JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026

 

INSIDE THIS ISSUE...

THE LATEST

FROM WYOMING SOCCER


Learn about both our 307 Select & ODP Teams and outstanding players and sign up for tryouts for the 2026/2027 season. 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's Regional and National Events, including dates and locations! Wyoming Soccer State Champions and top teams can qualify!

THE LATEST FROM US SOCCER FEDERATION



Get the U.S. Soccer app to follow our national teams and tune into their podcast. Also, learn more about the U.S. Soccer Forward Foundation and the Soccer Forward Fests - of which we are hosting one of the first in the nation.

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 Star Valley Soccer Club Player, Amber Choma,

and Newcastle Soccer League player,

Maddox Reed!

COACHES CORNER


Learn about the power of self-reflection and evaluation and how it can help with growth, development and performance!

UPCOMING EVENTS


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

2026 Wyoming Soccer AGM Weekend

Celebrating the Scores that Matter


The 2026 Wyoming Soccer AGM Weekend is almost here, coming to Casper March 6-8, and this year, we are building something bigger than ever before.


Centered around our theme, “The Scores that Matter,” this weekend is about more than goals on the field. It’s about connection, leadership, development, and the lasting impact soccer has on our communities.


We kick things off Friday with our brand-new Soccer Forward Festival, bringing clubs, families, and partners together as we build excitement for the 2026 World Cup. Following the festival, coaches will gather for a statewide Coach Social to connect and collaborate at Gruner Brothers Brewery.


Saturday features workshops, roundtable discussions, and our Annual AGM, followed by an inspiring Awards Celebration honoring the individuals who truly represent the scores that matter in Wyoming Soccer.


We are proud to welcome outstanding presenters to our workshop including:


Sunday’s on-field education sessions will continue the momentum with hands-on learning and leadership development opportunities, including a session for NextGen Coaches, taught by Skye Eddy. Contact us to see how your club can get involved. Approved youth coaches will receive a FREE Nike Coach kit.


This event is FREE to our membership and designed for club leaders, coaches, referees, families, players and future coaches across Wyoming. Join us in Casper as we celebrate the game, strengthen our soccer community, and focus on the scores that truly matter.

 

THE LATEST FROM WYOMING SOCCER

WYOMING 307 SELECT & ODP


Our Wyoming ODP teams recently traveled to Mesa, AZ to compete in the USYS ODP FarWest Championships. Our 2008 Girls & 2010 Boys battled in the Top Tier of their divisions taking on elite competition from across the country and they displayed Incredible grit and composure! Our 2009 Girls made HISTORY, winning their Tier 2 division, marking a first-ever division championship for Wyoming Soccer at this event. Overall, our 12 Wyoming teams won or tied half of their matches, showcasing growth, resilience, and a relentless competitive spirit. We are proud of how our players, coaches, and families represented Wyoming. The future of Wyoming ODP is bright!


We also had three players attend the ODP Interregional event in January, those being Carter Ferguson (2012 Boys - Casper), Tommy Vasco (2010 Boys - Green River) & Molly Ryzewicz (2009 Girls - Cody). Isa Vasco (2008 Girls - Green River) and Leighton Fevold (2012 Girls - Gillette) also made the cut, but were unable to attend. We also want to congratulate Green River's Tommy Vasco on his recent selection to the 2010 Boys National ODP Team, which will travel and compete in Portugal later this year! We are incredibly proud of you, Tommy. Keep chasing excellence. Wyoming is behind you.


Wyoming Soccer Association has opened Tryouts for the 2026/2027 season and information can be found HERE. This is the starting point of the pathway to make it to the state, regional and national level!


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!


Top players from Wyoming Soccer's ODP program were recently announced as invitees to the ODP ID Camp in July 2026, and you can read all the names by viewing the below video.

List of the 2026 Wyoming Soccer Invitees to the ODP West 2026 Summer ID Events

WYOMING SOCCER CONTINUES TO GROW THE KICKSTART FUND

One Gift. One Goal. Endless Impact.

Wyoming Soccer Association is proud to continue building momentum around the KickStart Fund, an initiative founded by one of our own talented athletes to ensure that financial barriers never stand in the way of opportunity.


The premise is simple but powerful: when a player earns selection to a higher-level opportunity; whether through 307 Select, Wyoming ODP, Regional, or National events, cost should not be the reason they cannot go. These moments matter. They represent years of dedication, travel, training, evaluation, and perseverance. They open doors to growth, exposure, and development at the highest levels available to our athletes.


We are especially excited to share that we have officially supported our first KickStart recipient, helping offset expenses for a player who has worked hard to earn a special invite reserved for the best! This milestone represents more than a financial award; it represents belief, community, and shared investment in a young athlete’s journey.


The KickStart Fund is still growing, and our vision is ambitious: To support every deserving Wyoming player who needs financial assistance as they pursue their soccer dreams.


...But we cannot do it alone.


The continued success of the KickStart Fund depends entirely on the strength and generosity of the Wyoming Soccer community: families, alumni, businesses, and supporters who believe in leveling the playing field.


Together, we can ensure that opportunity is earned by effort...not determined by circumstance.


One gift. One goal. Endless impact.


If you would like to help grow the KickStart Fund and support future recipients, we invite you to contribute and be part of the journey.


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 next available ACT Test of 2026 (April 11, 2026) is March 6, 2026.


The deadline to register for the first available SAT Test of 2026 (March 14, 2026) is March 3, 2026.


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

THE LATEST FROM US YOUTH SOCCER

USYS - STATE CHAMPS QUALIFY FOR NATIONALS

The US Youth Soccer National Championships, presented by New York Life, cap a yearlong series of competitions for boys and girls teams in multiple age brackets as teams earn their way from the top teams in their state to the national championships.


The champions in the 13U through 18U/19U age brackets from each state cup event will converge in July for the US Youth Soccer National Championships presented by New York Life. 


Annually the US Youth Soccer National Championships, presented by New York Life, provides the nation’s top collegiate coaches with the premier stage to identify and scout the most coveted players in the country. 


USYS NORTHWEST PRESIDENTS' CUP

June 19-22, 2026 - Boise, ID


Teams who place 1st or 2nd at our Annual Equality State Championships or 1st through 3rd place in the Champions Division of the Wyoming Cup & Championships qualify to participate in the Northwest Presidents' Cup, which includes teams from the following states: ID, MT, OR, WA, WY, and AK.

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 CO-HOSTS ONE OF THE NATION'S FIRST SOCCER FORWARD FESTS IN WYOMING


Soccer Forward Fests provide a way to celebrate soccer, comprised of community-driven events.

Soccer Forward Fests will begin 100 days out from the FIFA Men’s World Cup 2026 and span all the way through the tournament's final whistle.


Anyone from schools, community organizations, and U.S. Soccer Member Organizations, to partners and local leaders are invited to host a Soccer Forward Fest. From Wyoming to New York, city to local neighborhood, professional to grassroots, Fests can be anywhere - a place to rally and excite around the connecting power of soccer.


Fests can come to life in many ways. Find out more about Wyoming's Soccer Forward Fest 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 as we gear up for our 2026 Spring season!


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

JANUARY - AMBER CHOMA (STAR VALLEY SOCCER CLUB)

FEBRUARY - MADDOX REED (NEWCASTLE SOCCER LEAGUE)

Wyoming Soccer is proud to recognize Amber Choma, a 15U player with Star Valley Soccer Club, as our January Spotlight Player. Amber is a goalkeeper with grit, heart, and a servant-leader spirit that defines what it means to represent her club and community.


Amber usually plays goalkeeper, despite being the shortest player on her team. She is one of the few willing to step into the net, and she does so fearlessly. Scrappy, determined, and never backing down from a challenge, Amber learned early how to compete, playing backyard soccer with her older brothers and sister. While goalie is her primary role, she also is strong at midfield, putting her team before herself every time.


Having played in recreation leagues in Star Valley since elementary school, Amber has been part of Star Valley Soccer Club for the past two years and is excited to make history this year as part of the first-ever Star Valley Middle School soccer team.


Amber’s leadership extends well beyond the pitch. She is active in school through the yearbook committee, enjoys photographing events, managed the volleyball team, and played B-team basketball. She participates in her church youth group, where her friendly and inclusive nature helps others feel welcome.


Her work ethic is just as evident outside of sports. Amber is an accomplished and dedicated 4-H member, showing pigs, lambs, and cattle at the county, state, and national levels. At last year’s Lincoln County Fair, she earned both Grand Champion Lamb and Grand Champion Swine. With dreams of becoming a veterinarian since kindergarten, Amber is already planning the schooling required to achieve her goal and is committed to earning the grades to make it happen.


Within Star Valley Soccer Club, Amber’s impact has been extraordinary. When the club began running concessions at high school soccer games to support teams and raise scholarship funds, Amber didn’t just volunteer for one shift, she showed up every single game, ready to work. With a smile on her face, she helped cook, serve, organize teammates, and even taught club leaders how to perfectly grill burger patties during a 200-burger night. Through these efforts, the club raised over $2,000, directly funding scholarships that allowed multiple players to register and complete team rosters, giving entire teams the opportunity to compete.



Club leader Annette Matijczyk shared:

“Amber has been part of SVSC since our very first season. She shows up wherever she’s needed, on the field or in the concession stand, always ready to work with a smile. She leads by example, gives freely of her time, and expects nothing in return. Amber doesn’t just grow through soccer, she strengthens and shapes the character of our entire club.”

Amber is the youngest of four siblings and continues to carry forward the kindness, resilience, and work ethic modeled by her older sister, who passed away last June. Through every challenge, Amber has remained compassionate, hardworking, and committed to uplifting others.



On and off the field, Amber exemplifies sportsmanship, integrity, and service. Soccer may be the arena where we see her compete, but her character is something she brings with her everywhere she goes.

Congratulations, Amber, on being our January Spotlight Player. Your courage, leadership, and generous heart inspire us all.

For the month of February, Wyoming Soccer is excited to shine the spotlight on Maddox Reed, a 6U player and member of Newcastle Soccer Leauge. This makes him one of our youngest spotlights ever! Maddox is a player whose joy for the game and heart for his teammates make him truly special.


When it comes to position, Maddox has the best answer of all: anywhere! He simply loves to play. Whether he’s defending, attacking, or chasing the ball with determination, his enthusiasm is constant and contagious. Over the course of three seasons, Maddox has grown not only in skill, but also in confidence and leadership.


Maddox brings incredible positivity to every practice and game. He shares his excitement freely and is always caring toward his teammates. His coach, Jennifer Lipp-Oster, describes him perfectly:

“Maddox brought pure joy, enthusiasm and work ethic to his team. He showed up to every practice and game not only ready to learn, but to encourage his teammates. He brought leadership to the field as he helped the more inexperienced players work through new skills. Always the first to offer a helping hand and never without a smile on his face!”

Off the field, Maddox continues to impress. He participates in faith formation and volunteers to help usher and present gifts, demonstrating his willingness to serve others. At home, one of his most unique talents is making his baby brother laugh, a skill that speaks volumes about his playful and caring spirit.


Maddox loves to build things, especially projects for his trucks, and has a big interest in heavy equipment and dinosaurs. When he’s not on the soccer field, you’ll likely find him outside enjoying adventure, playing with diesel trucks and nerf guns, or digging into his favorite meal...smoked ribs.


Maddox reminds us that soccer is about more than goals and wins, it’s about joy, teamwork, growth, and heart. His positivity, leadership, and genuine love for the game make him a wonderful representative of Wyoming Soccer.



Congratulations, Maddox, on being our February Spotlight Player. Keep playing hard, keep smiling big, and keep bringing that incredible energy to the field!

We are honored to recognize both Amber and Maddox as our spotlighted players for the months of January & February. 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 2027 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

THE POWER OF SELF-REFLECTION

Learn how to Evaluate Yourself as a Coach


Great coaches don’t just run sessions, they refine them. They don’t just lead players, they lead themselves first. As we continue to move through the 2025–2026 season, self-reflection is one of the most powerful tools we have to elevate both individual player development and team performance. Reflection is not about criticism, it’s about clarity, intentionality, and growth.


🔎 Start With the 5 W’s


Every effective session should answer five simple but essential questions:

  • Who is this session for? (Individual needs, positional profiles, learning styles)
  • What phase of the game are we focusing on?
  • When does this action occur in match context?
  • Where on the field does this apply?
  • Why is this important to our model of play?

When reflection is rooted in purpose, sessions become deliberate rather than repetitive.


📊 Think in Cycles, Not Just Sessions


Are you designing with intention across:

  • Macro cycles (season-long objectives)
  • Meso cycles (monthly or block focus)
  • Micro cycles (weekly detail and loading)

Consider how periodization and player loading are implemented.

Are we being thoughtful about physical demand?

Are we isolating a single phase of the game?

Are we reinforcing main principles, sub-principles, or individual player actions?

Intentional structure creates meaningful progress.


🧠 Individual Player vs. Team Environment


Reflection should address both:


Individual Player Development

  • Are you targeting specific technical or tactical behaviors?
  • Are you adjusting for learning differences?
  • Are you creating space for autonomy and decision-making?

Team Environment

  • Are you leading yourself effectively?
  • Are you modeling standards?
  • Are you fostering accountability and connection?

Strong coaches manage culture just as deliberately as they manage curriculum.


📈 Conduct Your Personal SWOT Analysis


Take time to evaluate:

  • Strengths – What do you consistently do well?
  • Weaknesses – Where do you need growth or support?
  • Opportunities – What resources, mentors, or collaborations could elevate you?
  • Threats – What barriers could limit impact? (time, consistency, communication, etc.)

Self-awareness fuels development.


🤝 Collaboration & Continued Growth


Professional growth does not happen in isolation.

  • Would bringing in additional coach educators be beneficial?
  • Would structured coach collaboration add value?
  • Are you willing to share a favorite session for peer observation?
  • Would mandatory or voluntary coach meetings improve alignment?

The best learning environments mirror the best team environments; collaborative, open, and growth-oriented.


📝 Reflection = Leadership


At its core, self-reflection is about leadership:

  • Leading yourself
  • Leading your players
  • Leading parents through communication and clarity
  • Leading the environment with purpose


When we grow, our players grow.


Thank you for the dedication, intentionality, and care you bring to the development of our athletes. The work you are doing matters.


Join me March 6th at the Wyoming Soccer Coach Social as we kick off our Annual AGM weekend, and let's keep raising the standard.

 

David Eldred, Technical Director, Wyoming Soccer


Contact Dave at td@wyomingsoccer.com.

 

WYOMING SOCCER SPRING 2026 EVENTS


WYOMING AGM WEEKEND - CASPER, WY

March 6-8, 2026


THE RAMPAGE RUMBLE - RIVERTON, WY

April 18-19, 2026


THE CODY SHOOTOUT - CODY, WY

May 2-5, 2026


THE BIGHORN MOUNTAIN CUP - SHERIDAN, WY

May 9-10, 2026


JACKSON HOLE UNITED CUP

May 16-17, 2026


WYOMING CUP & CHAMPIONSHIPS - CASPER, WY

May 23-25, 2026


CODE OF CONDUCT HIGHLIGHT

 

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


 Take pride in your appearance

as a member of

Wyoming Soccer Association

and your local club. 


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

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