Touchline August 2026 by Donaldvysa

VIRGINIA YOUTH SOCCER ASSOCIATION

TOUCHLINE WHAT'S INSIDE THIS ISSUE?

• ODP TRYOUTS INFORMATION • USYS NATIONALS RECAP • MEET THE NEW STAFF!

AUGUST 2026

TABLE OF CONTENTS

HIGHLIGHTED STORIES WHY YOUR PLAYER SHOULD TRY ODP

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By Gordon Miller

USYS NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP RECAP

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UPCOMING TOURNAMENTS

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MEET THE NEW STAFF

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LATEST NEWS

WHY YOUR PLAYER SHOULD TRY OUT FOR VIRGINIA ODP By Gordon Miller, VYSA Technical Director

Compete Against The Best In Your Age Group

District tryouts and training sessions unite top players from clubs across the state. Training alongside— and competing against—the strongest players in each age group challenges athletes to improve while preparing them for faster, more demanding competition.

A Proven Player Pathway

Virginia's ODP pathway begins within one of five districts before advancing to State ODP. From there, standout players may earn opportunities to participate in East Region events and, for some, national identification opportunities. Even those who don't advance through every stage benefit from high-level coaching and statewide exposure.

Gain Early College Exposure

Many members of the ODP coaching staff have collegiate coaching experience, allowing players to be evaluated by coaches who understand what it takes to compete at the next level. This valuable visibility can begin well before the traditional recruiting process.

It Complements, Rather Than Replaces, Club Soccer If your son or daughter plays club soccer in Virginia, you've likely heard about the Olympic Development Program (ODP). Operated by the Virginia Youth Soccer Association (VYSA), ODP gives ambitious players the opportunity to train with elite coaches, compete alongside the Commonwealth's top talent, and experience a proven pathway for long-term development. Whether your goal is improving technical ability, gaining exposure, or simply challenging yourself at a higher level, ODP offers an environment designed to help players reach their potential.

Training From a Different Level of Coaching

ODP brings together VYSA's State Coaching Staff and some of the region's most respected youth and collegiate coaches. Players are exposed to different coaching styles, new ideas, and advanced training methods that often extend beyond what they experience in weekly club sessions.

Build a Stronger Technical Foundation The ODP curriculum focuses on the skills that matter most: ﬁrst touch, ball mastery, passing, creativity, and conﬁdence under pressure. By emphasizing technical excellence, players continue to develop the tools needed to succeed at every level of the game.

ODP is intended to work alongside a player's club experience—not replace it. District training is scheduled to minimize conﬂicts with club commitments, allowing players to continue developing in both environments.

A Program for Younger Players, as Well

The pathway begins even before traditional ODP ages through Developmental ODP (D-ODP). Designed for U9, U10, and U11 players, D-ODP introduces young athletes to the same technical philosophy and player-centered approach, creating a strong foundation before entering the full ODP program.

Financial Assistance Is Available

VYSA remains committed to making ODP accessible to as many players as possible. Financial assistance is available for eligible families, with applications reviewed on a rolling basis before each district's ﬁrst training session. Assistance recipients remain responsible for a portion of program fees, and funding is not guaranteed.

Is ODP Right for Your Player?

ODP isn't the only pathway to success, and many outstanding players thrive within club soccer alone. However, for athletes looking to challenge themselves, sharpen their technical skills, and compete alongside Virginia's top talent, ODP offers a unique opportunity to grow both on and off the ﬁeld.

CLICK HERE for Registration Information & More on ODP & D-ODP

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LATEST NEWS

3 CLUBS & FOUR TEAMS REPRESENT VIRGINIA AT USYS NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

Virginia was proudly represented by four teams at the 2026 US Youth Soccer National Championships: • Braddock Road Youth Club Academy U19G • Braddock Road Youth Club Academy G13 • Virginia Soccer Association G10 • Springfield Youth Soccer Club 2012B NL Virginia clubs once again showcased the strength of soccer across the Commonwealth. BRYC Academy U19G earned an impressive victory during group play, while Springfield SYC Soccer 2012B NL battled to a hard-fought 2-2 draw against top national competition. BRYC Academy G13 delivered Virginia's deepest tournament run, advancing all the way to the US Youth Soccer National Semifinals before narrowly falling in a penalty shootout. Congratulations to all four teams for earning the opportunity to compete on the national stage and proudly representing Virginia soccer.

Braddock Road Youth Club Academy G13 RL

Female U13 National Semi-Finalist

LATEST NEWS DC UNITED & VYSA PARTNER FOR UNIQUE TICKET OPPORTUNITY FOR PLAYERS

CLICK HERE TO REDEEM

LATEST NEWS

BURKE UNITED ACADEMY

LATEST NEWS

Virginia Teams compete at the 2026 USYS Presidents Cup National Championships

Female U-13 National Finalist

ARLINGTON SA 2013G WHITE

Virginia was proudly represented by seven teams at the 2026 Presidents Cup National Championships: • Arlington SA 2013G White • Braddock Road Youth Club Academy G12 • Arlington SA 2011G White • Arlington SA 2012B White • Shenandoah Valley United 2011 SVU Boys Navy • VISTA HL92 Soccer Academy 2009B Yellow • Burke United Academy Congratulations to the Virginia clubs that represented the Commonwealth at the 2026 US Youth Soccer Presidents Cup National Championships in Wichita, Kansas! Arlington SA 2013G White and Burke United Academy led the way with outstanding runs to the National Finals, earning National Finalist honors in their respective age groups. BRYC Academy G12, Arlington SA 2011G White, Arlington SA 2012B White, Shenandoah Valley United 2011 SVU Boys Navy, and HL92 Soccer Academy 2009B Yellow VISTA also proudly represented Virginia on the national stage after qualifying through the Presidents Cup pathway. Congratulations to all of our teams for their accomplishments and for representing Virginia with pride throughout the competition.

Male U19 National Finalist

MEMBER NEWS

WELCOME NEW CLUBS!

Welcome PSG Academy Virginia

Welcome Beach Saint-Germain

Welcome Academie Sportif

LATEST NEWS

92 GIRLS INVITED TO ODP EAST REGIONAL CAMPS

LATEST NEWS

79 BOYS INVITED TO ODP EAST REGIONAL CAMPS

LATEST NEWS DC UNITED & VYSA PARTNER FOR UNIQUE TICKET OPPORTUNITY FOR PLAYERS

VYSA NEWS

UPCOMING TOURNAMENTS

CLICK TO LEARN MORE

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COACHING NEWS

FUTURE COACHING COURSES LEARN MORE HERE

7V7 COURSES

Alexandria, VA (Virginia Youth Soccer Association

LEARN MORE HERE

7/30/26 - Virtual | 8/1/26 - In Person

Colonial Heights, VA (Virginia Youth Soccer Association 8/5/26 - Virtual | 8/8/26 - In Person

LEARN MORE HERE

9V9 COURSES

Alexandria, VA (Virginia Youth Soccer Association) 7/30/26 - Virtual | 8/1/26 - In Person

LEARN MORE HERE

11V11 COURSES

Colonial Heights, VA (Virginia Youth Soccer Association) 8/6/26 - Virtual | 8/8/26 - In Person

LEARN MORE HERE

U.S. Soccer C Course Fredericksburg, VA

9/7/ 26 - Virtual | Oct /20-23/26 - In Person

LEARN MORE HERE

U.S. Soccer D Course Info Coming Soon - Fall 2026

Click Here for the Free Introduction to Grassroots Coaching

VYSA Host A Course Form

VYSA NEWS

LATEST NEWS

HEAR FROM KRISTA

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GET TO KNOW OUR NEW STAFF

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

HEAR FROM MEGAN

CLICK TO WATCH OUR NEW STAFF VIDEOS!

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