SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2024

INSIDE THIS ISSUE...

Nominate the best of your club for the Annual WSA Awards in March 2025, Get the latest on state programs, Save on travel AND benefit your local club + Learn about college prep.

THE LATEST

FROM US YOUTH SOCCER


USYS makes statement in collaboration with other national youth soccer organizations on the birth year vs. calendar year decision and find out about a new playing format being piloted in Jackson Hole!

THE LATEST FROM US SOCCER FEDERATION



Learn about US Soccer's new Foundation - Soccer Forward as we gear up for World Cup 2026 - coming to North America!

THE LATEST

FOR REFEREES

Find out how you can become a referee, the incentives for doing so and help us retain and recruit referees so the game can go on!

PLAYER SPOTLIGHTS!

Get to know Rawlins Futbol Club player, Garrett Hullinger, and Riverton Youth Soccer Association player, Dakstyn Yarber!

COACHES CORNER


Wyoming Soccer's upcoming education courses and the location & dates for the 2025 United Soccer Coaches Convention.

UPCOMING EVENTS


Get the full Winter 2025 Event Line-Up for Wyoming Soccer Association!

RSVP for the 2025 Wyoming Soccer AGM, Workshops & Awards coming to Casper on March 8, 2025 at the Hilton Garden Inn!

RSVP

It is hard to believe, but we are already gearing up for our 2025 Wyoming Soccer AGM, Workshops & Awards!


This year, we are so excited to bring Jay DeMerit back! If you heard his inspiring story in 2018, we know you will be back and we want you to invite everyone to come out & join us. He has something new & exciting in store!


You can read more about Jay, his career outside of soccer and his inspiring story HERE...

In addition to Jay, we will be joined by Joslynn Bigelow, founder of Say How Consulting, the chair of Oregon TOPSoccer, and the 2023 US Soccer Adapt & Thrive Disability Award Winner. She will be joining us for two workshops (one of which will be co-presented with our own TOPSoccer Chair, Brian Longbottom) and will help us think outside the box and grow our programs on a grassroots level.

We will also be joined by US Soccer Foundation for a two-hour interactive session on youth mentorship. This session will provide a step-by-step approach to create lasting, positive connections to impact the physical, social & emotional health of our youth!

Last, but certainly not least, Nathán Goldberg Crenier, the Vice President of the US Soccer Federation will be here. Nathán has an extremely intense travel schedule, and we are so lucky to have him join us in Wyoming! You will hear first hand about the vision and future of soccer in the US, and with the 2026 World Cup coming, now is the time to create momentum around the sport we love and leverage the enthusiasm around the world stage soon to be in our backyard!

THE LATEST FROM WYOMING SOCCER

WYOMING SOCCER ANNUAL AWARDS

Nominate Your Favorite People!

We invite all WSA members to nominate their favorite coaches, volunteers, administrators, referees and TOPSoccer Buddies for our annual 2025 Awards Celebration!


On Saturday evening, March 8, 2025, we will celebrate the best of the best at our Annual Awards Celebration during our AGM & Workshops! We welcome all Wyoming Soccer Association members to join us for drinks, heavy hors d'oeuvres, and a great keynote presentation by former Men's National Team & World Cup Player, Jay DeMerit! To find out more about the event, please click HERE.


The event is free and we want to pack the house! Hope to see you there!


To nominate someone for your club, please click below!


DO NOT MISS YOUR CHANCE TO RECOGNIZE

THOSE WHO MAKE YOUR CLUB A SUCCESS!

AWARD NOMINATIONS

WYOMING 307 SELECT & ODP


Our Wyoming 307 Select teams are getting active again and are preparing for upcoming Fall & Winter events.


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.


Selections for Wyoming ODP have been made and players were pulled from our Wyoming 307 Select Player Pools for players aged 12U - 17U. Most of these teams will participate in a warm-up event this Fall in preparation for the USYS West Region Championships in Mesa, AZ the beginning of January!

CATCH THE LATEST FROM OUR PARTNER, VEO

We're excited to share Veo's biggest Black Friday deal yet! From November 4th to December 2nd, 2024, you can save a massive $400 on the Veo Cam 3 when you purchase a tripod and any annual subscription.


As a special Black Friday offer, every purchase made through Veo's sales representatives includes a FREE Veo Cam 3 Travel Case—perfect for keeping your camera safe on the go.


Veo is pleased to offer a complimentary educational webinar featuring renowned coaching expert Gary Curneen, titled “Maximizing Your Game Model and Video Analysis.” This is a fantastic opportunity for everyone to enhance their understanding and skills around video analysis!


Here is what you need to do:


  1. Visit Our Veo Page HERE between November 4th & December 2nd.
  2. Buy online or schedule a call with one of Veo's sales representatives to finalize your purchase.
  3. Enjoy the savings and your free travel case with your new Veo Cam 3!


Remember, this offer is only valid until December 2nd, so act fast to secure this unbeatable deal!

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 last available ACT Test of 2024 (December 14, 2024) is November 8, 2024.


The deadline to register for the last available SAT Test of 2024 (December 7, 2024) is November 22, 2024.


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

WYOMING SOCCER PARTNERS WITH GLOBAL COMPANY

You go. You save. They give.

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!

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!!

WSA Affiliated Club Codes
THE LATEST FROM US YOUTH SOCCER

USYS LATEST NEWS ON CALENDAR YEAR VS. BIRTH YEAR

On October 23, 2024, US Youth Soccer, US Club Soccer, and AYSO issued a statement on the forthcoming U.S. Soccer decision on calendar year vs. birth year registration.


In 2017, U.S. Soccer decided to change the age eligibility for team rosters from August 1-July 31 to January 1-December 31. Since that time, USYS and the state associations have been reviewing the impact on our sport, specifically for players of all ages and competitive levels, and comparing the practical results to the communicated goals and outcomes.


Over the past few months, U.S. Soccer, at the urgence of its Technical Development Committee, has engaged in a review of that decision. We support these efforts and appreciate their approach to engage organizational members, leagues and clubs in collecting feedback.


We believe any decisions should be made as a collective, and we will keep you updated on any new updates regarding this.

US YOUTH SOCCER UNVEILS PLANS FOR THE GAME FORMAT PROJECT

Wyoming Club Selected to Participate


In September, US Youth Soccer announced the 18 clubs who will be part of The Game Project - a program for 5-6U players! There were 80 clubs across the country who applied and we are pleased to announce that Jackson Hole Youth Soccer was among the eighteen clubs selected for the project. This is funded, in part, by a US Soccer Innovate to Grow Grant. To learn more, please click HERE

THE LATEST FROM US SOCCER

US SOCCER INTRODUCES SOCCER FORWARD FOUNDATION

Lisa Hulshizer, Executive Director of Wyoming Soccer Association, recently attended a one day member meeting with US Soccer Federation in Chicago which kicked off (pun intended) with an introduction to Soccer Forward Foundation, a new initiative to literally see soccer everywhere.


With key events coming to America - Copa America, the World Cup and Olympics, soccer in America is set for explosive growth and we want to be part of it! Team sports enhance wellbeing and teach important life skills. Soccer has the lowest barrier to entry; all you need is a ball. Anyone can play, regardless of physical stature or economic background. Participating does not need to be expensive, which is one of the reasons for soccer’s worldwide popularity, and the game is easy to understand. At its core, soccer is inherently accessible, inclusive, and global.

GET INVOLVED. GET UPDATES.
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 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.

Wyoming Referee Clinics

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


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

SEPTEMBER - GARRETT HULLINGER (RAWLINS FUTBOL CLUB)

OCTOBER - DAKSTYN YARBER (RIVERTON YOUTH SOCCER ASSOCIATION)

Rawlins Futbol Club player, Garrett Hullinger, was in the spotlight for the Month of September.


Garrett is a first-generation soccer player that happened into it by attending a local camp at 5 years old and hasn't stopped since. He stays involved year round and plays in a local winter Futsal program.


One of his favorite parts of soccer is making friends from different towns and he looks forward to seeing them at tournaments.

Garrett is currently playing some fierce defense for his 12U team in Rawlins, and he has a strong left foot.


One of Garrett's favorite events each year is the annual Turf Wars in Laramie. He loves it so much that he voted against a beach destination Christmas vacation because he didn't want to miss it!


Rawlins Futbol Club says his work ethic on and off the field is incredible. He works hard in practice, plays with intensity through an entire game, and is willing to play whatever position is needed. He always has a positive attitude and great sportsmanship. 


This summer he was able to attend a soccer camp in Steamboat Springs, CO and loved it. He also loves and plays tackle football and is Josh Allen's #1 fan. Garrett has a pretty impressive football card collection. He also wrestles with the local wrestling club and likes to ski in the winter at Snowy Range. On warm summer evenings he likes to throw a line and catch some walleye and rainbow trout.


Garrett wants to be a veterinarian when he grows up and has two kittens he adores. He is also a member of the 4-H Archery and Poultry programs and has a small back yard chicken flock he cares for and sells eggs on the side. His hen, Dusty, won a blue ribbon this year at the county fair.

Riverton Youth Soccer Association player, Dakstyn Yarber, was in the spotlight for the Month of October.


Dakstyn is a 13U player and she typically plays left back, and is a strong defensive player. Although she has not personally played for Wyoming 307 Select or Wyoming ODP, her older sister has, so it is definitely a possibility for the future!


Dakstyn has been playing soccer since the age of eight, so this is her fourth year and she absolutely loves it! So far, Riverton is the only club she has played for, but if the opportunity presented itself, she would gladly come on as a guest player for other teams.


On Wednesday evenings, she attends Faith Formation at her church. This is split up by age and for kids Dakstyn's age it is similar to church youth group.


In addition to soccer, Dakstyn also plays softball and she is the pitcher for her team. This is a tough position to play, but she boldly embraces the challenge and continues to improve her perfect pitch! She also enjoys painting, fishing (a common theme amongst our Wyoming players!) and playing pretty much any sport in which she has the opportunity to participate. She also loves animals and her family has two dogs.


She wants to be a cosmetologist when she gets older so she is always practicing doing her nails. Dakstyn is always so thoughtful and is usually the first to lend a helping hand. She is described as joyous, sweet and caring and she always has a bright smile to go with her fun-loving and kind personality.


Her club says that Dakstyn (who often goes by Daks) is very coachable, works hard and is a great leader on her team. She is a great asset and a friend to everyone she meets! 

We are honored to recognize both Garrett and Dakstyn as our spotlighted players for the months of September and October. 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. 

THE LATEST FOR COACHES

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!

Find WSA Hosted Coach Education Courses

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!

WYOMING SOCCER WINTER EVENTS


TURF WARS - LARAMIE, WY

January 3-5, 2025


PEPSI CUP- GILLETTE, WY

January 10-12, 2025


K2 TECHNOLOGIES CLASH AT THE CAMPLEX - GILLETTE, WY

February 14-16, 2025


THE RANCH CHALLENGE - CASPER, WY

February 22-23, 2025

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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.


  • Conduct yourselves as representatives and ambassadors of Wyoming Soccer Association. 



PARENT & PLAYER CODE OF CONDUCT
WYOMING SOCCER GAME CHANGER PLDEDGE

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