FYSA Cups Now Open to All U.S. Soccer-Affiliated Teams

Auburndale, FL – Florida Youth Soccer Association (FYSA) is proud to announce a major milestone in our statewide Cup competition structure. Florida-based teams from any U.S. Soccer-affiliated organization, regardless of their league or governing body, are welcome to compete at the appropriate level.

In a shift from previous years, players and coaches competing in U.S.-Soccer affiliated competitions outside of FYSA no longer need to register players with FYSA to participate in any of the three premier Cup competitions. Aside from FYSA (USYS) membership, registrations from U.S. Soccer affiliates such as US Club Soccer, USSSA, SAY, AYSO, MLSNext, Girls Academy & Aspire, and USL Youth Academy will be accepted. This open-access model expands opportunity, enhances competitive diversity, and reinforces FYSA’s commitment to high-quality youth soccer pathways.

An Aligned Vision for Florida’s Youth Soccer Landscape

This represents a significant modernization in FYSA’s competitive structure, ensuring that talented players and ambitious teams across the state have the opportunity to compete on Florida’s biggest stages without adding barriers.

“This is an important milestone for youth soccer in Florida, ” said Ryan Foley, FYSA Executive Director. “By opening our Cup competitions, we are paving the way for a more connected and player-centered future. Florida can operate as one aligned landscape, and FYSA is committed to leading that alignment.”

About the FYSA Cups

FYSA hosts three championship levels as part of the expanded Cups:

Players, coaches, and teams may enter for the appropriate level of competition so long as they meet the respective tournament eligibility rules and risk-management requirements. Proof of membership and good-standing with a US Soccer affiliate member will be requested.

Additional Information

Tournament dates, application details, eligibility guidelines, and bracket structures are available on the FYSA website:

• Click here for information about State Cup.
• Click here for information about Presidents Cup
• Click here for information about Commissioners Cup.

For questions, please contact communications@fysa.com.

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To all of our FYSA families, coaches, and players,

As Hurricane Helene approaches our west coast and the panhandle, we want to remind everyone that your safety is our utmost concern.

Please follow all local emergency guidelines and updates closely. We encourage you to check on family, friends, and neighbors, especially those who may need extra assistance during this time.

We understand how difficult and uncertain these moments can feel, but remember that your FYSA community is here with you. Stay strong, care for each other.

Please stay safe, and we look forward to seeing you soon.

Warm regards,
Florida Youth Soccer Association

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Soccer Resilience and Florida Youth Soccer Association Announce Groundbreaking Partnership to Elevate Mental Training in Soccer

Florida, August 22, 2024 — Florida Youth Soccer Association (FYSA) is excited to announce its new partnership with Soccer Resilience, becoming the first state association to invest in and provide Soccer Resilience’s mental training resources to its members.

In this innovative move, FYSA will subsidize Soccer Resilience’s online courses for its members, aiming to make crucial mental training accessible to a wider audience. The goal is to build and strengthen players’ mental health and performance both on and off the field.

Key Highlights of the Partnership:

• Unprecedented Investment: FYSA is the first state association to invest in Soccer Resilience’s mental training programs, reflecting their commitment to the mental well-being of their entire membership.
• Subsidized Access: FYSA will help cover the cost of Soccer Resilience’s online courses, making them more affordable for members.
• Focus on Mental Health: The collaboration aims to enhance mental health and performance by providing players with tools to manage stress, overcome challenges, and excel in their sport.
• True Role Models: Soccer Resilience’s courses feature ambassadors from MLS, NWSL, and USL—professional players who have worked on their own mental health. This offers genuine role models in a world where social media often shows misleading images.
• Innovative Learning: The courses consist of short, bite-sized videos delivered by Soccer Resilience’s pro ambassadors and clinical psychologist Brad Miller, Psy.D. These are complemented by a Playbook designed to integrate mental fitness exercises into daily routines.
• Evidence-Based Training: Soccer Resilience’s curriculum is grounded in evidence-based mental health and sport psychology strategies, ensuring that players receive highly effective tools for resilience and performance.
• Accessible and Practical: Courses are designed for coaches, players, and parents, with a curriculum that fits into as little as 10 minutes per week, making it easy to incorporate mental training into busy schedules.

The Soccer Resilience Mental Fitness Courses are meticulously crafted for players of all levels, focusing on enhancing mental resilience, mastering pressure situations, and fostering a success-oriented mindset. Designed by a clinical psychologist with input from top soccer professionals, these courses offer valuable strategies for self-belief, focus under pressure, and increased enjoyment of the game.

Quotes from Leadership:

“Partnering with FYSA is a monumental step in our mission to provide top-notch mental fitness resources to soccer players. We are excited to work alongside FYSA to promote a culture of resilience and well-being within youth soccer,” said Dr. Brad Miller, Founder of Soccer Resilience.

“FYSA is committed to the comprehensive development of our athletes. By integrating Soccer Resilience’s mental training programs, we are reinforcing our dedication to the mental health and overall success of our players,” stated Daragh Cullen, President, Florida Youth Soccer Association.

This partnership is set to make a significant impact, providing young athletes with essential skills to succeed on and off the field. Soccer Resilience and FYSA look forward to a successful collaboration and the benefits it will bring to the soccer community.

About Soccer Resilience: Soccer Resilience offers innovative mental fitness courses designed by a clinical psychologist and MLS, NWSL, and USL professionals. The courses are tailored for players, coaches, and parents, focusing on resilience, mental well-being, and performance enhancement.

About Florida Youth Soccer Association (FYSA): Florida Youth Soccer Association (FYSA) is dedicated to promoting the growth and development of soccer in Florida. FYSA provides resources, support, and opportunities for players, coaches, and parents to advance the sport and foster a positive soccer experience.

FYSA Members – Stay tuned for a follow-up email next week with instructions on how to get started.

For more information about the online courses, please click the button below.

Media Contact:
Soccer Resilience
info@soccerresilience.com 

Chris Waugh
Director of Programs and Partnerships
Florida Youth Soccer Association
cwaugh@fysa.com 

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Orlando Pride & FYSA have teamed up to offer up to two (2) complimentary tickets to the Orlando Pride match on September 28th vs. Houston Dash! Tickets are courtesy and paid for by Hector Ledesma and Mary Teruya.

By claiming tickets and attending the match, you will receive a special offer for the Pride match on 10/6.

ALL TICKETS ARE GENERAL ADMISSION IN SECTIONS 131-137

Through this exclusive offer you will receive up to two (2) complimentary tickets. Additional tickets may be purchased at $10 per ticket

Complimentary Ticket Redemption Instructions:

1. Select the number of seats you need and add them to the cart

2. Check Out

3. Tickets will automatically be loaded into your Account Manager. The Account Manager link can be found here.

If you have any questions, please reach out to grouptix@orlandocitysc.com.

Venue

Orlando Pride
Inter&Co Stadium
655 W Church St
Orlando, FL, 32805, US

57 Florida Soccer Players Selected for Olympic Development Program Region Teams

In a significant achievement for youth soccer in the state, 57 talented players from Florida have been selected to join the Olympic Development Program (ODP) Region Teams. These players, representing various age groups, have demonstrated exceptional skills and dedication, earning them a spot on one of the most prestigious youth soccer platforms in the country.

ODP is designed to identify and develop the best soccer talent in the United States, offering players the opportunity to train and compete at a higher level. Making it to the Region Teams is a major milestone for these young athletes, as it places them on the radar of scouts and college recruiters.

The selection process was highly competitive, with hundreds of players from across the state vying for a limited number of spots. The chosen 57 players stood out for their technical abilities, tactical understanding, and overall potential to excel in the sport.

Below is the list of the selected players, along with their respective age groups:

2007 Boys
Matthew Wright
Julian Walby
William Kourakis
Alfredo Adrian Chan
Kaden Barela

2007 Girls
Morgan Weaver

2008 Boys
Tristan Fredrickson
Logan Tsopanoglou
Ian Stinnett
Raul Parnell
Carter Byrom
Derick Andrade

2009 Boys
Ryker Daily
Ethan Underwood
Kai Jonason
Landon Rhymer

2009 Girls
Anyah Ricketts
Carmen Trickey
Taylor Heaton
Fiona Foster
Camile Adame
Brooke Shefsky
Vivien Muchuruza
Brianna Burkhalter

2010 Boys
Marko Menjivar
Cooper Ball
Mason Ross
Lennox Alvarado
Ariel Pineda

2010 Girls
Kylie Ekra
Aziza Symmonds
Zoriah Jones

2011 Older Boys
Chase Cobb
Zyiden Hichri
Jackson Maxwell

2011 Older Girls
Soren Rogers
Blake Rabin
Fiona Mcmenemy-Hoang
Auribella Bergstrom
Emily Ortega
Ava Strauss

2011 Younger Boys
John Specnce
Geronimo Sola
Asher Lopez

2011 Younger Girls
Iara D’amore-Troupe
Kennedy Bethel

2012 Older Boys
Micah Reynolds

2012 Older Girls
Zara Graham
Margaret Alderman
Karis Edwards
Bella Kelley

2012 Younger Boys
Jason Mitchell
Jackson Brewer

2012 Younger Girls
Aubrey Shoaf-Levasseur
Malina Bunwat
Kylie Ecker
Alya Symmonds

The Florida youth soccer community is proud of these players’ achievements and looks forward to seeing their continued development and success on their ODP Region teams.

FYSA’s 50th AGM Rundown

Florida Youth Soccer Association (FYSA) held its momentous 50th Annual General Meeting (AGM) August 2-4, 2024, at the JW Marriott in Grande Lakes, Orlando. The weekend was filled with inspiration, recognition, and celebration, marking five decades of dedication to the growth and development of youth soccer in Florida.

Cullen’s leadership is expected to guide FYSA through its next phase of growth, continuing the association’s commitment to fostering a positive environment for youth soccer in Florida.

In addition to Cullen, the Board of Directors includes: 

Secretary: Becky McLaren
Treasurer: Justin Goldman**
VP Admin & Communication: Mike Hyatt**
VP Competition: Olaf Henke
Registrar: Alice Smith
VP of Region A: Marino Torrens
Region A Commissioner – North: Russell Walker**
Region A Commissioner – South: Lance Lass
VP of Region B: Justin Lauer*
Region B Commissioner – North: Hugo Arce
Region B Commissioner – South: Moncef Hadiji
VP of Region C: David DiTillio
Region C Commissioner – North: Mike Callaway*
Region C Commissioner – South: Ed Kinsey
VP of Region D: Louis Richard**
Region D Commissioner – East: Melissa Alfrod**

*Indicates members elected at the 2024 AGM
**Indicates members re-elected at the 2024 AGM

This new leadership team brings a wealth of experience and a shared vision for the future of youth soccer in the state, promising to build on FYSA’s strong foundation and further its mission to serve its members.

To view the gallery from this event please click the button below

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The Florida Olympic Development Program (FL ODP) and the Georgia Olympic Development Program (GA ODP) hosted a highly successful soccer event, showcasing exceptional talent and fostering a spirit of competition and camaraderie with player development at the center of it all.

The event, held at ChampionsGate Sports Complex, from Saturday, February 17 to Sunday, February 18, brought together soccer players from across Georgia and Florida, creating an electrifying atmosphere filled with skillful displays, strategic gameplay, and remarkable sportsmanship. These players have been selected for the invite-only event to continue to display their talents before the ODP State Team Selections that will take place at the end of April 2024.

The primary goal of the event was to provide a platform for player evaluation and development. Coaches from Florida ODP and Georgia ODP conducted thorough assessments, offering valuable feedback to participants to aid in their growth at the time of the event.

“It is always great that we can host an event with our friends at Georgia ODP!” 

– Mike Strickler, Director of Coaching & Player Development (Florida Youth Soccer Association)

**23/24 ODP Information can be found here!**

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Congratulations to the following clubs for receiving TOPsoccer grants from USYS!
GSA
Florida Celtic
United Soccer Alliance
Cape Coral Soccer Academy
FC Sarasota

About the TOPsoccer Program;
US Youth Soccer TOPSoccer (The Outreach Program for Soccer) is a community-based training and team placement program for young athletes with disabilities, organized by youth soccer association volunteers. The program is designed to bring the opportunity of learning and playing soccer to any boy or girl, who has a mental or physical disability. The goal of the program is to enable the thousands of young athletes with disabilities to become valued and successful members of the US Youth Soccer family.

For more information, CLICK HER.

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The Florida Youth Soccer Association (FYSA) is excited to announce a new partnership with Who We Play For. 

Who We Play For (WWPF) is a FL based 501(c)3 nonprofit organization founded by former FYSA players in memory of their teammate, Rafe Maccarone, who collapsed at soccer practice and died of Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA). Over a decade later, by bringing together the national/ international medical experts, WWPF has become the largest heart screening nonprofit in the United States, educating millions on SCA. WWPF has also donated millions of dollars to 500+ schools and athletic programs across Florida and the country. To date, WWPF has currently helped the first 9 school districts in Florida to require ECGs for high school athletes (representing 30% of high school sports in FL).  

SCA Facts: 

• Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is the leading cause of death for student-athletes. 
• The first symptom for ~ 80% of student-athletes is SCA.  
• 1 in 300 youth have a potentially life-threatening, detectible heart condition.  
• Electrocardiogram (ECG) heart screening is the standard of care for all professional, Olympic, and collegiate athletes because it’s significantly more effective at catching underlying heart conditions.  

Thanks to funding and partnership from the Florida Legislature and NASCAR, Who We Play For (WWPF) wants to bring free ECG heart screenings to ALL soccer players in the FYSA who are 10 years old and up.   

We are prepared to donate up to $1,000,000 in ECG heart screenings to screen 50,000 kids over the next year on a first come first serve basis.  

The purpose of the funds from the Florida Legislature and NASCAR is to help start heart screening programs across our state. The program will be funded for your club this season. The typical cost is $20 per participant. In the future, if we are not awarded funding from the state in subsequent years, we hope this will be something your club will consider continuing. WWPF does NOT go through insurance, as going through insurance for this kind of testing is illegal. 

How does it work? 

• We work with the club to schedule days to come out to your club and provide non-invasive 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) heart screening to your teams, taking approximately 5 minutes per player. (Here is a quick video demonstrating our seamless screening process) 
• Each ECG is interpreted by a pediatric cardiologist volunteering with our nonprofit, and the results are delivered via email and text message back to the families within 3-7 business days. 
• Example scenario: We come to your club during a few days of practice. We provide supporting material for the club to help promote. Families can reserve a 10-minute window to be screened and consent online. We can set up anywhere the club has space, like a concession stand/ conference room/ etc.  

It’s been an epic year for the mission of Who We Play For, from being featured on Good Morning America to partnering with the MLS, NFL, Damar Hamlin, and all major sports leagues for WWPF’s national bill called the Access to AEDs Act.  Here’s a story on Mr. Maccarone, our teammate Rafe’s dad, winning the NASCAR Humanitarian of the Year and a video NASCAR created about our story. We are honored to be working with WWPF this historic year for saving lives and for every kid who never had the opportunity.  

If you are interested in working with WWPF please email heartscreening@whoweplayfor.org to be contacted by a WWPF team member to take the next steps and choose dates for your club to have your players screened.