US Youth Soccer

State Associations helped shape the decision, and will play an even larger role in creating new opportunities to strengthen soccer in communities across the country.

Vermont Soccer Association joined State Associations across the country in supporting a historic step to make US Youth Soccer (USYS) part of U.S. Soccer, bringing the organizations closer together to invest more in local soccer and create better experiences for players and families, creating greater alignment across the game and new opportunities to strengthen soccer locally.

USYS State Associations voted to approve the change during their Annual General Meeting, which will begin a two-year integration process on September 1. The decision brings USYS’s decades of experience and reach across youth soccer closer together with U.S. Soccer’s resources and national scale.

“This is an exciting moment for soccer in Vermont and across the country,” said Andrew Minnis, Executive Director, Vermont Soccer Association. “We supported this decision because we believe we can accomplish more for the game by working together. Our clubs, leagues and communities have built an incredible foundation for soccer in Vermont. U.S. Soccer has made a real commitment to investing more in the game locally, which gives us an opportunity to build on what we’ve created with greater resources, stronger connections and the full weight of U.S. Soccer behind our shared goal of growing and improving the game.”

What This Means for Soccer in Vermont

The integration begins a two-year process in which State Associations will work closely with U.S. Soccer and USYS to help shape the future of soccer in communities around the country.

The goal is to create a stronger and more connected soccer system that can:

• Bring more resources and investment to soccer locally.
• Strengthen State Associations and their ability to support and grow the game in their communities.
• Create more opportunities for people to play and stay in the game.
• Better support clubs, leagues, coaches and referees serving players every day.
• Make soccer easier for families to understand and navigate.
• Connect local communities more directly to U.S. Soccer and the resources, expertise and opportunities available nationally.

The integration is part of U.S. Soccer’s broader Pathways Strategy, which brings together members and stakeholders from across American soccer to create a more connected future for the game. For the Vermont Soccer Association, that future starts locally building on the work already happening in our communities and creating the support, investment and opportunities to help soccer reach even more people across Vermont.

Partnership Focuses on Elevating 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.

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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