THE LATEST FROM WYOMING SOCCER | | |
WYOMING SOCCER STATE GUEST PLAYER POOL | |
Each year Wyoming Soccer Association fields questions regarding the makeup of 15U+ Teams around the state. The answer is always very difficult, as we do not know what it will look like until the teams are formed - which makes it very difficult for clubs to know exactly how to form their older teams. It's the classic case of "Which Came First?"...
To help resolve this issue, we have created a registration link that will be managed by the state. It is a free registration for players aged 13U+ who are interested in guest playing opportunities at the 15U+ age level. Players at the 13U & 14U age must fill out a waiver if they desire to play on a team that is more than two years older than their true age.
Players must be registered with a WSA affiliated club, and all players will have to agree to abide by WSA's guest player policy, which states that if a player’s primary team is playing in a sanctioned game, tournament, or league matches during the same time as the team requesting them as a guest player, they are bound to represent their primary team/club. Players must also agree to abide by club guest playing policies and procedures for both their primary club and the club for which they plan to guest play.
The state will manage the pool of players registered and clubs and/or coaches may reach out to us via email at wssa@wyomingsoccer.com to express the need for guest players if your roster comes up short. We will send a message to the players in the pool making them aware of the opportunity. We will inform the home club if one of their players has expressed interest and ensure it is approved by the primary club/coach prior to facilitating contact between the club and the player.
The intention is twofold:
1) Decrease the need for teams who are primarily made up of 13U/14U players to play up due to one or two older players on the team. The older players can now register as guest players and enjoy opportunities playing around the state.
2) Assist clubs who have enough players to form 15U+ teams, but may, at times, lack enough players to fill a roster for events.
We hope this helps to build more 15U+ teams around the state and create transparency between clubs and the state regarding guest play.
| On a case by case basis, approval may be given for youth players to directly register with Wyoming Soccer Association. This registration fee is $150 and will be for GUEST PLAYER status only. Registration directly with Wyoming Soccer will require verification from the player’s home club, which will consist of no less than an email from the player’s home club president stating the reason(s) the player cannot register directly with their home club. | | |
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CATCH THE LATEST FROM OUR NEWEST PARTNER, THE SOCCER PARENTING ASSOCIATION
| Listen to a fantastic webinar about the nuances of coaching your own child, with Rob Holliday (Massachusetts Youth Soccer) and Stuart Singer (Well Performance Coaching) as panelists. Rob and Stuart really were MAGIC – with loads of thoughtful, actionable advice for coaches. The questions from those listening live were excellent, and they covered a lot of ground in the hour long webinar. | |
Check out a recently published article by Melissa Pierson, Chief of Staff at Soccer Parenting, about her evolution as a soccer parent and the role Soccer Parenting has played in the way she shows up for her children. Navigating a Changing Game: My Soccer Parenting Reality Check is a compelling narrative about the importance of seeking guidance and aligns well around the Soccer Parenting Belief Statement: We believe when parents seeking information about how to support their soccer playing child, that great things will happen. | |
We know many of you are in “back to school” mode, and we wish you all the best with that transition. If you are a coach, we invite you to attend a webinar hosted by Soccer Parenting Association founder, Skye Eddy which is happening today at 11:30 a.m. with Soccer Coach Weekly. They will be talking about managing sideline behavior and parent engagement best practices for a successful season. | |
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WYOMING 307 SELECT
Our Wyoming 307 Select teams are on pause for the Fall season, but most of them recently attended the Rapids Classic in Colorado and they all competed VERY WELL, with several taking the championships and others coming in as finalists!
Wyoming Soccer Association is actively seeking a state sponsor for our state programs. If you are aware of a business or organization who would like statewide exposure to families and young athletes, we would like to visit with them! Please contact our Sponsorship Committee Chair, Andrew Apfelberg, if you or anyone you know would be interested in this amazing opportunity.
To find out more about our Wyoming 307 Select program please check out the Wyoming 307 Select page on our website.
Our Wyoming 307 Select Coaches are constantly scouting for players at our events across the state. If you want your player to be evaluated at an upcoming event, please let us know! Registration in the Tryouts will be required through December 31st in order to enroll in the program if invited.
Selections for Wyoming ODP will be made later this Fall and will be pulled from our Wyoming 307 Select Player Pools for players aged 12U - 17U.
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WYOMING SOCCER PARTNERS WITH GLOBAL COMPANY
You go. You save. They give.
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Wyoming Soccer Association has partnered directly with Go & Give, a philanthropic global company that believes travel can be a transformative experience that not only enriches our lives, but also has the power to create positive change in the world. Go & Give has committed to giving back a portion of proceeds to non-profits, including Wyoming Soccer and our local clubs.
Book your next adventure with Go & Give and join us in our mission to create a better world through travel. Watch the below video to see exactly how it works!
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You can access all club codes below so you can be sure your next trip benefits your local soccer club! You go. You save. They give!! | |
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BE PREPARED FOR THE ACT/SAT TESTS
We are here to help through the eKnowledge PowerPrep10
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Wyoming Soccer Association's partner, eKnowledge, has boosted their programming to assist our high school aged soccer players across the state in gaining some amazing ACT and SAT test prep for a deal almost too good to be true.
The PowerPrep10 Beta Program is a course that is intuitive, student-driven, comprehensive, multi-media, content rich and focused precisely on your student's needs with instant access to a LIVE teacher!
The value of this is $350, but as a member of Wyoming Soccer Association you can get in for as low as $19.99 and can receive EVERYTHING for only $49.99 - a $1500 value!
Registration deadline to register for the next available ACT Test of 2024 (October 26, 2024) is September 20, 2024.
The deadline to register for the next available SAT Test of 2024 (October 5, 2024) is September 20, 2024.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE POWERPREP 10... and ensure your student is ready!
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WYOMING AGM 2025 ON THE BOOKS
We are Bringing Back One of Our Favorites!
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If you were one of the lucky ones to be in attendance at our 2018 AGM & Workshops, you probably already know who "one of our favorites" is!
If you missed it, do not worry because you are going to be in for a real treat at the 2025 AGM & Workshops on March 8, 2025 in Casper! Our keynote speaker is going to be none other than former MLS, English Premier League and US Men's National/World Cup Player, Jay DeMerit!
Jay is a phenomenal speaker and has a fantastic underdog story you will not want to miss! If you were here in 2018, this will NOT be a repeat - it will be an entirely different presentation.
In addition to Jay, we will have a focus on grassroots soccer and opportunities for all players, including those with disabilities, and our Soccer Mentor training with US Soccer Foundation.
As always, the event will conclude with our Annual Awards Ceremony to honor Wyoming's best of the best coaches, referees, administrators, volunteers, and last, but certainly not least...OUR PLAYERS! Nominations will open soon, so please be thinking about your picks from your local community! RSVP's for the AGM will open next month!
CHECK OUT JAY DEMERIT'S HIGHLIGHTS FROM ACROSS HIS AMZING CAREER BELOW!
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THE LATEST FROM US YOUTH SOCCER | | |
USYS SELECTS REGIONAL ODP ROSTERS | Wyoming Soccer recently had a record NINE players selected for USYS West Regional ODP Rosters. This is over double what we had last year and we are so excited to recognize them and see how they do at the Inter-Regional event in Florida this winter. Click HERE to see who these players are! | | |
THE LATEST FROM US SOCCER | | |
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Did you know US Soccer has an extremely active YouTube Channel with new posts nearly every day?! You can follow them and get to know the US Men's & Women's National team players.
There is no better time than NOW to start becoming a fan - with the World Cup coming to North America in 2026 - it will be here before we know it.
Start engaging now along with your kids and create lifelong fans of soccer!
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OVERCOMING THE REFEREE SHORTAGE | |
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Wyoming Soccer is working hard to gain more referees, and the best way to do that is to host or attend a referee clinic. We invite you to take advantage of the opportunity to offset some of the costs of youth soccer, earn some extra money, familiarize yourself with the rules and see things from a new perspective!
Contact Roger Brown if you have questions.
Click the below button to find out about all our upcoming Wyoming Referee Clinics.
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If your club is interested in hosting a referee clinic, please click HERE.
If you are interested in becoming a referee, please click HERE.
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TAKE THE GAME CHANGER PLEDGE & WIN! | |
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Wyoming Soccer is inviting ALL our members - players, parents/guardians, administrators, coaches & referees to become a WSA Game Changer by taking our Game Changer Pledge!
What does being a WSA Game Changer mean? It is simple. You prioritize positive behavior and sportsmanship on the soccer sidelines and on the pitch by always encouraging a supportive atmosphere for players, coaches, referees, and fans alike.
Players who complete the online pledge will be entered to win 1 of 3 prizes consisting of soccer apparel/gear/swag & cash valued up to $2500!!
When you take the pledge, you are committing to:
- Have Fun.
- Enjoy the game regardless of the outcome.
- Celebrate effort.
- Respect officials, coaches and all players.
- Acknowledge we are all human, and mistakes will be made.
- Remember that sportsmanship starts with me!
If you missed our initial announcement about our Game Changer Challenge, please click HERE. This challenge will go through the end of the Fall 2024 Season.
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JULY - JAMESON SONGER (JOHNSON COUNTY SOCCER ASSOCIATION)
AUGUST - JACOB HOWE (STAR VALLEY SOCCER CLUB)
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Johnson County Soccer Association (JCSA) player, Jameson Songer, was in the spotlight for the Month of July.
Jameson is a 12U player and has been playing soccer since he was only three. He usually plays striker and he was selected previously for Wyoming 307 Select, but he ended up not playing. He has also had the opportunity to guest play for several clubs to include Gillette, Riverton & Casper.
His soccer coach, Michael Walter, had this to say about Jameson "As a soccer player, Jameson is strong, focused and fierce. He is always looking for a way to dominate the opposition in hopes of scoring a goal. From a coaching perspective, Jameson is very dynamic, and he is that player you can place anywhere on the field to change the pace of the game and the tone of his teammates."
Jameson enjoys many activities in school and participates in soccer, football, swimming and hanging out with his many friends. He also loves playing Dodgeball and a game called base camp, which is an activity they do at his church.
Besides school sports, Jameson is a true Wyoming boy with a lot of grit and a love for the outdoors. He likes to hunt and fish and he and his older sister sold pigs at the local fair this year. He also participated in the youth rodeo and rode a calf among a few other events - maybe someday he'll be a bull rider!
Although Jameson is still so young, he has experienced more 'life' than many adults and has endured a lot. About four years ago, when his older sister was only eight years old, his family discovered she had a rare form of brain cancer. It was a tough road and a lot of time was spent in doctors' offices and hospitals. For a little boy (he was only six), it was a lot to take in and understand the care and attention his sister needed. Luckily, she came through and is now cancer-free, but the family experienced another blow when his mom was diagnosed with ovarian cancer late last year. The cancer moved quickly, and Jameson's mom, Tiffany, lost her battle this past March. Jameson has shown incredible strength and he has been there for his sister and his dad as they have grieved the loss of Tiffany.
Jameson has truly proven what he is made of. His coach described him as fierce, and we think that is a perfect word to describe this incredible young man.
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Jacob Howe, a 15U player with Star Valley Soccer Club (our newest club!) is in the spotlight for the month of August.
Jacob was born in Nicosia, Cyprus and has spent most of his life living overseas, moving to different countries every few years with his family.
He started playing soccer with his Spanish-speaking classmates in Mexico and then in Guatemala. From 2021-2023 he played on his school team in Kathmandu, Nepal where he competed against other South Asian International Schools. He moved to Wyoming last summer and has been playing with Star Valley Soccer Club.
Jacob typically plays midfield or left forward. He has loved the opportunity to live in beautiful western Wyoming!
Jacob enjoys mountain biking, hiking, watersports, and spending time with his family (he is the youngest of 6 kids). He is a great student with straight A’s and enjoys other sports including Track and Basketball. He is active with his church youth group and is a great leader - both on and off the pitch!
Jacob's coach, Kyle Roniger, had this to say about Jacob, "From a coach standpoint, Jacob is the kind of player and person that every coach wants to have on the team! He has great pitch awareness and really understands the game of soccer for his age. It doesn't matter if he plays striker, left wing, or helping back in the midfield. He excels in any position I have asked him to play. Jacob supports and encourages his teammates. Jacob has a strong left foot and a knack for on-frame shots. He is skilled at dribbling the ball, finding the space, taking players on 1v1, and he is also fast. He is fun to coach. Jacob really highlights the joy of soccer as he plays and it is contagious to all around. Off the pitch, he is a high-quality friend to all. He always builds people up and has an infectious smile!"
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We are honored to recognize both Jameson and Jacob as our spotlighted players for the months of July & August. Remember, the Player Spotlight can highlight achievement in any area, whether it's soccer, academics, community, or attitude. All spotlighted players will be recognized at our annual Awards Celebration in March 2025 and will be eligible to win our coveted 2025 Player of the Year Award! Please share your kids with us.
To nominate a player from your club for the Player Spotlight, please download the nomination form by clicking HERE. Once completed, please email to wssa@wyomingsoccer.com.
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COACH EDUCATION
Formal, Informal, US Soccer, United Soccer Coaches...
If you are interested in having your club host ANY type of coach education/training, whether a formal licensing course (grassroots or higher) through US Soccer, a certification course through United Soccer Coaches, or simply an informal training to help your local coaches grow, please reach out to Dave Eldred at td@wyomingsoccer.com.
Dave would be happy to hear from you and help guide you regarding the best way to help your club's coach development initiatives - wherever you may be along the way.
We are also currently onboarding all of our soccer clubs with the MOJO app to be used by competitive and recreational coaches alike! Be on the lookout for more information coming from your club!
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The Annual United Soccer Coaches Convention is coming to Chicago January 8-12, 2025!
We encourage coaches from around the state to attend this amazing convention where you are guaranteed to learn and grow as a coach! There are hundreds of sessions and many opportunities for coach education courses.
Registration is not yet opened, but we will let you know as soon as it is so you can take advantage o the early bird pricing.
You can get more information HERE, including a link to a justification letter for your club to encourage them to send local coaches!
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WYOMING SOCCER FALL EVENTS
CASPER FALL CLASSIC - CASPER, WY
September 6-8, 2024
FREMONT TOYOTA SHOOTOUT - LANDER, WY
September 13-15, 2024
THE ROCK CHALLENGE - ROCK SPRINGS, WY
September 27-28, 2024
COMETTI ORTHODONTICS ENERGY CAPITAL CUP - GILLETTE, WY
October 11-13, 2024
EQUALITY STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS - GILLETTE, WY
October 12-13, 2024
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CODE OF CONDUCT HIGHLIGHT | | | |
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Please remember all registrants must agree to the Wyoming Soccer Association's (WSA's) Code of Conduct.
Take pride in your appearance as member of Wyoming Soccer Association and your local club.
- Be clean and presentable for games.
- Boxer shorts and sports bras are not to be visible from under the uniform.
- Jerseys are to be tucked in at the beginning of each game.
- Shin guards are required.
- Socks are to be worn pulled up and over the shin guards.
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GET TO KNOW OUR GROWING LIST OF PARTNERS
DO YOU WANT TO BE OUR NEXT PARTNER? - PLEASE CLICK HERE!
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WYOMING SOCCER ASSOCIATION| www.wyomingsoccer.com
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