State Associations helped shape the decision, and will play and even larger role in creating new opportunities to strengthen soccer in communities across the country. Learn More
Today, Missouri Youth Soccer Association (MYSA) joined State Associations across the country in supporting a historic step to make US Youth Soccer (USYS) part of U.S. Soccer, bringing the organizations closer together to invest more in local soccer and create better experiences for players and families. creating greater alignment across the game and new opportunities to strengthen soccer locally.
USYS State Associations voted to approve the change during their Annual General Meeting, which will begin a two-year integration process on September 1. The decision brings USYS’s decades of experience and reach across youth soccer closer together with U.S. Soccer’s resources and national scale.
“This is an important step forward for youth soccer, both nationally and here in Missouri,” said Nik Bushell, Executive Director of Missouri Youth Soccer Association. “By creating greater alignment between US Youth Soccer, State Associations and U.S. Soccer, we have an opportunity to strengthen the support and resources available to our clubs, leagues, coaches, referees and families. Missouri has a strong soccer community, and we look forward to helping shape this next chapter while continuing to create opportunities for players at every level of the game.”
What This Means for Soccer in Missouri:
The integration begins a two-year process in which State Associations will work closely with U.S. Soccer and USYS to help shape the future of soccer in communities around the country.
The goal is to create a stronger and more connected soccer system that can:
- Bring more resources and investment to soccer locally.
- Strengthen State Associations and their ability to support and grow the game in their communities.
- Create more opportunities for people to play and stay in the game.
- Better support clubs, leagues, coaches and referees serving players every day.
- Make soccer easier for families to understand and navigate.
- Connect local communities more directly to U.S. Soccer and the resources, expertise and opportunities available nationally.
The integration is part of U.S. Soccer’s broader Pathways Strategy, which brings together members and stakeholders from across American soccer to create a more connected future for the game. For MYSA, that future starts locally building on the work already happening in our communities and creating the support, investment and opportunities to help soccer reach even more people across Missouri.
About U.S. Soccer
Founded in 1913, U.S. Soccer is the national governing body for soccer in the United States and a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. In service to soccer, U.S. Soccer works to grow the game at every level, from local communities to the world stage. The Federation oversees 27 National Teams, supports players, coaches, referees, and member organizations nationwide, and is committed to expanding access to the sport, strengthening pathways, and creating better environments for every participant. Through initiatives such as Soccer Forward, the U.S. Way, and the Arthur M. Blank U.S. Soccer National Training Center, U.S. Soccer is building the foundation for long-term success on and off the field. The Federation’s ambition is to help make soccer a leading sport in the United States and to build teams capable of consistently competing for and winning major international championships, including FIFA World Cups. For more information, visit ussoccer.com/ourvision.
About USYS
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 2.7 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.
