID)Chicagoland United SC 7G Premier OP (IL)
18U BoysBlitz Academy FC 06 Boys Premier (OK)Miami Vipers 2006 (FL)
18U GirlsNebraska Select (NE)Lakeshore United U18G Navy 2006 (WI)
19U BoysFC Boca Predators 2005B (FL)Billings United B2005 Pink (MT)
19U GirlsEPIC SC 2005G United (WV)Firebirds SC – 2005 Girls Black (IL)

Each of the 14 teams etched their name in the trophy books by the end of the week, including the Tupleo 2010 Girls (MS), who became the first team from Mississippi to ever win the National Presidents Cup since it began 16 years ago.

In a week full of sunshine, one of US Youth Soccer’s signature events left those in attendance with memories to last a lifetime during its golden anniversary.

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

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

About the US Youth Soccer Presidents Cup

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

– USYS –

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