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HomeArchives for US Youth Soccer

US Youth Soccer

Fawcett, Gregg, and Laraba Selected into US Youth Soccer Hall of Fame

FRISCO, Texas (December 13, 2023) – US Youth Soccer (USYS) is pleased to announce that three new members have been selected into its Hall of Fame.

Former United States women’s national team star Joy Fawcett, storied coach Dr. Lauren Gregg, and long-time West Virginia Soccer Association Executive Director Dave Laraba make up this year’s class. The three-member group will be enshrined during US Youth Soccer’s annual awards gala in Anaheim, California, next month, celebrating a lifetime of dedication to the sport.

Fawcett’s legendary career began in her early teenage years as a member of the Orange County Youth Soccer Club. She quickly stood out amongst her peers, and at just 14 years old, Fawcett was selected to both the Olympic Development Program and the United States Youth National Team.

Having continued to make a name for herself against the best players in the country, Fawcett had her pick of colleges when it came time to decide where she wanted to further her career. Fawcett chose to stay close to home, attending the University of California, Berkeley, and went on to have an illustrious career for the Golden Bears. During her four years in Berkeley, Fawcett was a two-time national player of the year, three-time first team All-American, and still holds the program record for most goals in a single season (23).

Fawcett graduated from UC Berkeley in 1989 and began her professional career with Ajax, the Manhattan Beach Club’s team. Two short years later, Fawcett had reached the pinnacle of the sport as a World Cup winner in the first-ever women’s tournament. Throughout the next decade plus of her career, Fawcett, who appeared in a total of 239 games for her country, went on to win two Olympic gold medals and a second World Cup.

Fawcett cemented an off-field legacy to go along with her record-setting career as a founding member of the Women’s United Soccer Association in 2001, just three years before she hung up her cleats for good.

Dr. Lauren Gregg enters the US Youth Soccer Hall of Fame having been a trailblazer her whole career. From her early days as a member of both the Massachusetts and North Carolina Olympic Development Programs, or when she was named an All-American with Wellesley High School, Gregg was paving the way for younger generations.

She started her college career at Lehigh University — on the men’s junior varsity team. Gregg spent two years with the Mountain Hawks before transferring to Harvard University, where she named a first team All-American in 1981. Gregg then transferred to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she won an AIAW Championship and the first-ever NCAA Championship in 1982.

Once Gregg’s playing days were over, she quickly transitioned to the next phase of her career — coaching. She returned to both North Carolina and Harvard as an assistant coach and went on to win another National Championship with the Tar Heels one year after graduating. Gregg also coached the Virginia Cavaliers for nearly a decade, earning numerous coaching accolades and leading them to the first Final Four in program history along the way.

In addition to Gregg’s collegiate-level coaching career, she has long been a coach at the professional level. Gregg was a member of the United States women’s national team staff during two World Cup winning campaigns (1991 and 1999) and an Olympic triumph (1996), and was most recently an assistant for the Nigerian women’s national football team that made a storybook run in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Gregg’s inspiring career has seen her appointed to numerous committees, earn multiple awards, and even receive induction into the United States Soccer Coaches Association Hall of Fame.

For more than four decades, Dave Laraba has transformed the sport of soccer in his state of West Virginia. Laraba has always found a way to make a positive impact on the game as a member of numerous U.S. Soccer, US Youth Soccer, and West Virginia Soccer Association committees/councils.

Laraba is a championship-winning coach, too, having won three Region I Championships with the now-West Virginia Rapids, a club he founded, as well as three county championships with the Park Junior High School in only five years on the school’s sidelines.

From his first day as the President of Beckley Raleigh County YMCA Soccer Association to now, three decades in as the Executive Director of the West Virginia Soccer Association, the Mountain State and US Youth Soccer owe many thanks to Laraba for his continued efforts in growing the game.

The US Youth Soccer Hall of Fame was created in 2008, led by Donald Greer, a founding member of USYS. In the 15 years since, 46 members — Fawcett, Gregg, and Laraba among them — have been inducted.

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

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

-USYS-

US Youth Soccer’s National Award Winners Chosen

FRISCO, Texas (November 27, 2023) – One week after announcing the recipients of its regional awards, US Youth Soccer is thrilled to share this year’s national award winners.

Each of US Youth Soccer’s four regions (East, Midwest, South and Far West) had a State Association with a national winner, acting as a testament to the many strong nominations submitted this year. The following individuals stood out throughout a weeks-long voting process that started at the state-wide level.

NATIONAL AWARD WINNERS
Administrator of the Year: Rob Martella (North Texas)
Boys Competitive Coach of the Year: Trent Heil (Michigan)
Boys Recreation Coach of the Year: Nate Testman (West Virginia)
Girls Competitive Coach of the Year: Simon Davis (Ohio)
Girls Recreation Coach of the Year: Lloyd McIntyre (West Virginia)
TOPSoccer Buddy of the Year: Emma Coughenour (Wyoming)
TOPSoccer Coach of the Year: Brooklyn Turner (Wisconsin)
Volunteer of the Year: Dana Santilli (Massachusetts)
Young Female Referee of the Year: Kayla Romine (Virginia)
Young Male Referee of the Year: John Allen (West Virginia)

Each recipient has been invited to attend US Youth Soccer’s 2024 awards event, “The Ball.” Held in Anaheim, California, The Ball will take place on January 12, 2024, in conjunction with the USYS Workshop at the United Soccer Coaches Convention.
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.

-USYS-

US Youth Soccer’s Regional Award Winners Honored

FRISCO, Texas (November 20, 2023) – US Youth Soccer (USYS) announced today the regional recipients of its annual awards. Nineteen different State Associations from across the country were represented with a regional award winner, showcasing the true scope of USYS.

Following a voting process that started at the state-wide level, the following candidates will now be considered for the national honor in each respective category.

EAST REGION

Administrator of the YearTerry Reed (Delaware)
Boys Competitive Coach of the YearKevin Skarupa (New Hampshire)
Boys Recreation Coach of the YearNate Testman (West Virginia)
Girls Competitive Coach of the YearKyle Courteau (Massachusetts)
Girls Recreation Coach of the YearLloyd McIntyre (West Virginia)
TOPSoccer Buddy of the YearMatt Rosenthal (New Jersey)
TOPSoccer Coach of the YearTimothy Schwabenbaurer (Eastern New York)
Volunteer of the YearDana Santilli (Massachusetts)
Young Female Referee of the YearKayla Romine (Virginia)
Young Male Referee of the YearJohn Allen (West Virginia)

MIDWEST REGION

Administrator of the YearBrittany Monroe (Kentucky)
Boys Competitive Coach of the YearTrent Heil (Michigan)
Boys Recreation Coach of the YearJoseph Schmidt (Ohio)
Girls Competitive Coach of the YearSimon Davis (Ohio)
Girls Recreation Coach of the YearChristina Fidkowski (Michigan)
TOPSoccer Buddy of the YearRayna Young (Wisconsin)
TOPSoccer Coach of the YearBrooklyn Turner (Wisconsin)
Volunteer of the YearTracy Black (Kentucky)
Young Female Referee of the YearAlexis Pickerel (Michigan)
Young Male Referee of the YearJack Ryan (Wisconsin)

SOUTH REGION

Administrator of the YearRob Martella (North Texas)
Boys Competitive Coach of the YearCesar Salinas (Tennessee)
Boys Recreation Coach of the YearJeremy Lansing (Tennessee)
Girls Competitive Coach of the YearGentry Johnson (Mississippi)
Girls Recreation Coach of the YearEdith Verastegui (North Texas)
TOPSoccer Buddy of the YearAshlyn Oglesby (North Texas)
TOPSoccer Coach of the YearElizabeth Warlick (Tennessee)
Volunteer of the YearRufus Woodard (Tennessee)
Young Female Referee of the YearJanna McNulty (Lousiana)
Young Male Referee of the YearEdson Lopez (North Texas)

WEST REGION

Administrator of the YearTrent Hultman (Wyoming)
Boys Competitive Coach of the YearDavid Ferguson (Wyoming)
Boys Recreation Coach of the YearThomas Adu (Wyoming)
Girls Competitive Coach of the YearBrian Hokanson (Wyoming)
Girls Recreation Coach of the YearVic Bonilla (New Mexico)
TOPSoccer Buddy of the YearEmma Coughenour (Wyoming)
TOPSoccer Coach of the YearStacey Umbach (Wyoming)
Volunteer of the YearJim Handy (Washington)
Young Female Referee of the YearIngrid Yan (Washington)
Young Male Referee of the YearJacob Dirks (Arizona)

National winners will be announced later this month, and each recipient will be honored at the 2024 US Youth Soccer awards event, “The Ball.” Set to be held on January 12, 2024, The Ball will be held in Anaheim, California, in conjunction with the USYS Workshop 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 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.

-USYS-

Eastern Regional Championships Honored with Prestigious Award

FRISCO, Texas (November 16, 2023) – Sports Destination Management, the leading publication with the largest circulation of sports event planners and tournament directors in the sports tourism market, has announced the 2023 Champions of Economic Impact in Sports Tourism.

Among the winners was the 2023 US Youth Soccer Eastern Regional Championships, held in Loudoun County, Virginia, from June 23-29 and produced in conjunction with Visit Loudoun. It was the fifth time the storied event took place in the Old Dominion State after being held in Virginia Beach (2005 and 2006) and Spotsylvania (2017 and 2018) previously.

“Congratulations to everyone at Visit Loudoun on this award that they undoubtedly deserve,” said USYS CEO Skip Gilbert. “They proved remarkable hosts. It is fantastic that Visit Loudoun and US Youth Soccer can come together to impact the local region positively, as well as provide memories of a lifetime for the participants and their families.”

Many of the best teams across the east coast of the United States competed at the regional event, with more than 260 teams from 13 different states playing in games throughout the week at Hal and Bernie Hanson Regional Park in Aldie and Bolen Memorial Park in Leesburg. It is estimated that the days-long event brought in more than 4,600 players and 11,700 total people to the northern Virginia community, which saw champions crowned and 14 teams earn a spot at the US Youth Soccer National Championships. “

The US Youth Soccer Eastern Regional Championships was one of the largest tournaments Visit Loudoun has secured and it had an $8.3 million economic impact for our destination,” Visit Loudoun President & CEO Beth Erickson said. “This national recognition by Sports Destination Management not only further positions Loudoun as a prime destination for sports tournaments but generates awareness to the economic benefits a sporting event can have on a community.” This year’s Champion of Economic Impact in Sports Tourism winners were responsible for bringing in a substantial boost of more than $932 million to the national economy over the past year. Each honoree has been recognized in a special feature published in the latest issue of Sports Destination Management. To read the entire article with more details and a list of all winners, 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 nearly 2.5 million players annually. Through its programming, resources and leadership, US Youth Soccer is advancing the game for its 54 Member State Associations, 10,000 clubs and leagues and nearly 1 million administrators, coaches, and volunteers. US Youth Soccer connects families and communities to the power of sports and its shared love of soccer. US Youth Soccer provides a path for every player, offering programs that provide a fun, safe and healthy environment for players at every level of the game.

About Visit Loudoun

Visit Loudoun is the destination management organization for Loudoun, Va., known as DC’s Wine Country®, located 25 miles from Washington, DC. This not-for-profit organization develops and implements programs that promote tourism and travel to Loudoun and its towns, to increase visitation and generate visitor spending. The organization showcases Virginia’s culinary and heritage assets, including award-winning vineyards, horse country, scenic byways, and towns and villages steeped in history. Visit www.VisitLoudoun.org for more information.

About Sports Destination Management

Sports Destination Management is written for the largest audience of sports event managers and tournament directors in the sports tourism market and maintains a focus on the important issues surrounding event location decisions and event management. With content from experts and thought leaders, SDM provides in-depth coverage of sports event planning and execution through incisive and relevant articles as well as insightful, real-world case studies showcasing best practices and successful event production. In addition to the publication, SDM offers extensive digital resources through www.sportsdestinations.com and the e-newsletter, SDM Blitz, both providing decision support tools for organizers to ensure successful events at all levels of play.

-USYS-

US Youth Soccer to Offer U.S. Soccer ‘B’ License Education

FRISCO, Texas (November 15, 2023) – US Youth Soccer (USYS) and its State Associations are set to host U.S. Soccer ‘B’ coach licensing courses for the first time in 2024. Twenty-three ‘B’ courses were approved by U.S. Soccer and will be held in person by multiple State Associations across four U.S. time zones throughout the year, beginning in March.

The U.S. Soccer ‘B’ License is part of the Pro Pathway of U.S. Soccer’s coach licensing system, with the courses’ purpose to prepare coaches to work with youth or senior teams in a performance environment. Some course objectives include the implementation and optimization of designed training sessions to facilitate player learning, preparing an age-appropriate game plan aligned to the game model, and creating a positive and safe environment that encourages respect, inclusivity and belonging.“We are thrilled for our State Associations to host these ‘B’ courses next year,” said US Youth Soccer Director of Sport Development Tom Condone. “This is a monumental step in continuing the effort from our State Technical Directors as they work to deliver courses at all levels and provide continued development opportunities for coaches. We are thankful to U.S. Soccer for allowing us to provide these courses to our membership.”

Below are the courses that will be held during the first half of the year.

HostCity, StateClass #1Class #2
Colorado Soccer AssociationCommerce City, COMarch 14-17May 2-5
Florida Youth Soccer AssociationMiami/Ft. Lauderdale, FLMarch 4-7May 13-16
Illinois Youth SoccerLoves Park, ILMarch 4-7May 6-9
Illinois Youth Soccer & Chicago Fire FCChicago, ILMarch 11-14May 13-16
Massachusetts Youth SoccerLancaster, MAMarch 15-18May 6-8
North Carolina Youth Soccer AssociationCharlotte, NCMarch 11-14May 13-16
Ohio Soccer AssociationColumbus, OHMarch 14-17May 7-10
Tennessee State Soccer AssociationMurfreesboro, TNMarch 7-10May 3-6

Multiple ‘B’ courses will also be offered during the second half of the year.

HostCity, StateClass #1Class #2
Arizona Soccer AssociationCasa Grande, Ariz.September 9-12November 11-14
Cal North Youth SoccerPleasanton, Calif.September 10-13November 5-8
Eastern New York Youth Soccer AssociationFarmingdale, N.Y.September 4-7November 10-13
Florida Youth Soccer AssociationKissimmee, Fla.September 9-1November 11-14
Illinois Youth Soccer AssociationRockford, Ill.September 3-6November 4-7
Iowa Soccer AssociationTBDTBDTBD
Maryland State Youth Soccer AssociationEllicott City, Md.August 19-22November 4-7
Nevada Youth SoccerLas Vegas, Nev.September 9-12November 4-7
North Carolina Youth Soccer AssociationRaleigh, N.C.September 9-12November 11-14
North Texas SoccerFrisco, TexasSeptember 5-8November 7-10
Ohio Soccer AssociationColumbus, OhioTBDTBD
South Carolina Youth Soccer AssociationColumbia, S.C.September 6-9November 8-11
South Texas Youth Soccer AssociationAustin, TexasSeptember 11-14November 13-16
Utah Youth Soccer AssociationSalt Lake City, UtahSeptember 9-12November 11-14
Virginia Youth Soccer AssociationFredericksburg, Va.September 14-17November 9-12

In addition to ‘B’ courses, US Youth Soccer and its State Associations continue to offer Grassroots, ‘C’ and ‘D’ level courses to its membership.

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

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

-USYS-

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

-USYS-

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