KICKOFF
Jan 2026
ALL THINGS MSYSA
Celebrating 50 Years of MSYSA State & Presidents Cup Registrations are OPEN! Summer Soccer Academy Registrations are OPEN Become a Let’s Play! Coach Mentor
Photo credit: 2025 Summer Soccer Academy
Table of Contents 4
MSYSA Meets with Fifa and U.S. Soccer Representatives
5
Celebrating 50 Years of MSYSA
6
GRIP Courses Available in Maryland
8
State & Presidents Cup Registrations are OPEN!
10
Summer Soccer Academy Registrations are OPEN
12
Become a Let’s Play! Coach Mentor
14
On The Line Podcast Episode 9
15
MSYSA News
CONNECT WITH US!
MSYSA is the primary advocate for youth soccer in Maryland and DC and works collaboratively with our Affiliates, partners, and sponsors to grow the game by educating, promoting, supporting, and providing.
EDUCATE
*Coaching Education *Communicate policies/procedures for programs, plater registrations etc. *Disseminate info from US Soccer, US Youth Soccer and East Region *Parent Education
PROMOTE
SUPPORT
PROVIDE
*Affiliate Club spotlights
*Issue Grants
*Insurance coverage
*Award scholarships
*Affiliate Coach Spotlights
*Club Leadership Webinar Series
*Issue Certificates of Insurance
*Player Accomplishments
*Offer technical and administrative expertise
*Recognize players, teams, coaches, and referees with annual awards
*Provide resources to expand recreational opportunities
*Highlight talented players that make National level pools and teams
*Serve as a repository for ideas/ initiatives for benefit of all members
*USYS Carding and rostering PROGRAMMING *ODP *Indoor Training *Presidents Cup *State Cup *Summer Soccer Academy *Strategic Partnership and Sponsorship benefit affiliates
MISSION Grow the game of soccer by educating, promoting, supporting, and providing
VISION Provide an opportunity for everyone to participate in the game of soccer
WHY WE TRANSFORM LIVES! Membership organization with more than: 230 member clubs and leagues 85,000 players 10,000 coaches, administrators, and volunteers 2,500 referees, assignors, mentors, and coaches
MSYSA MEETS WITH FIFA AND U.S. SOCCER REPRESENTATIVES
MSYSA leadership met with representatives from FIFA and U.S. Soccer to discuss a new initiative focused on growing the game at the local level. The meeting highlighted strong collaboration, with both organizations expressing appreciation for the program and interest in providing additional funding moving forward. MSYSA is grateful for the shared commitment to advancing the beautiful game in our community.
CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF MSYSA This year marks a major milestone for Maryland State Youth Soccer Association, 50 years of growing the game across Maryland and Washington, DC. For five decades, MSYSA has been committed to developing players, supporting coaches, empowering referees, and strengthening the soccer community at every level. MSYSA now proudly supports more than: 230 member clubs and leagues 85,000 players 10,000 coaches, administrators, and volunteers 2,500 referees, assignors, mentors, and referee coaches These numbers represent more than growth, they represent opportunity, dedication, and community. From the sidelines to the pitch, MSYSA’s impact is felt every day by those who love the game. As we celebrate 50 years, we honor the players, families, coaches, referees, volunteers, and partners who have helped shape MSYSA’s legacy, and we look forward to building an even stronger future for youth soccer in the years ahead.
AVAILABLE GRASSROOTS IN-PERSON COACHING COURSES! 2026 GRIP COURSES HOST: MSI 4V4 GRIP COURSE 1/7/2026-1/11/2026 @ROCKVILLE, MD
HOST: A3 7V7 GRIP COURSE 3/14/2026 @DAVIDSONVILLE, MD
HOST: ST. MARYS SOCCER CLUB 4V4 GRIP COURSE 3/2/2026-3/7/2026 @GREAT MILLS, MD
HOST: FC Charles 1658 7V7 GRIP COURSE 3/17/2026-3/21/2026 @LA PLATA, MD
HOST: FC Frederick 7V7 GRIP COURSE 1/28/2026-1/31/2026 @FREDERICK, MD
HOST: Youth Elite Soccer Club 7V7 GRIP COURSE 3/20/2026-3/21/2026 @RANDALLSTOWN, MD
HOST: MSI 7V7 GRIP COURSE 2/2/2026-2/7/2026 @ROCKVILLE, MD
HOST: SAC 7V7 GRIP COURSE 3/23/2026-3/24/2026 @ELLICOTT CITY, MD
HOST: Cecil FC 7V7 GRIP COURSE 2/18/2026-2/21/2026 @ELKTON, MD
HOST: MSI 9v9 GRIP COURSE 1/8/2026-1/11/2026 @ROCKVILLE, MD
HOST: St. Mary's Soccer 7V7 GRIP COURSE 3/3/2026-3/7/2026 @GREAT MILLS, MD
HOST: FC Frederick 9v9 GRIP COURSE 1/29/2026-1/31/2026 @FREDERICK, MD
HOST: MSI 7V7 GRIP COURSE 3/3/2026-3/7/2026 @ROCKVILLE, MD
HOST: MSI 9v9 GRIP COURSE 2/5/2026-2/7/2026 @ROCKVILLE, MD
HOST: Youth Elite Soccer Club 7V7 GRIP COURSE 3/10/2026-3/14/2026 @RANDALLSTOWN, MD
HOST: St. Mary's Soccer 9V9 GRIP COURSE 3/4/2026-3/8/2026 @GREAT MILLS, MD
HOST: YOUTH ELITE SOCCER CLUB 9V9 GRIP COURSE 3/12/2026-3/14/2026 @RANDALLSTOWN, MD
HOST: CECIL FC 11V11 GRIP COURSE 2/19/2026-2/21/2026 @ELKTON, MD
HOST: FC CHARLES 1658 9V9 GRIP COURSE 3/19/2026-3/21/2026 @LA PLATA, MD
HOST: ST. MARY'S SOCCER 11V11 GRIP COURSE 3/5/2026-3/8/2026 - @GREAT MILLS, MD
HOST: YOUTH ELITE SOCCER CLUB 9V9 GRIP COURSE 3/20/2026-3/21/2026 @RANDALLSTOWN, MD
HOST: MSI 11V11 GRIP COURSE 3/5/2026-3/7/2026 @ROCKVILLE, MD
HOST: SAC 9V9 GRIP COURSE 3/23/2026-3/24/2026 @ELLICOTT CITY, MD
HOST: FC FREDERICK 11V11 GRIP COURSE 4/23/2026-4/26/2026 @BUCKEYSTOWN, MD
HOST: FC FREDERICK 9V9 GRIP COURSE 4/21/2026-4/26/2026 @BUCKEYSTOWN, MD
C COURSES HOST: BALTIMORE CELTIC GLENWOOD, MD- JANUARY 26TH - MAY 11TH, 2026
HOST: ST. MARY’S SOCCER GREAT MILLS, MD - MAY 14TH - AUGUST 27TH, 2026
D COURSES HOST: LFCIA HAGERSTOWN, MD – JAN 15TH - MAR 12TH (THURSDAY EVENING GROUP)
REGISTER HERE!
MSYSA’S SUMMER SOCCER ACADEMY Benefits of Attending Camp! Soccer Benefits Develop soccer skills Increase game IQ Improve tactics Training from top soccer coaches in Maryland Personal Benefits Develop independence Increase physical and mental skills Enhance social skills Confidence and self esteem building
REGISTER HERE!
BECOME A LET’S PLAY! COACH MENTOR
Spring 2026 (April - June) Are you passionate about soccer and eager to make a positive impact on the lives of children? Do you believe in the power of sports to inspire and empower young athletes?
Are you ready to be a positive role model for young athletes, fostering teamwork, social development, and a love for the game? Middle/High School students are eligible to earn student service learning hours! *available for select counties*
WE WANT YOU AS PART OF OUR TEAM! learn more at MSYSA.org
On The Line Podcast Episode 9: ANA MAYORAL ON WASHINGTON SPIRIT, CULTURE, CHAMPIONS & THE NEXT GENERATION
In our season one finale, Priestly sits down with Ana Mayoral, Director of Youth Soccer for the Washington Spirit, for a powerhouse convo you don’t want to miss. Ana dives into the Spirit’s 2025 NWSL season, what it’s like being this close to another championship run, how we get more girls into the game, the global buzz around the FIFA World Cup, and of course, life as a pro soccer mom. Expect culture talk, futbol talk, and everything in between. Then, Priestly flips the script with MSYSA Executive Director Greg Smith to break down an insane 2025 recap, major wins, big moments, and growth across the board. Plus, Greg gives us an early sneak peek at what’s coming in 2026, and trust us… it’s BIG. The perfect episode to close out season one: inspiring guests, real stories, and nonstop soccer energy. Tap in, this one’s loaded.
MSYSA NEWS
TIPS FOR RESPONSIVE COACHING EMBRACING POSITIVE STRESS:
MSYSA WORD SCRAMBLE LAGO FMIIEDLD RDEFENDE RFAEREE SASP NOCERR KEGALOEPER TSEMA YTPELNA SFIFDOE LWHSITE
NWSL AND MLS TEAMS CROSSWORD DECEMBER ANSWER KEY
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