Coaching News

US Youth Soccer, US Club Soccer, AYSO Statement on Forthcoming U.S. Soccer Decision Regarding Age Group Formation by School Year vs. Calendar Year

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE US Youth Soccer, US Club Soccer, AYSO Statement on Forthcoming U.S. Soccer Decision Regarding Age Group Formation – School Year vs. Calendar Year.

 

FRISCO, Texas (October 23, 2024) – Today, US Youth Soccer, US Club Soccer, and AYSO released the following statement.

In 2017, U.S. Soccer decided to change the age eligibility for team rosters from August 1- July 31 to January 1-December 31. Since that time, we have been reviewing the impact on our sport, specifically for players of all ages and competitive levels, and comparing the practical results to the communicated goals and outcomes.

Over the past few months, U.S. Soccer, at the urgence of its Technical Development Committee, has engaged in a review of that decision. We support these efforts and appreciate their approach to engage organizational members, leagues and clubs in collecting feedback. Additionally, US Youth Soccer, US Club Soccer, and AYSO have solicited and shared additional feedback with one another in an effort to make the most informed and appropriate decision for our sport.

First and foremost, US Youth Soccer, US Club Soccer, and AYSO have been in constant communication on the topic. US Youth Soccer and US Club Soccer’s leadership teams have met in person multiple times, most recently in September at the US Youth Soccer Grassroots Symposium in Salt Lake City. Additionally, we welcome the involvement of other U.S. Soccer organizational members.

We believe that any decisions should be made as a collective and our intention is to do so.

As chair and vice chair of the U.S. Soccer Technical Development Committee and Youth Representatives on the Board of Directors, Mike Cullina (US Club Soccer CEO) and Louis Mateus (US Youth Soccer Board of Directors member) are directly involved in the conversation and recommendation to U.S. Soccer’s Board of Directors. Likewise, as chair of the Youth Council and the Youth Representative on the Board of Directors, Tina Rincon (US Youth Soccer Board of Directors chair) is actively engaged.

The next U.S. Soccer Board of Directors meeting is November 22, 2024. We expect this topic to be on the agenda for that meeting and, consequently, a formal and public decision made by the end of the calendar year.

As always, thank you for your passion for the sport and commitment to our athletes.

Skip Gilbert-US Youth Soccer CEO

Mike Cullina- US Club Soccer CEO

Doug Ryan- AYSO National President

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. 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 development 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 oLers 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.

AYSO American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) is a national nonprofit organization committed to delivering quality youth soccer programs in a fun, family-friendly environment. AYSO is rooted in Six Philosophies: Everyone Plays®, Balanced Teams, Open Registration, Positive

 

10.23.24 – USYS, US Club, AYSO Statement (1)

 

 

 

Granite State Youth Soccer Foundation Is giving back!! Apply Now

Exciting Opportunity for Financial Aid!!

Granite State Youth Soccer Foundation Is giving back !!! Apply now!!

Granite State Youth Soccer Foundation GSYSF

 

Announcement

Granite State Youth Soccer Foundation (GSYSF) has asked NHSL & NNESL to reach out to its member clubs to provide information about GSYSF.

Granite State Youth Soccer Foundation (GSYSF) was created to provide supportive financial aid to youth soccer players and community soccer programs across New Hampshire.

For more information regarding Granite State Youth Soccer Foundation (GSYSF) can be found here: https://www.gssfnh.org/

Granite State Youth Soccer Foundation (GSYSF) is looking forward to helping the NH soccer community.

Granite State Youth Soccer Foundation was created from the organization formally known as GSYSL

___________________________________________________________________________________________

Granite State Youth Soccer Foundation 57 Old Bridge Street, Pelham, NH 03076

NHSA Town Hall Meeting Video – June 24, 2020

State of New Hampshire: Stay at Home 2.0 – Amateur & Youth Sports Guidelines

Governor’s Economic REOPENING TASK FORCE: COVID-19 Reopening Guidance The Govenor’s Economic Reopening Task Force has sent the New Hampshire Soccer Association the following guidance for getting their players back on the soccer field.  Please review the attached guidance and be up-to-date the NHSA’s Return-to-Play Protocols.

NHSA Return to Play Protocol

Membership Updates: COVID-19 | April 14, 2020

To: All members and affiliates

From: Rusty Wightman, President

CC: Board of Directors and Staff

RE: Membership Update

I hope this message finds you well and you are able to find solace with family and friends.  Our gratitude goes out to you all for your cooperation and understanding during these uncertain and trying times. Only by working together, following the guidelines set by local, state and national leaders, can we stop the spread and give our essential workers the rest they deserve and our players, coaches, fans, and referees the game they are longing for. Please know, as it relates to the game of soccer, the executive board and staff at New Hampshire Soccer has been, and will continue to, monitor and evaluate the situation on a constant basis.

At a  board meeting on Monday, April 13, a vote was held and a decision made to further suspend all affiliated and sanctioned soccer activities statewide through May 31, 2020 due to the evolving COVID-19 situation. For our member organizations (towns, clubs and leagues) this includes, but is not limited to: all games, practices, clinics, training, tournaments, and in-person meetings. It is imperative that we all follow recommendations and mandates from the CDC, local and federal officials, USYS and US Soccer to help stop the spread the Corona Virus. New Hampshire Soccer will evaluate conditions on a continuing basis to determine when it is appropriate to reinstate our affiliated and sanctioned soccer activities. Further communications will be provided via email and on our website.

We realize this impacts many programs throughout the state. We continue to update our contingency plans as it relates to The New Hampshire Soccer League, The ODP program, our coaching education courses, referee recertification and grassroots courses, and all other programs and events scheduled. We know there are a lot of questions, we are working through the problems as they arise and trying to adjust and make the best of a situation that is constantly changing.

“You face adversity all the time. I accept what lies ahead and then I do my best. You can’t take things too seriously, and you can’t use things as an excuse or you’ll never get through.”

~Kristine Lilly

Thanks for all you do,

Rusty Wightman

President

New Hampshire Soccer Association