Photo credit: 2025 Maryland State Cup Champions: Arundel Soccer Association
MSYSA is the primary advocate for youth soccer in Maryland and DC and works collaboratively with our Affiliates, partners, and sponsors to grow the game by educating, promoting, supporting, and providing.
EDUCATE PROMOTE SUPPORT PROVIDE
Grow the game of soccer by educating, promoting, supporting, and providing
Provide an opportunity for everyone to participate in the game of soccer
As part of the #BUSA10Years celebration, Coach Bernardo interviewed MSYSA Coach Educator, Corey to discuss the impact of hosting GRIP Coaching Courses. Recently, Corey led 7v7 and 11v11 courses with BUSA in Kent Island, where coaches gained hands-on experience using U.S. Soccer’s Play-Practice-Play model.
By bringing these courses directly into local communities, clubs make education more accessible and create lasting benefits for both coaches and players. Hosting a course not only empowers coaches, it strengthens teams, enhances player experiences, and builds a brighter future for the game. Investing in coaching today shows your club’s commitment to excellence, progress, and player-centered development. Coach Bernardo also thanked Corey for stepping in to support the club’s teams during the pandemic, providing leadership and stability in a time of need.
State Cup champions now advance straight to the US Youth Soccer National Championships → no regional stage required.
Girls Teams (Murfreesboro & Smyrna, TN)
16U–19U: July 13–20
13U–15U: July 16–23
Boys Teams (Salt Lake City & Provo, UT)
16U–19U: July 13–20
13U–15U: July 16–23
TWO STATE CUP COMPETITIONS
Choose between the Winter State Cup (Jan–Mar) or the Spring State Cup (Apr–May). Each champion will battle for the national berth.
NEW COMPETITION FORMAT
The Winter State Cup will move to a single-elimination format. All Winter State Cup games will be self-scheduled!
⚽ Why Compete?
This is more than just a tournament, it’s your shot at greatness! Winning the State Cup means you’re officially the BEST in Maryland. Champions don’t stop there, you’ll go head-tohead with the best clubs from across the country for the chance to be crowned a National Champion at the USYS National Championship Series in Tennessee and Utah‼
On The Line Podcast Episode 7:
COACHING LEGENDS: JOHN ELLINGER ON LANDON DONOVAN & BUILDING REAL SALT LAKE
This week, Priestly sits down with legendary coach John Ellinger, a Montgomery County, Maryland native whose coaching résumé reads like a piece of U.S. Soccer history. From his early days at Frostburg State to becoming the first head coach of Real Salt Lake (MLS), Ellinger shares the journey, lessons, and stories that shaped his career. He opens up about coaching some of the nation’s top players, including Landon Donovan, revealing what made the young star so special on and off the field. Plus, hear about his time leading one of the top four ranked teams in the world for U.S. Soccer, and how he continues to influence the next generation with his USSF A License experience and passion for the game.
HOW COACHES CAN BUILD SAFE, TRUSTING
RELATIONSHIPS
PARENT / CAREGIVER GAME DAY TIPS
NAME THAT MOVE
Q: A deceptive kick where a player swings their leg as if to shoot, but doesn’t make contact with the ball fooling the defender.
Q: A trick where the ball is flicked up and over an opponent’s head, usually while sprinting past them.
Q: A move where the player rolls their foot around the top of the ball to quickly change direction.
Q: A skillful dribble where the ball is repeatedly touched between the inside of both feet while running.
Q: An acrobatic shot where a player kicks the ball backward while flipping their body into the air.
Q: A smooth sideways pass behind the standing leg, often used to surprise defenders.
Q: A feint where the attacker drags the ball with one foot, then quickly pushes it away with the other, often used to beat defenders in tight spaces.
Q: A high, arching shot that loops over the goalkeeper, usually from distance.
