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US YOUTH SOCCER ANNOUNCES FIELD OF TEAMS FOR DECEMBER 2024 NATIONAL LEAGUE QUARTERFINALS

FRISCO, Texas (Sept. 3, 2024) — The USYS National League has announced the full field of teams that will compete in the December 2024 National League Quarterfinals. The event will feature teams primarily from the National League Conferences and Elite 64 Regional League, and all games will be played at the Arizona Athletic Grounds in Mesa, Ariz.

View the List of Teams

The December Quarterfinals include boys and girls teams in the 14U (2011), 15U (2010), 16U (2009), 17U (2008) and 19U (2006/2007) age groups.

The December competition will feature more than 260 top-performing teams from the past year of competition in the 13 National League Conferences, as well as the Elite 64 Regional League. Each side earned its place in the quarterfinals, either via automatic qualification or by securing an open slot selection, through its recent on-field accomplishments.

“Each team playing in these National League Quarterfinals has proven it belongs through excellent performances over the last year, which will make for a high-level event full of special teams and talented players on the top of their game,” said Marc Frankland, USYS National League General Manager. “Every team goes to Arizona with an opportunity to get a step closer to advancing to the USYS National Championships, and that emphasis on team achievements creates a very exciting atmosphere all around the event.”

THE TEAMS

The December 2024 Quarterfinals will feature 57 teams that qualified for the 2024 USYS National Championships, presented by New York Life, in the 13U through 18U age groups, including 15 semifinalists, six finalists and seven champions.

In all, the December Quarterfinals will consist of teams from 39 of the 54 USYS State Associations. State Associations with participating teams include: Alabama, Arizona, California South, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, Eastern New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Eastern Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania West, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, North Texas, South Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin.

THE PATHWAY

Teams in the December Quarterfinals will compete in three days of group play for a chance to advance to the second stage of national events — the National League Semifinals.

At the National League Semifinals, teams that advance out of the December Quarterfinals will meet the teams that advance from the other two quarterfinal events, which primarily feature Elite 64 sides. With the best of the National League’s team-based and club-based divisions coming together, the semifinals will see teams compete for berths to the 2025 USYS National Championships, presented by New York Life.

The game schedule for December 2024 National League Quarterfinals will be posted around late October.

Click here for more info on National League event dates and locations.

KEN HARKENRIDER LEADS POSITIVE COACHING ALLIANCE WORKSHOP ON “LEADING YOUR ORGANIZATION 

The Indiana Soccer Association, as part of its member benefits, hosted the second leadership workshop in conjunction with its partnership with the POSITIVE COACHES ASSOCIATION.  Indiana Soccer Hall of Fame honoree, Ken Harkenrider, led a lively collaborative workshop, by giving insight into methods to assist Indiana Soccer member clubs in creating an action plan in shaping the culture of their organization and leadership team.  

“The workshop’s purpose is to help clubs increase opportunities to participate in a positive sports culture including athlete/coach retention and engagement,” stated Harkenrider. 

LEADING YOUR ORGANIZATION: Developing a Positive Coaching Culture 

Creating a positive, character-building youth or high school sports experience requires organizational leaders committed to creating and maintaining a Development Zone™ for developing “Better Athletes, Better People.” This workshop helps your leadership team do exactly that.  

One key outcome of the workshop is a written action plan for your leadership team, created with the guidance of the PCA Trainer (workshop facilitator), specific to your organization and the population it serves. Throughout the workshop, and reflected in this action plan, is an emphasis on PCA’s “Single-Goal” Leader model, in which shaping the culture of your organization is the primary task of your leadership team.  

Along the way, your team also should:  

  • Align around a common vision for your organizational culture  
  • Recognize strengths and growth opportunities that can contribute to or detract from achieving the group’s vision  
  • Identify tasks necessary to complete the vision and determine which leaders are responsible for completing those tasks. 

PCA workshops combine the latest in sports, educational psychology and organizational behavior with practical advice from a National Advisory Board of top pro and college athletes and coaches who use our principles at the highest levels of competition. 

For clubs interested in hosting a PCA workshop, contact John Koluder, johnk@soccerindiana.org  

INDIANA SOCCER & INDIANA ODP HOLD MULTIPLE EVENTS IN CONJUNCTION WITH CHELSEA F.C.

Thursday evening July 25 Echo Premier, Indiana ODP, and Chelsea FC held an IDP District Training Session followed up by a TOPSoccer Training Session. “So amazing! Having the Chelsea coaches there was a once-in-a-lifetime experience!” – Jane, youth player. 

“As a parent, it was awesome to see the Chelsea coaches embrace our local players and take the time to help improve their playing skills!”- Brittany, mom of youth player.

Parents Testimonials.

“So amazing! Having the Chelsea coaches there was a once-in-a-lifetime experience!” 
– Jane, youth player. 

“As a parent, it was awesome to see the Chelsea coaches embrace our local players and take the time to help improve their playing skills!”- Brittany, mom of youth player 

“Thank you for organizing such great events and wonderful practices! 

My daughter (Alice Zhang) and my son (Alan Zhang) attended Thursday’s practice” – Amy, mom of two youth players. 

Coaches & Player Testimonials

Chelsea FC followed up the Thursday night training with a Friday morning training session with the Elkhart HS Boys Soccer team.  

“These coaches were great. They really pushed us and wanted us to get better.” – Colin Krempec, Elkhart player. 

Friday night Indiana Soccer hosted a Coaching Education Session with the Chelsea FC Staff. Over 50 coaches from throughout Indiana, Illinois and Michigan listened to the coaches discuss academy set up, qualities of players and good stories about their individual experiences at Chelsea.  

“Having an Educational platform where we can bring in Academy Coaches from Chelsea FC who have worked with the likes of Lauren James, a current member of the England National team, as well as Current USWNT Coach Emma Hayes is a huge win for our membership,” stated Director of Coaching Education Steve Franklin. “Gaining insight as to youth developmental pathway to potentially playing for your country is massive. A rare opportunity and lessons that will stick with our coaches for a lifetime” 

“Todd, I want to thank you for this wonderful event. It was an amazing experience, and I learned a lot. I appreciate you and Steve setting it up and allowing us to come for free!” 

-Coach Shane Cloutier 


Chelsea vs Celtic Game Tickets & Third Through Fifth Grade Sessions

Saturday morning, Indiana Soccer and South Bend Schools held a session for third through fifth graders.  

Thank you once again for setting up that coaching clinic with Chelsea it was a very insightful experience plus the game after was enjoyable as well. – Coach Jonathan South Bend 

“We are so appreciative for all the support in organizing the coaching clinics and Coaching Ed. It was great meeting and engaging the participants, especially at such short notice, you have gone beyond to help.”- Chelsea FC Staff 

All participants who attended any of the events were given two free tickets to attend the Chelsea vs. Celtic match held on Saturday, July 27 at Notre Dame Stadium. 

It was a very fun and a good learning experience because you get to see it in a different prospective up close and get to learn from Professionals. You also can try to figure out what they did wrong so when you are playing you see a step ahead and try not to make the same mistake. For me as a keeper I can see what placement I need to be and when, so that helped me as well. But all in all, it is fun to watch Professionals play and learn from them. – Amber Wade, youth player 

A True Family Affair

ODP Director Todd Sheely with his sons Mayson and Brennan.    

The experience was amazing. Having a professional soccer team from a foreign country come to the United States is awesome. My brother and I had an amazing time up close watching the game. It was such a good experience and I’m glad I was able to experience it. – Brennan Sheely 

ODP Administrator, Georgi Emenhiser and her kids with some of the Chelsea FC Staff. 

We also went to the Chelsea FC camp which was so fun to watch and Matthew had a wonderful time, while there we were given free tickets to the game at ND that afternoon – We had a blast. What a great experience for my eight-year-old grandson to have, thank you so much. 
-Tina S grandma to youth player Michael. 


INDIANA DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM WRAPS UP DISTRICT TRAINING FOR OVER 500 PLAYERS

Indiana Development Program Just Wrapped Up Its Summer District Training Season. 

Over 500 players from across the state of Indiana attended and participated in the 2024 Indiana Development Program, (IDP) district training sessions. IDP staff offered training sessions across the state at the following cities, Indianapolis, Columbus, Auburn, Granger, Elkhart, Evansville, Lafayette, Fort Wayne, Avon, Jeffersonville, Plainfield, and Carmel.  

“As a parent I was impressed with how well run the summer district trainings were. Coaches really took an interest in seeing each player play to the best of their abilities!” ~Brittany 

“The coaching level at District Training is exceptional. They taught the kids drills they can practice at home to become better individual players. They also did small group work that will help them be better team players. My son and I are both excited to attend more  
trainings.” ~Heather 

“District Training provides players the opportunity to get additional training over the summer months. The District Training platform focuses on specific technical and tactical skills for players to develop and be better prepared for their fall season.” ~Coach Dave Beck

TOM BERGER IS THE NEWLY APPOINTED STATE YOUTH REFEREE ADMINISTRATOR (SYRA) 

Indiana Soccer is excited to announce the appointment of Tom Berger as the new State Youth Referee Administrator, (SYRA). Tom Berger began his Indiana youth soccer experience in 1991 when his oldest daughter started playing soccer. Tom continued to coach both of his girls for the next 5 years. In 1993, he became a grade 8 referee and worked his way to a grade 6 referee by 2007. Tom also became an assessor and instructor for USSF during this time. Tom upgraded both his initial assessor and instructor licenses to the state levels. With the changes in nomenclature at US (United States) Soccer, Tom transitioned his assessor and instructor licenses to referee coach.

Tom, in 1994, became a high school soccer referee for Indiana.  He has had the honor and privilege to work on numerous sectionals, regionals, semi-states, and state finals games and continues to referee high school games today. Tom served as a District Referee Administrator (DRA) for Indiana from 1997-2013. In 2013, Tom joined the United States Youth Soccer (USYS) Presidents Cup regional staff and continues to serve as a valuable member of this committee. From 2014 to the present, Tom holds the positions of Assistant Director of Instruction and Assistant Director of Assessment for the State of Kentucky. He looks forward to working with the Indiana referee, coaching and administrative communities to address the inherent challenges of the Indiana State Youth Referee Administrator (SYRA).   

“It is a privilege for me and the state of Indiana to have Tom Berger in the role of SYRA.  His experience as a referee and referee administrator, and passion for the overall soccer community,  makes Tom a perfect fit”. Stated Dave Guthrie, Executive Director of Indiana Soccer and board member of the Indiana Referee Association.   

INDIANA SOCCER HOSTS ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL US SOCCER NATIONAL C LICENSE COURSE AT GRAND PARK 

Grand Park, Westfield, Friday August 11th, 2024. Indiana Soccer successfully hosted another US Soccer National C License Course at Grand Park thanks to Steve Franklin, Director of Coaching Education for facilitating the course.  

The course was well attended with 33 student coaches in attendance. The course was facilitated by Steve Franklin, Indiana Soccer Director of Coaching Education with assistance from Bill Glaze and Bill Furjanic as Coach Educators.  

Learning objectives of the course included: 

  • Create a positive and safe environment that encourages respect, inclusivity and belonging  
  • Plan and design two training sessions within a one-week cycle  
  • Implement activities and facilitate player learning  
  • Prepare an age-appropriate game plan aligned to the training week objectives  
  • Observe and describe player and team behavior during the game 

“The experience was monumental in terms of the collaboration with peers and coach educators, as well as the opportunity to conduct training sessions with area teams; capture video/audio recordings; and then analyze and reflect on their experiences,” replied Franklin. “The environment we could provide here in Westfield was top outstanding.” 

The Indiana Soccer Association is committed to providing all coaches, from beginner to advanced, with education tailored to their experiences and the needs of their players. The Coaching License Pathway consists of a series of courses designed to meet the specific needs of a coach at every step of the way. U.S. Soccer believes education is a journey, and our goal is to provide the necessary tools, guidance, and mentorship a coach requires along the way. 

To learn more about upcoming US Soccer License Courses, please follow this link: https://www.soccerindiana.org/courses-schedule/  

EIGHTEEN USYS ALUMNAE FUEL SOCCER GOLD MEDAL WIN AT PARIS OLYMPICS 

PARIS (Aug. 10, 2024) – The United States Women’s National Team added to its record number of soccer gold medals Saturday afternoon in Paris, earning its fifth in Olympic Games history with a 1-0 win over Brazil at the famed Parc des Princes. The victory marked the third time (2004 and 2008) the Stars and Stripes have beaten the Seleção in a gold medal match. 

Two US Youth Soccer Olympic Development Program (ODP) alumnae – Korbin Albert and Mallory Swanson — combined to break the deadlock in the 57th minute, with Swanson’s fourth goal of the Olympics being her most important. Albert split the Brazilian defense with a pass that found Swanson and put her through on goal, with a clinical finish slotted in the far corner being the contest’s lone score. 

The United States’ roster of 18 featured USYS heavily, with 17 of the players – including Albert and Swanson – as well as head coach Emma Hayes, having ties to the largest youth sport organization in the country. 

US Youth Soccer Alumnae 

  • Casey Murphy – Olympic Development Program and National Championship Series 
  • Alyssa Naeher – Olympic Development Program 
  • Emily Fox – National League and Olympic Development Program 
  • Naomi Girma – Olympic Development Program 
  • Casey Krueger – Olympic Development Program 
  • Jenna Nighswonger – Olympic Development Program 
  • Emily Sonnett – National League and Olympic Development Program 
  • Korbin Albert – Olympic Development Program 
  • Sam Coffey – Olympic Development Program 
  • Lindsey Horan – Olympic Development Program 
  • Rose Lavelle – National League and Olympic Development Program 
  • Crystal Dunn – Olympic Development Program 
  • Trinity Rodman – National Championship Series 
  • Sophia Smith – Olympic Development Program 
  • Mallory Swanson – Olympic Development Program 
  • Jaedyn Shaw – National Championship Series 
  • Lynn Williams – National Championship Series 

Throughout its triumphant six-game run in Paris, the United States’ balanced roster – led by former regional USYS ODP coach Hayes – stood out on the world stage. Its defense, anchored by Olympic Development Program alumnae Naeher, Dunn, Girma, and Fox, earned four clean sheets, including one during every stage of the knockout rounds. With an impenetrable backline behind them, the United States’ front three of Rodman, Smith, and Swanson put the finishing touches on each opponent, with the US Youth Soccer alumnae combining for 10 goals during the event. 

For Dunn, Naeher and Horan, the Paris Olympics marked their third time representing the Stars and Stripes at the Olympic Games after previously competing in Rio and Tokyo. Horan is the current team captain. 

– 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. 

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US Youth Soccer Selects Indiana Referee Erin Paterson To A Select Group of Referees That Will Travel To England

FRISCO, Texas (Feb. 13, 2024) – For the first time, US Youth Soccer (USYS) will bring a select group of referees on an international trip to England.

Sixteen officials, selected across all four regions of the country, will head overseas from March 1-9 alongside the Olympic Development Program’s Regional Select Teams for a one-of-a-kind opportunity in London. The following referees were chosen based on long-term officiating service and dedication provided to US Youth Soccer.

  • Lauren Aldrich (Louisiana)
  • Evan BarneR (Michigan)
  • Sean Conlee (Virginia)
  • Jordan Downs (Utah)
  • Marie Durr (Maryland)
  • Donovan Eubank (Tennessee)
  • Miklos Hendricks (Ohio)
  • Jake Joyce (Florida)
  • Albert Kyei-Mensah (Arkansas)
  • Patricia McCracken (Colorado)
  • Erin Paterson (Indiana)
  • Shevah Rezaee (Georgia)
  • Emily Rosenkranz (Arizona)
  • Laszlo Sandler (Eastern New York)
  • Anthony Sobolevsky (Kansas)
  • Bowen Taylor (Colorado)

WorldStrides, the nation’s largest educational travel company, curated the referee-laden group’s itinerary to amplify the experience for those traveling abroad. Throughout the trip, the officials will explore the historic city of London, observe professional training sessions, attend professional soccer matches, and have a guided visit to Stamford Bridge, home of the storied Chelsea Football Club.

“I could not be more excited to help facilitate this upcoming trip for these 16 aspiring officials,” said Daniel Radford, USYS Senior Manager of Referees. “When I was in their shoes, I was one of the lucky ones who was able to go abroad with a youth national team for this kind of experience. Two decades later — on behalf of US Youth Soccer — I’m honored to be able to bring this back full circle.”

In addition to Radford, USYS’ National Referee Administrator, Ryan Cigich and Director of Competition & Event Operations Chris Webb are largely responsible for the trip’s programming.

“It is really exciting to see the work being done at US Youth Soccer,” said Dan Meeson, the English Football Association’s Head of Refereeing. “The English FA is delighted to welcome the group here. We are hopeful that the games, development opportunities, and experiences planned will serve the officials well in the future as they continue to progress.”

-USYS-

About the United States Youth Soccer Association (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 nearly 1 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, offering programs that provide a fun, safe and healthy environment for players at every level of the game.