NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2025

INSIDE THIS ISSUE...

THE LATEST

FROM WYOMING SOCCER


Nominate your local volunteers and leaders for our annual awards coming up in March 2026, get to know the players who are part of our state programs, some of whom are heading to Mesa this weekend, don't miss your chance to apply for collegiate scholarships, learn more about our KickStart Fund and how you can apply for assistance or donate, and save on ACT/SAT prep.

THE LATEST

FROM US YOUTH SOCCER


Get to know more about US Youth Soccer and what they are doing in preparation for the 2026 World Cup & Beyond, along with the full rosters for our ODP Teams heading to the Far West Championships!

THE LATEST FROM US SOCCER FEDERATION



Get the U.S. Soccer app to follow our national teams and tune into their podcast. Also, find out how to become an insider and get the most out of U.S. Soccer as coaches, parents and players!

THE LATEST

FOR REFEREES

Find out how you can become a referee or host a clinic in your area.

Reminder on Referee Abuse Policy.

PLAYER SPOTLIGHTS!

Get to know Green River Spurs player, Aiden Morris,

and Gillette Edge player,

Brooklyn Tyler!

COACHES CORNER


Be inspired by all that is good, positive and constructive and get some great motivational quotes for your teams from Dave Eldred. Also, get the details on the 2026 United Coaches Convention!

UPCOMING EVENTS


Get the Winter 2026 Event Line-Up for Wyoming Soccer Association!

As we close out 2025, the Wyoming Soccer Association is proud to reflect on a year marked by growth, opportunity, and strong momentum across the state.


Participation continued to rise, with 7,621 registered players during the 2024/2025 season—an increase of more than 620 players over the prior year. The current seasonal year is already nearing 5,000 players, with the Spring season still ahead.


Throughout the year, Wyoming Soccer also benefited from consistent leadership among its board and staff, providing stability and a clear path forward.


The year began in January with Wyoming Soccer’s first-ever Keeper Wars event in Casper, welcoming goalkeepers from Wyoming and Colorado. February followed with the annual ODP Sub-Regional Event in Laramie, drawing players from Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho.


On March 8, Wyoming Soccer hosted its Annual General Meeting and Workshops, featuring collaborative sessions and special guests including former World Cup player Jay DeMerit, U.S. Soccer Vice President Nathan Goldberg, and National Amputee Soccer player Nico Calabria. That evening, DeMerit delivered the keynote at the Seventh Annual Awards Celebration, honoring outstanding contributors statewide and welcoming Tim Denisson of Cheyenne as Wyoming Soccer’s fourth Hall of Fame inductee.


Operational improvements followed in April with a move to a more efficient office location and the expansion of Spanish-language access, including translated forms and club support.


In May, Kim Whisenant of Laramie Soccer Club represented Wyoming at the first-ever all-women technical leadership course in Charlotte, North Carolina.


Memorial Day weekend brought two signature events—the Wyoming Cup & Championships and the Wyoming United Cup—with 145 teams and more than 1,600 players competing in Casper. In June, the Gillette Edge 13U Boys reached the semifinals of the US Youth Soccer Far West Presidents Cup, and Wyoming Soccer hosted its Second Annual College ID Camp, welcoming 91 high school players and coaches from seven Wyoming colleges.


In August, Wyoming Soccer partnered with Soccer IQ Academy to deliver unified training and coach education for the Wyoming 307 Select Program, with plans to continue in 2026. October concluded the event calendar with the Fifth Annual Equality State Championships in Gillette, where the 19U Casper Girls and Boys qualified for Regional Championships in June 2026.


Player development stood out throughout the year. Forty-nine Wyoming players were invited to West Region ODP Camp, with six selected to West Region rosters and three—Isabel Vasco, Ava Wallhead, and Tommy Vasco—earning spots on National ODP teams, competing internationally. The Wyoming 307 Select Program grew to 342 players, a 9% increase, with 11 ODP teams consisting of 169 players traveling to Far West Regional ODP Championships in Arizona this coming weekend.


Off the field, Wyoming Soccer secured its sixth Innovate to Grow Grant, expanded inclusive programming, launched the KickStart Campaign to support elite athletes, and continued impactful initiatives through referee, coaching, and accessibility grants.


Additional highlights included US Youth Soccer grants supporting recreational and TOPSoccer programs across the state and new partnerships. Wyoming Soccer partnered with ProACT (concussion baseline testing) and Roundglass Living (which you will be hearing more about very soon).


As we reflect on 2025, we are grateful to our clubs, volunteers, families, and partners who make these successes possible. Thank you for being an important part of Wyoming Soccer’s journey—we look forward to even more progress in 2026.

THE LATEST FROM WYOMING SOCCER

WYOMING SOCCER AGM COMING TO CASPER MARCH 2026

We could not be more excited about this coming year's event, which will be held March 7, 2026 in Casper at the Hilton Garden Inn.


You will be entertained and enlightened, and you will be able to network with members from all over the state. We have so much in store for you and we want to pack the house. We have rooms blocked and the entire event is free, including our awards celebration on Saturday night, which will be held at Casper's premier event venue, The M. We will also have some field session/workshops on Sunday. EVERYONE is welcome! If you know someone deserving of an award, please get them nominated soon - the deadline is January 5, 2026. Find out how you can nominate by clicking below.


To read more about the event and RSVP, please click HERE.


DO NOT MISS YOUR CHANCE TO RECOGNIZE

THOSE WHO MAKE YOUR CLUB A SUCCESS!


WYOMING 307 SELECT


Wyoming Soccer has finalized our player pools for our Wyoming 307 Select Program and roster selections for designated ODP events. You can view all player selections for our 2025-2026 state programs HERE.


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!


The top players on our Wyoming 307 Select teams (ages 12U-17U) are also preparing for the upcoming Annual USYS West Region ODP Championships in Mesa, AZ this coming weekend! We are excited to see how they compete against top level teams from around the region and beyond. Top players can be selected for ODP ID Camp in July 2026.

WSA COLLEGIATE SCHOLARSHIPS

2026 Application is Open

Did you know Wyoming Soccer Association awards scholarships to current or past members? The scholarships are worth $500 each. Don't miss out on this opportunity!


If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact the state office at

(307) 742-2306 or wssa@wyominngsoccer.com.


SUPPLEMENTAL ITEMS REQUIRED WITH APPLICATION ARE:


  • A copy of your high school or college transcript (official copies not required)
  • A 500 word essay describing how soccer has impacted your life.
  • Two (2) letters of recommendation from high school or college teachers
  • One (1) letter of recommendation from a soccer coach
  • One (1) current picture of yourself for public announcements


INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED


Applications are due by

Saturday, January 10, 2026.


BE PREPARED FOR THE ACT/SAT TESTS

We are here to help through the eKnowledge PowerPrep10

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 first available ACT Test of 2026 (February 14, 2026) is January 9, 2026.


The deadline to register for the first available SAT Test of 2026 (March 14, 2026) is February 27, 2026.


LEARN MORE ABOUT THE POWERPREP 10... and ensure your student is ready!

WYOMING SOCCER CONTINUES TO GROW THE KICKSTART FUND

One Gift. One Goal. Endless Impact.

Every young soccer player dreams of stepping onto a bigger stage—representing their state, training with top coaches, and competing against the best. But for many, the cost of travel, fees, and gear can put those dreams out of reach.


The Kickstart Fund was created by one of our own talented athletes who experienced firsthand how life-changing these opportunities can be—and recognizes that financial barriers can stand in the way. This fund ensures that no player is left behind because of cost.


From Olympic Development Program (ODP) selections to regional and national teams, to national showcases, elite tournaments, and invitation-only camps, these moments can define an athlete’s future. With your help, we can make sure every player who earns these opportunities can take them.


THE LATEST FROM US YOUTH SOCCER

USYS - BEYOND 2026

For over 50 years, 𝙬𝙚 have worked to push the game forward in the United States. Who are 𝙬𝙚?


There are millions of answers and millions of faces, and each has played a role in positioning soccer for another major leap forward with the approaching World Cup.


USYS invites us to follow along as they shine a spotlight on some of the people and stories that continue to make soccer great — now and beyond 2026.


USYS FAR WEST ODP CHAMPIONSHIPS

January 2-5, 2026 - Mesa, AZ


Congratulations and best of luck to the 169 players who are traveling to Mesa, AZ this weekend for the Annual Far West ODP Championships!




HERE ARE THE ROSTERS!

THE LATEST FROM US SOCCER

THE EASIEST WAY TO FOLLOW THE USMNT AND USWNT!

Immediate notification of match announcements. Easy access to tv information. Rosters and lineups at your fingertips. The Official U.S. Soccer App is the easiest way to follow the USWNT and USMNT.


In addition to schedule notifications, roster announcements, and player information, version 2.0 now brings U.S. Soccer content into one, easy-to-access hub so that you never miss match highlights, interviews, or behind-the-scenes content. We're also giving all U.S. Soccer fans the ability to vote for the Insiders' Player of the Match, exclusively in the app on matchdays! Find app download links HERE.

U.S. SOCCER END-OF-YEAR RECAPS & HOLIDAY SPECIAL


Get all the latest from U.S. Soccer Federation, follow the National Teams, keep up with the soccer landscape and access their podcast.


Become an Insider. Insiders is the home for U.S. Soccer fans & members. Whether you're a fan, player, referee, coach or the parent of a rising soccer star, you'll get more from U.S. Soccer as an Insider. So, join in! They have all the tips, tricks, news and support you need to get the most from your soccer journey. There's a world of perks as a U.S. Soccer Insider.


Follow U.S. Soccer and Learn More HERE.

THE LATEST FOR REFEREES

OVERCOMING THE REFEREE SHORTAGE

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 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.

If your club is interested in hosting a referee clinic, please click HERE.


If you are interested in becoming a referee in 2026, please click HERE.

RESPECT THE CALL

Protecting Our Referees


With referee abuse on the rise for youth and amateur matches, it’s time to take a stand. Referees are essential to soccer, but far too often risk their emotional and physical well-being in service to the game.


Win, lose, or draw, we’re in this together. When you take your anger out on the referee, everybody loses, and the call on the field still stands. Referee abuse is damaging for everyone involved – and for the future of soccer.


Thank you for doing your part.


Click HERE for an In-Depth overview of USSF Policy 531-9 on Referee Abuse Prevention.

NOVEMBER - AIDEN MORRIS (GREEN RIVER SPURS)

DECEMBER - BROOKLYN TYLER (GILLETTE EDGE)

Wyoming Soccer is proud to recognize Aiden Morris from Green River Spurs as our November Player Spotlight, celebrating a player whose passion for the game, steady growth, and team-first mentality exemplify what it means to represent Wyoming Soccer.


Aiden typically plays as a left outside back, a position that demands discipline, effort, and awareness — qualities he consistently brings to the field. His soccer journey began at just six years old, and his commitment to the game has only grown stronger over time. Aiden joined Wyoming 307 Select at the age of 10 and later began his ODP pathway around age 13, continuing to challenge himself at higher levels of play.


Along the way, Aiden has embraced opportunities to grow by guest playing for Gillette Edge and even representing Alaska ODP, gaining valuable experience beyond state lines. He currently plays for Green River High School, where his work rate and leadership continue to make an impact.


When he’s not on the pitch, Aiden enjoys making the most of Wyoming summers — fishing, floating the river in Green River, and spending time visiting family. But above all else, soccer remains his favorite place to be. Whether training, competing, or simply playing with friends, Aiden’s love for the game is constant and unmistakable.


His longtime coach, Joe Vasco, perfectly captures the essence of Aiden as both a player and a teammate:

“I have coached Aiden for nearly a decade on a soccer field. In that time I have seen Aiden really grow as a player and a teammate. He brings passion and effort every time he steps on the pitch while maintaining a coachable mindset. It is also this effort and passion that makes him the type of teammate that other players want to have. These attributes will continue to serve Aiden well as he continues down his journey in both soccer and life.”

Aiden’s dedication, humility, and relentless effort set a strong example for younger players across the state. He is the kind of athlete who elevates those around him — not just through skill, but through attitude, consistency, and heart.


Congratulations, Aiden, on being named our November Spotlight Player. We look forward to watching your journey continue and are proud to have you representing Wyoming Soccer.

For the month of December, Wyoming Soccer is proud to shine the spotlight on Brooklyn Tyler of Gillette Edge, a player whose passion for the game, leadership, and commitment to giving back truly set her apart.


Brooklyn’s soccer journey began at just four years old, and her love for the game has continued to grow with each season. While she thrives as a striker, her versatility and soccer IQ allow her to confidently step into any attacking role, making her a dependable and dynamic presence on the field.


Since the age of twelve, Brooklyn has been a dedicated participant in both Wyoming 307 Select and the Olympic Development Program, consistently competing at an advanced level while demonstrating strong work ethic, coachability, and drive. During the club season, she proudly represents Gillette Edge, and during the high school season, she competes for the Gillette Camels, where her determination and competitive spirit are evident in every match.


Brooklyn’s impact extends far beyond her own performance. She is an active member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and has made a meaningful difference in her community by coaching in the local recreation league. She has coached both kindergarten-aged players and third- and fourth-grade teams, leading each group to undefeated seasons. Her passion for mentoring young athletes continues to grow, and she looks forward to coaching again in the future.


Off the field, Brooklyn is a well-rounded individual who enjoys spending time outdoors fishing, hunting, camping, and relaxing at the lake. She also embraces her creative side through baking, cooking, and playing the guitar, finding balance between competition and creativity.

Her coach, Paul Gillaspy, shares this about Brooklyn:

“It is a pleasure coaching Brooklyn (aka 'Steve'!). She works hard and enjoys the game. I am most impressed with the time she gives to the younger generation. She coaches elementary-aged kids when she is available, and she is always free-spirited, fun to be around, and there is never a dull moment with her.”

Brooklyn’s dedication, positivity, and commitment to serving others make her a true role model within Wyoming Soccer. We are proud to recognize her as our December Spotlight Player and look forward to watching her continue to grow — both as an athlete and as a leader.


Congratulations, Brooklyn, and thank you for representing Wyoming Soccer with heart, joy, and purpose!

We are honored to recognize both Aiden & Brooklyn as our spotlighted players for the months of November & December. 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 2026 and will be eligible to win our coveted 2026 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. 

THE LATEST FOR COACHES

GOOD, POSITIVE & CONSTRUCTIVE

Quotes for Success


Happy Holidays!


During this time of the year, I am reminded of everything that is good, positive and constructive. I thought it would be fun to share some of the notable good, positive and constructive quotes I have written down over the years.


Great coaching phrases or quotes should emphasize potential, hard work, mindset, and life changes, with famous lines like John Wooden's "Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence," Pat Summitt's "Winners are not born, they are self-made," and Mickey Rooney's "A good coach can change a game. A great coach can change a life". They highlight courage, service, learning from failure, and unlocking inner power.


Other quotes to consider for your team or individual player development:

  1. “Don’t focus on what you are going through, but on what you are going TO.”
  2. “Play to your strengths when you play the game, work on your weaknesses when no one else is around.” Jay Demerit, U.S. Men's National Team
  3. “Don’t be in the business of good enough.”
  4. “There is no such thing as winning or losing, but rather winning or learning.”
  5. "There is no genius that can determine the outcome of the game.”
  6. “Soccer is like a metaphor for life, you don’t know what's going to happen, but you can influence it….as an individual player.”
  7. “Are you a creative player or a survivor? Be both.”
  8. “A true loser is someone who is afraid to lose, but doesn’t try to win.”
  9. Finally... Arsene Wenger, “The biggest difficulty is not motivating the player, but getting them relaxed enough to express their talent.”


I have so many others, and I encourage all of you to reflect on the wisdom of other coaches and consider how good, positive and constructive these kind words will help your players and team this holiday season whether it be at ODP Championships, Turf Wars or any other training sessions or tournaments you are participating in. 


I would love to know your most impactful quotes or player motivational impact statements if you care to share them with me. Thank you to all our club and state staff coaches for everything you are doing to invest in our players to make them better humans and players of the game!


I hope you all have the most wonderful holiday season.

 

Working together to give the game back to the kids,

 

David Eldred, Technical Director, Wyoming Soccer


Contact Dave at td@wyomingsoccer.com.

The Annual United Soccer Coaches Convention is coming to Philadelphia January 14-17, 2026!


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 still open! Click HERE.


You can get more information HERE, including a link to a justification letter for your club to encourage them to send local coaches!

WYOMING SOCCER WINTER 2026 EVENTS


COWBOY TURF WARS - LARAMIE, WY

January 2-4, 2026


K2 TECHNOLOGIES CLASH AT THE CAMPLEX, GILLETTE, WY

February 20-22, 2026


THE RANCH CHALLENGE - CASPER, WY

January 31 - February 1, 2026

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CODE OF CONDUCT HIGHLIGHT


Please remember all registrants must agree to the Wyoming Soccer Association's (WSA's) Code of Conduct.


Integrity: Conduct yourself with uncompromised honesty, honor, ethics, and integrity in all situations.

GET TO KNOW OUR GROWING LIST OF PARTNERS

DO YOU WANT TO BE OUR NEXT PARTNER? - PLEASE CLICK HERE!

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