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Welcome to SAY News!
The January 2026 issue includes a Member of the Month Spotlight with Kris Gager and NEPSAY, as well as a recap of the 2026 United Soccer Coaches Convention in Philadelphia, PA. It also includes information on 2026 compliance procedures, AGM sign-up reminders, information about a new and ongoing partnership with Challenger Teamwear, and much more!!
Questions regarding contents in this newsletter?
Reach out to Ally Ferguson (Membership & Communications Manager) aferguson@saysoccer.org.
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MEMBER OF THE MONTH SPOTLIGHT:
Kris Gager and North East Pennsylvania Soccer Association for Youth (NEPSAY)
This month we are highlighting Kris Gager, Area President of the North East Pennsylvania Soccer Association for Youth (NEPSAY).
With nearly seven years as NEPSAY President, Kris's journey in youth soccer has truly come full circle. Her involvement began long before leadership roles, growing up alongside the early days of what is now the Wallenpaupack Soccer Club. After moving from Long Island to Pennsylvania at age eight, she witnessed firsthand the dedication it takes to build a soccer program from the ground up - helping line fields, assemble wooden goals, and volunteer wherever needed. That early exposure shaped a lifelong commitment to the game, from playing recreational, travel, and high school soccer to competing at the Division I level at Northeastern University. Along the way, she spent 14 years coaching in the North Pocono Youth Soccer League and eventually became its president in 2015, all while keeping soccer a family affair by coaching her own four children.
Being part of SAY has played an important role in supporting that work. SAY has consistently provided guidance during unique situations, offering reassurance and expertise when it mattered most. Educational opportunities have also been a major benefit, including coaches clinics held in Northeast Pennsylvania by SAY education directors over the years. These clinics helped both new and experienced coaches continue to grow, reinforcing SAY’s commitment to development at every level of the game.
Recently, Kris and other leaders from NEPSAY attended the United Soccer Coaches Convention in Philadelphia, PA. along with the SAY National Staff. The SAY National staff traveled to Philadelphia to meet with partners, network with industry leaders, and meet with local members. SAY National Staff and the NEPSAY leadership had an informative meeting on Saturday morning, discussing the benefits of SAY membership and the future of the organization. On the previous evening, Friday, the SAY National Office hosted a social for all the partners and members of SAY in attendance. It was a fun evening full of connection and camaraderie. For Kris, the SAY social stood out as a meaningful opportunity to connect face-to-face with SAY soccer staff and fellow members, putting names to faces and building new relationships. Exploring the exhibit hall was another memorable experience, offering fresh ideas and resources to bring back to local programs.
At its core, SAY’s support of grassroots soccer is about encouragement, flexibility, and shared learning. Each NEPSAY club operates a little differently, and SAY empowers leagues to try new ideas, share strategies, and find what works best for their communities. Whether it’s running a camp, launching an adult league, or managing a U6 program with more than 140 kids, SAY provides the freedom to grow the game. When children return year after year excited to play, it’s a clear sign that those efforts, and the grassroots mission, are working.
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Left: The SAY National Staff gets a chance to pose with Swoop in Philadelphia at the United Soccer Coaches Convention
Top Right: Kris Gager and her daughter pose for a photo in North Pocono Soccer League
Bottom Right: Pictured here is Kris Gager (far right) and friends in NEPSAY discussing coaching tactics
| | 2026 Membership Compliance Reminders | |
We kindly ask that ALL members please take a few minutes as we kick off 2026 to please review their SAY compliance checklist.
As a reminder, SAY uses a self-reporting model for registration and player fees. This model allows SAY's members to have flexibility in how and when leagues are run, and what works best for the community they serve. Because of the structure of self-reporting, it is important to take a minute to double-check that your league registered and/or reconciled for ALL seasons and participants in 2025.
If you need to submit a registration for any 2025 season, please do so using the form link below.
Any questions on this process can be directed to Ally Ferguson, Member Services Manager:
aferguson@saysoccer.org
| |  | SAY Annual General Meeting 2026 - Registration Now Open! | |
Shape the future of SAY Soccer! Join us for the 2026 SAY Annual General Meeting to vote on important rule changes, elect new leadership, and define the path forward for the organization.
This year's AGM will be held July 31 - August 1, 2026 in Miamisburg, Ohio.
For registration, a schedule of events, hotel room reservations, and more, visit our AGM website!
We look forward to seeing you this summer!
| | | | | SAY Membership Spotlight Form Open! | |
We want to celebrate YOU — the people, programs, and stories that make SAY Soccer so special!
From standout volunteers and milestone moments to innovative programs that grow the game — we’d love to hear what’s happening in your SAY community.
Share your photos, videos, and stories using the link below, and you might be featured next!
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| | | In Case You Missed It... New Partnership Announcement! | |
Soccer Association for Youth, USA (SAY Soccer) is proud to announce a new national partnership with Challenger Teamwear, a leading provider of high-quality soccer uniforms and gear. This collaboration will introduce an expanded Uniform Program and an all-new SAY Online Store, giving member programs, coaches, players, and families access to world class service and products.
Under the new agreement, Challenger Teamwear will become the Official Uniform Partner of SAY Soccer, supplying uniform packages that emphasize comfort, performance, and value. SAY member leagues will have access to streamlined ordering, consistent product availability, and customizable options that simplify the uniform process for volunteers and administrators.
In addition, the partnership names Challenger Teamwear as the Official SAY Soccer Store Partner, launching an online retail platform which offers SAY members direct access to top quality soccer equipment and accessories. The store will feature seasonal drops, recreational-friendly items, and the ability for members to host their own store to rep their own spirit wear and soccer gear.
For immediate store orders or inquiries, please reach out to:
Tyral Hicken
Director of Operations
Challenger Teamwear
585-645-5538
tyhicken@challengerteamwear.com
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| | | Tom Allen Stevens Award Nominations Are OPEN! | |
As Spring soccer kicks off across most of our members and leagues, now is a perfect time to take a moment and nominate someone within your organization that has gone above & beyond to propel youth soccer forward. This could be anyone from a volunteer coach, to a referee, to a board member or administrator.
Think about the people in your SAY community who dedicate their time and talents to make your program special or successful - and then submit a nomination for them! Award winners are chosen by committee, and then recognized at our Annual General Meeting each year.
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| | | VEO Wants To Hear From You! | |
Win a free Veo Cam or Veo Go!
Our partner Veo is currently running a short survey to better understand what coaches, teams, and organisations think about Veo - and how the platform can continue to improve.
By sharing your insights, you help shape the future of Veo and contribute to better features and updates for the sports community.
As a thank-you for participating, you’ll automatically enter a giveaway where you can win:
• 1st prize: a Veo Cam
• 2nd prize: a Veo Go
The survey only takes a few minutes to complete, and your input truly makes a difference.
Entry ends February 22nd.
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| | | Join the Project Play Champions Program! | |
Applications for Project Play Champions powered by Nickelodeon Our World are now open!
The Champions recognition is available to schools, community-based organizations, and parks and recreation agencies that share our vision for a youth-centered sports ecosystem. Selected Champions will each receive a $1,000 honorarium to support their efforts in transforming youth sports.
Project Play Champions is generously funded by Nickelodeon Our World, a global initiative aimed at inspiring youth and empowering them with tools to activate their individual and collective agency.
Interested in becoming a Champion?
Applicants must propose a new and meaningful action that has launched after May 2025 or is launching before December 2026 that aligns with at least one of Project Play's frameworks from its Youth Sports 8 Plays or School Sports 8 Plays. These innovative actions should expand or improve program offerings for youth and reflect the mission and values of the applying school or organization.
All applicants will be required share how their program exemplifies the Children Bill of Rights in Sports in their application.
Areas of action may include:
- Elevating youth voice
- Creating innovative partnerships
- Committing to quality coaching
- Exposing youth to new sports
- Increasing opportunities for underrepresented youth
Applications are open through March 11!
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| ... and before you go, don't forget to follow us on our social media accounts! | | | | |
