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New Hampshire Soccer Association Appoints New State Youth Referee Administrator

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The New Hampshire Soccer Association (NHSA) announced the appointment of Cullen Madden as the new State Youth Referee Administrator (SYRA). Cullen brings a distinguished record of officiating at the highest levels of youth, adult, and collegiate soccer. His extensive experience, combined with a strong background in referee instruction, development, and administration, positions him as a pivotal leader in advancing the program. His commitment to improving officiating standards and mentoring young referees will undoubtedly contribute to the continued growth of the referee community in New Hampshire.

Cullen steps into this position following the outstanding tenure of Frank Scarito, whose impact on the referee program in New Hampshire—and beyond—cannot be overstated. With over 20 years of service to the NH Referee Program, Frank has been instrumental in developing, mentoring, and guiding referees at all levels, from grassroots officials taking the field for the first time to those reaching national and professional ranks. His dedication, leadership, and unwavering support have shaped the careers of countless referees, and his contributions will leave a lasting legacy in the state and across the country. The NHSA and the entire referee community extend their deepest gratitude to Frank for his years of exceptional service.

As Cullen takes on this new role, he looks forward to building on the strong foundation laid by Frank and continuing to enhance referee education, recruitment, and retention efforts. His focus will be on fostering a supportive environment for young referees to thrive and ensuring that New Hampshire remains a leader in referee development.

Please join us in expressing our deepest appreciation to Frank Scarito for his remarkable contributions and unwavering dedication over the past two decades. His legacy will continue to inspire and guide referees in New Hampshire for years to come. We also welcome Cullen Madden as the new SYRA and look forward to seeing the program continue to thrive under his leadership.

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

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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

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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

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

Summer Camp Series – Register Today!

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New Hampshire Soccer Association is excited to announce that we will be offering summer camp opportunities.  For the summer of 2021, we have teamed up with Elite UK to run camps at our state fields in Pembroke, NH.  Registrations are now open.

SUMMER CAMP FLYER

CLICK HERE TO BRING YOU TO REGISTRATION PAGE

Details:

Week #1:  June 21st-25th

Week #2:  July 26th-30th

Sign up for BOTH Weeks and received a discount (full day)

Ages/Times:

TOTS program: Ages 6 and 8 – 9:00am-10:30am

Half Day Program: Ages 9 to 16 – 9:00am-12:00pm

Full Day Program:  Ages 9 to 16 – 9:00am-3:00pm

An 8:30am early drop off is offered.  No late pickups.

Cost:

TOTS: $90

Half Day: $150

Full Day:  $195 ($370 for both weeks)

Location:  NHSA State Fields – 326 Buck Street, Pembroke, NH  03275

EXCLUSIVE OFFER to our members:  Upon registering your child(ren), there is a spot on the registration form where you can enter the club/program you play for.  For clubs who have a minimum of 10 players registered for the camp, they will be entered into a drawing to win a 4-pack of New England Revolution tickets, to be used within your club or organization for fundraising opportunities.

Players DO NOT need to be affiliated with a club to attend these camps.

 

REGISTER HERE TODAY!

International Premier Futsal League affiliates with NHSA & USASA

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International Premier Futsal League (IPFL) becomes affiliated with the New Hampshire Soccer Association.

“We are really excited to announce this affiliation,” said Jared Barbosa, the CEO of International Soccer Club (ISC). “Over the past few months, we have been able to have great conversations with NHSA board members, they are really fostering ideas around providing the appropriate platforms that are conducive to overall long-term player development.  With the development of the IPFL, we see it as an additional platform to allow amateur level players to showcase their skills and increase opportunities for additional recruitment and exposure with the intention of leading to higher levels of play. Within our league, we are seeking to create the most competitive environment possible.  It is important to us that we have players/teams that are in it for the same reasons, to compete and develop.  We are very excited to get this going and have big plans for the future. “

NHSA President, Rusty Wightman said “The New Hampshire Soccer Association is pleased to announce our support to the International Premier Futsal League. This new league will provide opportunities for adults to play in an affiliated competitive environment, offering futsal teams the ability to showcase their skills and talents in NH. Players will register under the NHSA and become members of the United States Adult Soccer Association. We are excited to see the game grow in the Granite State! “

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For more information, please contact Jared Barbosa [jmbarbosa310@gmail.com].

SheBelieves Hero

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The fourth annual SheBelieves HeroTM contest will choose a young person between the ages of 13-17 who embodies the SheBelieves spirit. A SheBelieves Hero™ is a leader in their community, a confident and passionate individual who empowers others around them and works to make a difference.

The contest will run from Jan. 16-Feb. 17, with the Hero and guardian winning a trip to the WNT’s SheBelieves Cup match in Harrison, N.J. on March 8, 2020. Additional contest and submission information can be found here.

The 2020 SheBelieves Hero™ will win a trip for two (2) to the WNT’s SheBelieves Cup match in Harrison, NJ, on March 8 when the USA takes on Spain.  As part of this once in a lifetime experience, the winner will be invited to USWNT training, honored on-field during match day, receive U.S. Soccer gear, and more.

USYS KICKS OFF FIRST DEVELOPMENT ACTIVATION WITH NWSLPA

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FRISCO, Texas (Nov. 15, 2019) — US Youth Soccer (USYS) is excited to kick-off the first Official Player and Personal Development activation of the National Women’s Soccer League Players Association (NWSLPA) relationship.

Dr. Pete Zopfi, Chairman USYS Board, and Andrew R Hiatt, Interim-CEO of USYS, welcomed NWSLPA members Katherine Reynolds and Rachel Hill to the team as they begin their off-season professional business experience at the USYS National Office in Frisco, TX. Katherine and Rachel will be fully integrated members of the USYS team and will get first-hand experiences in both Marketing and Operations as they learn new skills, develop capabilities and interact with a range of staff, personnel and young players throughout their experience on-site and live at USYS Fall/Winter events.

Katherine Reynolds currently plays with the Portland Thorns and won a NWSL Championship with them in 2017. Rachel Hill currently plays with the Orlando Pride and previously played with Perth Glory (Australia) in 2017/2018 and 2018/2019. Both women have a range of professional and business experience and will be able to leverage their USYS opportunity to develop their network, learn new skills and serve as the benchmark for future development activation across the USYS system of 55 State Associations.

The USYS NWSLPA partnership is aimed at developing programs focused on growing the game of soccer and increasing awareness of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) and its players while cultivating the personal development of participating NWSL players.  Through this first-of-its-kind relationship between a youth and professional soccer organization we will create opportunities to further connect professional female soccer players via networking opportunities, USYS events, clinics, camps, and speaking engagements. Participating players from the NWSLPA will continue serving as positive role models within their communities as they encourage younger players.

Please join us in welcoming to the US Youth Soccer team, Katherine and Rachel!

US YOUTH SOCCER ANNOUNCES REGIONAL WINNERS OF ANNUAL AWARDS

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FRISCO, Texas (Nov. 11, 2019) — US Youth Soccer is excited to announce the regional winners of its annual awards. 

The regional awards include: Boys and Girls Competitive Coaches of the Year, Boys and Girls Recreation Coaches of the Year, Young Referees of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, Administrator of the Year and TOPSoccer Buddyand Coach of the Year.

The national winners will be announced on November 18 and then recognized at the 2020 US Youth Soccer Awards Gala, held Jan. 18 as part of the US Youth Soccer Workshop at the United Soccer Coaches Convention in Baltimore.  

In addition, the Dr. Thomas Fleck Awardwill be announced with the national award winners on Jan.18, and the 2019 US Youth Soccer Hall of Fame Class will be inducted at the Gala.
 
The 2019 Goal and Save of the Year awards will be announced live at the Awards Gala. 

AwardRegional RecipientsHometown
   
Female Young Referee of the Year


 		Reese Vandell – East
Maya Ryder – Midwest
Hannah Smid – South
Kassidy Mashiyama – West		Powhatan, Va.
Xenia, Ohio
Madison, Ala.
Millani, Hawaii
   
Male Young Referee of the Year


 		Andrew Kennedy – East
Justus Heers – Midwest
Jace Mathis – South
Elan Furman – West		Webster, N.Y.
Plymouth, Mich.
Midlothian, Texas
Anthem, Ariz.
   
Volunteer of the Year


 		John Mingus – East
Matt Crowl – Midwest
Bryan McDermott – South
Sherri Mackay – West		Arlington, Va.
Altoona, Iowa
Fayetteville, Ga.
Tracy, Calif.
   
Administrator of the Year


 		Tom Antonelli – East
Chris Hovde – Midwest
Neil McNab Jr. – South
Erin Misaki – West		Hockessin, Del.
Cincinnati, Ohio
Dacula, Ga.
San Diego, Calif.
   
TOPSoccer Buddy of the Year


 		Jessica Lee – East
Liberty Messer – Midwest
Iain Garza  – South
Scott Stevison – West		West Hempstead, N.Y.
Mason, Ohio
Ft. Worth, Texas
Vanocuver, Wash.
   
TOPSoccer Coach of the Year


 		Phillip Cook – East
Stefan Bjes – Midwest
David Robinson – South
Christina Hughes – West		Forestville, N.Y.
Oswego, Ill.
Bradenton, Fla.
Phoenix, Ariz.
   
Girls Recreation Coach of the Year


 		Jonathan Gangi – East
Fred Nelson – Midwest
Matthew Emmons – South
Bryan Smith – West		Holden, Mass.
Omaha, Neb.
Sachse, Texas
Snohomish, Wash.
   
Boys Recreation Coach of the Year


 		Epiphany Vera – East
Kyle Kreuser – Midwest
Greg McKee – South
Matthew Cramer – West		Harvard, Mass.
Hastings, Minn.
Melbourne, Fla.
Farmington, N.M.
   
Girls Competitive Coach of the Year


 		Tristan Wierbonski – East
Giuliano Oliviero – Midwest
Jeremy Beckett – South
Simon Rothman – West		Morgantown, W.Va.
Wauwatosa, Wisc.
Wake Forest, N.C.
Albuquerque, N.M.
   
Boys Competitive Coach of the Year


 		Alex Fatovic – East
Daniel Trosper – Midwest
Nicholas Chetta III – South
Brian Orr – West		New York, N.Y.
Brighton, Mich.
Covington, La.
Powell, Wyo.

For more information about the US Youth Soccer Awards Gala and award winners, go to https://www.usyouthsoccer.org/awards-gala/.

LHIFA Finishes Their Season with Skill and Passion – 2019 Championship

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NASHUA, NH – The Latin Hispanic International Futbol Association (Lhifa Sc) held their league championships. It was an amazing display of skill and passion. With over 300 spectators cheering on their friends and family, it provided an unbelievable atmosphere (runners on the Mines Fall trails even stopped to see what was going on)!

Congratulations to El Chalate on being crowned League Champions in a 2-0 victory over Nashua FC.

Special appearances from US Adult Soccer President, and NH Native, John P. Motta and NHSA Vice President of Adult Soccer, Luis Costa.

We also want to congratulate the 4 NH Referees appointed to the match on a job well done:
Referee: Cullen Madden
Asst. Referee: Eddie Currier
Asst. Referee: Vincent Rutigliano
4th Official: Doug Campbell

NEW APPOINTMENTS TO THE NHSA EXECUTIVE BOARD!

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Greetings NH Soccer Community,

I hope all is going well with your fall seasons. I am delighted at the opportunity to go out on weeknights and weekends and see so many happy and smiling faces kicking a ball around, whether its high school, club league play, or one of the many grass roots and recreational leagues in our state, much of my time is spent watching and coaching this beautiful game that our kids enjoy. 

The same can be said about the other side of the game. Although very challenging, I do enjoy my role as President of the State Association because of the connections that are made with so many that give so much. The passion we have for the game can only be amplified by our passion for the kids.  New Hampshire is full of coaches, referees, administrators, volunteers and parents that sacrifice so much of their time to have a positive impact on the life of a child. Thank you and it is a pleasure working alongside you. 

  Since the NHSA AGM and elections last March, myself and the NHSA board have been seeking to fill two seats on our executive board. There were many meetings and discussions and I thank those that have expressed interest. I am very happy to announce to you today that these two seats have been appointed by myself and approved by the NHSA executive board. Both have the passion aforementioned and both have the experience to bring NH forward and help define, develop and employ our vision for the future.

Executive Vice President- Trevor Fox

I had the pleasure of meeting Trevor several years ago during a coach’s course. He grew up playing soccer in Vermont and developed from a young grassroots player to the captain of his successful college team. Trevor continued to play as an adult and got involved with coaching through his high school alma mater in Proctor VT before moving to NH in 1993. He continued to play as an adult until taking a new position at work which included regular travel on the east coast. 

Trevor returned to being involved in soccer in the early 2000’s when he and his wife had children and began coaching again in the Goffstown area. Trevor coached recreational soccer as well as competitive soccer for Tri Town and later became the Director of Coaching for Goffstown United (formerly Tri-Town Travel). When he heard there was a need for referees in NH, he took the referee course and got certified in order to meet the demand of qualified officials.

Trevor is employed by a facilities management company as a Regional Director and has been a part of the company for over 20 years. He continues to reside in Goffstown, NH with his wife Sheryl, daughter Kaitlyn and dog Milo. Trevor and Sheryl also have a son attending SNHU. Among Trevor’s responsibilities are to oversee the State Registrar, the State ODP Director and the State Director of Coaching. He will also oversee operations at the New Hampshire Soccer Complex in Pembroke.

Vice President of Recreation- Jim O’Connell

I  had the pleasure of meeting and speaking with Jim at a Center City soccer event in Manchester. Through our conversation it was apparent Jim had a love for the game and a love of community and it’s youth. Jim’s bio is long, he had served on the board of Manchester North Soccer League for 10+ years (president for three of those years), he was  Director of British are Coming Soccer Camps for 10+ years, a board member on Manchester Little League, a youth pastor at St. Elizabeth  Seton, Bedford and has been CEO and senior management at a number of start up companies. Jim is currently a Community Planning Group member at Manchester Proud, a host on Education Matters, and serves St. Joseph’s Cathedral as lector and Docent. He is also running for a seat on the Manchester School Board.

I  had the pleasure of meeting and speaking with Jim at a Center City soccer event in Manchester. Through our conversation it was apparent Jim had a love for the game and a love of community and it’s youth. Jim’s bio is long, he had served on the board of Manchester North Soccer League for 10+ years (president for three of those years), he was  Director of British are Coming Soccer Camps for 10+ years, a board member on Manchester Little League, a youth pastor at St. Elizabeth  Seton, Bedford and has been CEO and senior management at a number of start up companies. Jim is currently a Community Planning Group member at Manchester Proud, a host on Education Matters, and serves St. Joseph’s Cathedral as lector and Docent. He is also running for a seat on the Manchester School Board.

Please help me in welcoming Trevor and Jim to the team!