LEADERSHIP REPORT
2024 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING RECAP
On June 22nd, Virginia Youth Soccer Association hosted the 2024 Annual General Meeting in Alexandria, Virginia
A record number of member clubs attended the annual meeting Thank you to all member representatives and the VYSA Board of Directors who attended this year’s AGM
VYSA also hosted a strategic planning session for member clubs and leagues
A new mission, vision, and core values have been established Additional feedback will be generated from the membership over the next several months to create a strategic plan to help chart the future of youth soccer in Virginia for the next several years
The focus of this planning effort is to create strategic initiatives that support the needs of players, families, coaches, referees, clubs, and leagues
To view the 2023-2024 Year in Review powerpoint that was presented at the AGM click below.
Virginia Youth Soccer Association encourages Member Clubs and Leagues to nominate individuals who went above and beyond for the good of the game during the 2022-2023 Season
Administrator of the Year
Boys Competitive Coach of the Year
Girls Competitive Coach of the Year
Boys Recreational Coach of the Year
Girls Recreational Coach of the Year
TOPSoccer Buddy of the Year
TOPSoccer Coach of the Year
Volunteer of the Year
Young Male Referee of the Year
Young Female Referee of the Year
Team Manager of the YEAR
The deadline to submit nominations is October 1, 2024.
Download Forms
IMPORTANT DATES
6/26/24 - 7/2/24 - USYS REGIONALS IN WVA
7/23/24 - 7/28/24 - USYS NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP FINALS IN ORLANDO
8/21/24 - UPCOMING BOARD MEETING IN FREDERICKSBURG, VA
WHAT’S NEW
MOTIONS RECENTLY APPROVED BY THE MEMBERSHIP AT THE AGM
Motion to approve the 2024-2025 VYSA Budget
Motion to revise the VYSA Fiscal year to change from 8/31 to 7/31
Motion to approve the nominations for the 20242025 board of directors.
Bill Phillips, President
Tom Lewis, Secretary
Corky Webster, North Recreational Commissioner #1
David Glass, Central Recreational Commissioner
Brad Powell, West Recreational Commissioner
Richard Smith, NCSL (Travel League) Commissioner
RECREATION AND TRAVEL PLAYER DATA
Clubs can upload any new players they have at anytime in their account, Travel or Recreational. As a reminder in the player upload the competitive level will either be Travel or Recreational.
Travel event registration for the new season is OPEN. Clubs can register their teams to their respective events at any time, NCSL, EDP, Club Champions. Players do not need to be added yet to rosters if clubs do not have all new data.
Travel roster approvals will begin August 1st. Please have your teams registered and rostered as early as possible
Recreational player Direct Registration is not open yet. More information will be sent out via email soon. As a reminder for recreational rosters, players MUST be Directly Registered to VYSA before they can be added to a rec roster.
Be on the lookout for emails with details on registrations over the summer from Kristen Osteen at Kristen@vysa.com.
2024-2025 NEW LOWER MEMBER REGISTRATION FEES
$9
$8.75
$0
$17
$22
$8
Recreational Player
Recreational Player**
Recreational Team Official
Travel Player (11U & Younger)
Travel Player (12U & Older)
Travel Team Official
** THE RECREATION MEMBER FEE IS NOW $8.75 IF PLAYER AND COACHING DATA IS SUBMITTED BY SEPTEMBER 16TH AND PAYMENT RECEIVED IN THE STATE OFFICE BY SEPTEMBER 30TH.
2024-2025
VYSA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The VYSA Membership voted to approve the nominations for open seats on the VYSA Board of Directors at the 2024 Annual General Meeting
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
President, Bill Phillips
Vice President, Anne Thompson
Secretary, John Simpson
Treasurer, Tom Lewis
RECREATIONAL COMMISSIONERS
North, John Davis
North, Corky Webster
District of Columbia, OPEN Central, John Simpson
Southeast, Nicholas Dally West, David Glass
TRAVEL COMMISSIONERS
CCL Travel, Brian Kuk
NCSL, Richard Smith
The VYSA Board of Directors next meeting will be held at the VYSA State Office in Fredericksburg on August, 21
STRATEGIC PLANNING - CREATING THE FUTURE OF SOCCER
Reality is- “organizational changes”, which are typically an outcome of a Strategic Planning, are not easy for many people to process. The longer an organization has “always done it that way” or “this is the way it’s always been”, the more likely there are people to resist change and/or find new pathways harder to embrace Control, power and money are also key factors that can determine the degree that new ideas and philosophies are embraced Those same factors can keep us from being objective, looking at the bigger picture and forging solutions that are objectively best for an organization and its members.
For anyone who has been involved in Strategic Planning, you already know it is not easy No matter how the process unfolds, it is necessary for those directly involved to commit to offering ideas as well as listen to the ideas and plans of others. While often very challenging, the process is often very uplifting, exciting, and invigorating to those participating. In the end, the purpose must be to create a vision with a pathway that can help ensure an organization best serves its members.
Ironically, the way VYSA is currently structured is a result of decades of people who gave tirelessly for “The Good of the Game”. Those leaders made countless decisions to create programs, events, and services to benefit the participants of youth soccer As today’s leaders, we are forever grateful for the service and contributions of those who came before us. Let’s honor those people by continuing the evolutionary process of finding the very best solutions to create the very best environment possible in youth soccer The story of the future of Youth Soccer in Virginia is being written today.
US Soccer, the national governing body for soccer in this country, is also embracing an evolutionary process and philosophy right now. One Nation, One Team. The US Soccer staff is engaging people from across the soccer landscape to listen and find ideas that can elevate the youth ecosystem to meet the needs of the game in the future I am pleased to be a part of a working group as a part of that process. If you have not read about the process related to the US Soccer Strategic Vision, Core Philosophies, Accelerated Initiatives and the Ecosystem Review process, please read about it Strategic Vision | U.S. Soccer Official Website (ussoccer.com) .
My hope is that in the next 6-24 months, many changes in youth soccer will be initiated that have a very positive outcome on the game.
I am hopeful and optimistic that the topics below are embraced and become a significant part of the discussions that help create the Story of the Future of Youth Soccer in Virginia and throughout the United States.
Resources for recreational clubs and their members are more available.
The use of advanced technology is always prioritized to improve administrative processes (player registration, background checks, SafeSport, International Clearances, communications, etc )
More resources are identified to support the participation of players in underserved communities. Player Development and Player Identification pathways are simplified and made more affordable for all who wish to participate
Competitive pathways in youth soccer is more unified (leagues and “cups/events”) and improved for clubs, families, players, coaches, referees, and everyone involved- with better competition and minimized travel
The culture of youth soccer shifts to overwhelmingly support of referees. (A standard of “zero tolerance” is provided to improve the environment on and off the field of play)
Coaches will have better and less expensive solutions to access education and licensing.
Club Standards are initiated to help raise the awareness and use of Best Practices
Commercial partnerships and sponsorship directly benefit the clubs and families.
Additional resources (reduce costs) and increased attention for underserved communities to help grow the sport of soccer
Youth Soccer evolves to have fewer national governing bodies.
State Associations evolve into more responsive and helpful administrative (not governance) organizations
State Youth Soccer and Adult Soccer Associations merge in one Amateur Soccer Association in every state to assist its members
If you have thoughts and ideas for improving the game in Virginia and/or beyond, please share those ideas with me don@vysa.com or contact President Bill Phillips at president@vysa.com. You may also use this Google Form to provide your insights on how best to improve youth soccer, view HERE.
Your feedback to help both the VYSA Strategic Planning process and the Ecosystem Review process by US Soccer is welcomed, encouraged and very important
Thank you for your service!
Don Rawson Executive Director
GOVERNING BODY UPDATES
US SOCCER UPDATES
US Soccer is making significant progress on it’s Strategic Vision View the US Soccer Strategic Pillars, Core Philosophies, and Accelerated Initiatives HERE.
VYSA received an ITG grant from US Soccer support of the “Get on the Bus” initiative. To learn more about this program, read HERE.
The US Soccer senior leadership (led by President Cindy Cone and CEO JT Batson) and their staff are evaluating ideas on a reimagined youth soccer ecosystem.
Over the next several months this thorough evaluation will continue.
VYSA Executive Director, Don Rawson, is serving on the Competition Working Group Survey: “Why do Parents Enroll their Children in Soccer?” Take survey HERE.
USYS UPDATES
The USYS Board of Directors will meet on July 8th to consider a proposal to significantly change the National Championship Series. It is expected that the State Cup winning teams will advance directly to the national finals.
Wichita, Kansas held their first ever TOPSoccer event which was very successful. Read more HERE.
USYS launched a monthly Grassroots Coffee Talk Series to engage state associations, their members, and others involved in grassroots To register for an upcoming sessions hosted by Dr Sari Rose click HERE.
The USYS Grassroots Coffee Talk on Grant Writing took place on June 13th. The view the Grant Writing presentation, click HERE.
USYS announced that the 2024 Grassroots Symposium will be in Salt Lake City, Utah in September. To register or learn more click HERE.
VYSA UPDATES
The Board of Directors has approved a fee reduction for recreation players. The fee is now $8.75, if player and coaching data is submitted by September 16th, and payment received in the state office by September 30th.
VYSA has enlisted the services of The Collective Global to assist VYSA in a strategic planning initiative Initial work is expected to be completed by June 2024.
VYSA has partnered with the Get on the Bus program and earns US Soccer ITG grant. Read more HERE. Fourteen C4C courses have been completed since mid January To learn more about C4C click HERE. The 2024-2025 registration fees for players, coaches (team officials) will remain the same as 2023-2024. View member fee structure HERE.
VYSA staff is working on a timeline to travel through Virginia to share the vision and get feedback from the membership to complete the strategic planning process
STRATEGIC PLANNING
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
2024-2025 OLYMPIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM DISTRICT TRYOUTS
This summer, VYSA is offering the District Tryouts for the Virginia ODP program 2024-2025 Season
July 20 – Southeast District (Virginia Beach)
July 26 – West (Roanoke)
July 27 – Central (Richmond)
July 28 – West Central (Charlottesville)
August 3 – North (Northern Virginia) Tryouts held in Fredericksburg
Visit the link below to explore the benefits of the Virginia Olympic Development Program and the US Youth Soccer ODP Pathway.
PRESIDENTS CUP REGIONALS
Virginia Youth Soccer Association would like to thank all Virginia teams that competed at the USYS Eastern President's Cup in West Virginia.
Virginia had fifteen (15) teams represent the state at the USYS Presidents Cup Regionals from June 14-18. Teams fought hard from the start of their first group play matches all the way through to the final rounds of regionals Congratulations to Virginia Valor FC 2009G White for bringing home the regional title! Arlington SA 20011G Blue and Loudoun Pre-ECNL G12 Black were both finalists!
Virginia Valor FC 2009G white and Arlington SA 2011G Blue will both compete at the US Youth Soccer National President's Cup in Wichita, Kansas on 7/12 - 7/16.
THANK YOU TEAMS
Virginia Valor FC Valor 2009G White
Arlington SA 2008G White
Virginia Valor FC 2007G White
Loudoun 2009B Red
Loudoun 2008B Red
McLean Youth Soccer 2007B Green NLCT
The St.James FC Virginia United North 2006B Blue
Alexandria 05-06 Boys White
Arlington SA 2008B White
Lee Mt Vernon Soccer Club 2010G Red
Arlington SA 2011G Blue
Loudoun Pre-ECNL G12 Black
Herndon 2010B FC Red
Lee Mt Vernon Soccer Club 2011 Boys Red
Alexandria 2012B Red
US YOUTH SOCCER EASTERN REGIONALS
20 teams will be representing Virginia at the US Youth Soccer Eastern Regionals in Charleston & Barboursville, West Virginia on June 27th - July 3rd, 2024
To view event and schedule information, click the link below.
Arlington SA 2011G Blue13U Finalists
Virginia Valor FC 2009G White15U Champions
Loudoun Pre-ECNL G12 Black12U Finalists
COACHING EDUCATION
Member Clubs and Leagues are encouraged to host an in-person grassroots course If you have 13-15 coaches then your club is the perfect candidate for hosting a course.
The 2024 National B License that begins this September has filled and has a waiting list
VYSA will be hosting B and C licenses in 2025.
If you are interested in registering for future courses, please visit the VYSA website at the link below
COACHING FOR COMMUNITY
VYSA has announced a new, free coaching course supporting the recreational coach! The Coach For Community (C4C) is a FREE two-hour course that is designed to help prepare entry level coaches with practical and theoretical knowledge. This course is conducted by a qualified US Soccer/VYSA Coach Educator and can be requested by VYSA member clubs at the U6, U8, U10 and/or U12 levels
The First hour is classroom presentations that consist of player characteristics, age-appropriate games, running a practice, role of the coach, and tips to survive. The second hour is field/gym demonstration Age specific players will participate in an organized practice session
For more information please visit the VYSA website at the link below.
IMPORTANT NOTICE
GOTSPORT TRAINING AVAILABLE TO CLUB AND LEAGUE REGISTRARS
GotSport is the association's official technology partner Club and league registrars are encouraged to visit the VYSA website for resources on navigating the GotSport registration platform.
Several GOTSport representatives held workshops in Fredericksburg, va on February 18th to assist registrars with both group discussions as well as 1 on 1 time with members who need additional training.
Contact Kristen Osteen at Kristen@vysa com for GotSport related questions or to set up a one-on-one inperson or zoom meeting with a GotSport representative
Onboarding Website
OUTSTANDING REFEREES
Congratulation to Audrey Atwell for receiving 2024 Eastern Presidents Cup Outstanding Ref Award & Adam Gallini for receiving 2024 Eastern Presidents Cup Outstanding Assistant Referee Award
To become a USSF certified referee visit the Metro DC-Virginia State Referee website below
VISIT WEBSITE
FREE COACHING COURSES AVAILABLE FOR QUALIFIED FEMALE COACHES
US Soccer approved VYSA for a three-year extension of the 'Women in Coaching' Innovate to Grow Grant to further support female coaches in Virginia and the District of Columbia. This grant supports female coaches seeking to further their education with US Soccer Grassroots Coaching Courses and Licensures The grant allows VYSA to support all women registered for any US Soccer coaching course as well as those coaches registered for all-female courses
In 2023, nearly 150 female coaches have enrolled in a US Soccer coaching course through VYSA supported by the US Soccer ITG Grant.
For clubs interested in hosting coaching courses, please contact Jessica@vysa.com to get started
SAFESPORT COMPLIANCE
All VYSA Member Clubs are REQUIRED to submit a SafeSport Compliance Form to VYSA in accordance with U.S. Soccer Federation mandates and VYSA SafeSport Policy.
Contact Kristen Osteen in Member Services, at Kristen@vysa com, for any questions regarding SafeSport.
GOALKEEPER TOURNAMENT
Goalkeepers from across different states gathered in Fredericksburg, VA, for the inaugural Virginia Keeper Wars City Tour. Over 90 young athletes participated in the tournament for a chance to earn a spot at the USYS Keeper Wars Ink National Championships
STATE OFFICE OPERATIONS
M-F | 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM (540) 693-1430
4805 Lassen Lane, Fredericksburg, VA 22408
DON RAWSON Don@vysa.com
Executive Director
ROBERT CAREY Robert@vysa.com
Director, Finance and Administration
JESSICA COTTET Jessica@vysa.com
Director, Technical Department Operations
KRISTEN OSTEEN Kristen@vysa.com
Manager of Member Services
DEVIN BEST Devin@vysa.com
Assistant Manager of Facilities
Technical Director
GORDON MILLER Vysatd@vysa.com
Senior Manager of Finance and Administration
THOMAS TRUSLOW Thomas@vysa.com
Director, Events RAY FORD Ray@vysa.com
DAVID COFFEY David@vysa.com
Director of Facility Operations
Manager of Marketing and Communications
CHLOE ERAZO Chloe@vysa.com