News

Vermont Soccer Association and USYS Europe Forge Groundbreaking Partnership to Elevate Player and Coach Development Across Continents

Vermont Soccer Association (VSA) and USYS Europe are proud to announce a monumental partnership, marking a significant milestone in international collaboration for holistic player, coach, and experiential development. This joint initiative, under the shared umbrella of US Youth Soccer (USYS), symbolizes a unified vision to expand access, elevate standards, and foster opportunity for clubs, players, and coaches on both sides of the Atlantic.

At its core, this partnership is driven by a commitment to collaboration, access, development, and opportunity—providing unique pathways that enrich the experience and progression of youth athletes and coaches alike. Through mutual innovation and aligned values, VSA and USYS Europe are set to redefine what it means to develop within a globally-minded soccer ecosystem.

1. Holistic Player and Coach Development

Together, VSA and USYS Europe will create intentional, growth-focused environments that emphasize long-term player and coach development. With an emphasis on structured training methodologies, immersive match-day experiences, and robust coach education, this partnership will consistently raise the standard of excellence. Players and coaches will benefit from tailored opportunities designed to promote resilience, adaptability, and leadership—both on and off the field.

2. Player and Coach-Centric Philosophy

This initiative champions a person-first approach to development. By focusing on individual needs while balancing team-oriented goals, the collaboration introduces players and coaches to new challenges and perspectives. Whether it’s training in Vermont or competing in Europe, this partnership cultivates environments that encourage personal growth, cultural exchange, and enhanced decision-making—all central to building a more complete athlete and coach.

3. Strategic Alignment and Ongoing Support

This partnership is grounded in strategic alignment, ensuring consistency in programming, shared initiatives, and quality enhancement. VSA and USYS Europe are committed to continuous support across all levels of development. Whether through aligned curriculum design, international exchange opportunities, or shared best practices, this partnership fosters a unified structure to support every stage of the player and coaching journey.

About the Vermont Soccer Association

The Vermont Soccer Association is the official state affiliate of US Youth Soccer, dedicated to growing the game and enriching lives through soccer in Vermont. Serving thousands of youth players, coaches, and clubs, VSA provides quality programming, leadership development, and a community-first approach that fosters both individual growth and collective success. VSA continues to be a leader in innovation and inclusion, empowering the next generation of players and coaches.

About USYS Europe

USYS Europe is the European branch of US Youth Soccer, providing American military, diplomatic, and expat families with high-quality youth soccer experiences across the continent. USYS Europe connects American-style development with European competition, offering unmatched opportunities for cultural exchange, advanced training, and global-minded growth. With a strong focus on integrity, excellence, and education, USYS Europe equips players and coaches for success at every level.

For more information regarding the Vermont Soccer Association, please contact Andrew Minnis: Andrew@vermontsoccer.org. For more information regarding USYS Europe, please contact Sebastian Korst: skorst@usyouthsoccer.org

Vermont Soccer Association and Roundglass Launch Statewide Partnership

Partnership Aimed at Prioritizing Mental Health, Holistic Well-Being and Youth Development

Vermont Soccer Association (VSA) is proud to announce a groundbreaking statewide partnership with Roundglass, a global leader in holistic well-being, to transform the way Vermont communities experience health, sport, and life. This collaboration marks a shared commitment to investing in the well-being of every player, coach, referee, family member, and community stakeholder connected to soccer in Vermont.

Through this partnership, VSA and Roundglass will provide unprecedented access to the Roundglass Living App—a digital platform offering expert-led resources in meditation, nutrition, fitness, emotional wellness, sleep, and more. Every Vermonter involved in soccer—from the youngest grassroots participant to veteran referees—will gain free, tailored tools to support their mental health and overall well-being.

“This partnership is about far more than soccer—it’s about people,” said Andrew Minnis, Executive Director of Vermont Soccer Association. “With Roundglass, we’re embedding well-being into the culture of soccer in Vermont. We’re creating a community where every individual is seen, heard, supported, and given the tools to thrive on and off the field.”

Roundglass, known for its mission to reimagine well-being and its deep investments in community-based development through sport, will work closely with VSA to implement statewide initiatives that focus on education, emotional resilience, mindfulness, and human development. These initiatives will be embedded within coaching education, referee support systems, parent engagement workshops, and youth player development pathways.

Key components of the partnership include:

Free access to the Roundglass Living App for all members of Vermont’s soccer ecosystem.
Well-being and mental health workshops integrated into VSA coaching and referee development programs.
Community activation events promoting healthy habits, mindfulness, and inclusive belonging.
Direct investments into youth programs that emphasize fun, development, and resilience.
Holistic resource development for families, volunteers, and administrators.
Ongoing support and content from world-class wellness experts and thought leaders.

This is not just a partnership or initiative—it’s a movement. Roundglass and VSA are co-creating an environment where every individual is supported as a whole person, beyond their roles as players, coaches, or fans. This holistic approach ensures that the Vermont soccer community is not only physically active but mentally strong, emotionally balanced, and connected to a greater purpose.

Together, VSA and Roundglass are setting a new standard for how sport can uplift communities and redefine success—not just in wins and losses, but in how we care for one another.

To get your free access code to the Roundglass Living app, please visit here.

VSA and Champlain Cable Announce Strategic Partnership

Vermont Soccer Association (VSA) is proud to announce a dynamic new partnership with Champlain Cable, uniting two organizations committed to empowering individuals, strengthening communities and creating accessible opportunities throughout the state of Vermont.

This collaboration represents a shared vision to support Vermont’s youth and families through meaningful programs, educational resources and career pathways. Both VSA and Champlain Cable are deeply rooted in service and community development, and this partnership will allow for expanded outreach, support systems and initiatives that bridge sports, workforce development and personal growth.

“This partnership is about more than soccer,” said Andrew Minnis, Executive Director of the Vermont Soccer Association. “It’s about coming together to uplift communities, create real opportunities and open doors for youth and adults alike. Champlain Cable’s commitment to people, their values and their support systems perfectly align with our mission, and we’re thrilled to work side by side with such a respected Vermont institution.”

Champlain Cable, a leading manufacturer of high-performance wire and cable, has been a cornerstone of Vermont industry since 1955. Known for their innovation and reliability across sectors including automotive, defense and energy, Champlain Cable also places high value on its employees, offering extensive benefits, career development programs and a workplace culture rooted in respect and advancement. Teamwork is one of Champlain Cable’s core values, and Champlain Cable believes athletics offers an outstanding opportunity to build confidence, foster collaboration and encourage participation in a fun and supportive environment. Their workforce initiatives and internal growth pathways present incredible opportunities for those interested in building a meaningful, long-term career. Champlain Cable believes that when companies are active in their communities, they help create a stronger, more resilient environment—for both residents and employees.

“Partnering with the Vermont Soccer Association is an exciting step in our ongoing commitment to the people of Vermont,” said Kyle Koenig, Vice President at Champlain Cable. “We believe in empowering individuals both on and off the field, and we are proud to help foster a stronger, more connected community through this collaboration.”

Vermont Soccer Association, established in 1976, is the state’s official soccer governing body, committed to growing the game while instilling values of Fun, Belonging and Development. Serving thousands of young athletes, coaches and volunteers, VSA continues to lead with integrity and a community-first mindset.

Together, VSA and Champlain Cable will work to:

Increase access to soccer and enrichment programs across Vermont communities.
Provide educational and career resources to youth and families across Vermont.
Highlight workforce pathways and benefits at Champlain Cable for those seeking stable, rewarding employment.
Promote inclusion, accessibility, and lifelong success and holistic development both on and off the field.

Both organizations are deeply invested in Vermont’s future and are excited to take actionable steps that support individuals of all backgrounds. This partnership symbolizes a long-term commitment to growing stronger, healthier and more connected communities through collaboration, shared values and service.