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 PROMOTE SUPPORT PROVIDE
Grow the game of soccer by educating, promoting, supporting, and providing
Provide an opportunity for everyone to participate in the game of soccer
As the world’s attention turns to soccer and the excitement of the World Cup continues to build, one group remains at the center of every match: the referees.
This past Saturday, our Referee Assigning Manager, Subir Nigam, was featured on Fox 5 News, sitting down with Chad Ricardo and former U.S. Men’s National Team player Bruce Murray for a conversation about all things refereeing. The segment explored the important role officials play in the game, from managing player interactions and maintaining match control to making split-second decisions under pressure.
The discussion also covered how individuals can become referees, what goes into officiating a match, and some of the game’s most misunderstood rules. It provided viewers with a unique perspective on the challenges and responsibilities that come with wearing the whistle.
The timing of the segment could not be more relevant As the World Cup heats up and the stakes continue to rise, referees are under the global spotlight Every call, every decision, and every moment of game management can influence the outcome of a match. While players and
coaches often receive much of the attention, officials play a vital role in ensuring the game is played fairly, safely, and within the Laws of the Game.
By highlighting the referee pathway and offering insight into this part of the beautiful game, Subir helped shed some insight into what goes on behind the scenes in being a referee for such a sport. With soccer’s biggest tournament showcasing the importance of quality officiating on the world stage, there has never been a better time to recognize the individuals who help make the game possible. We thank Chad Ricardo, Bruce Murray, and Fox 5 News for helping shine a light on the referee community and the critical role officials play in our sport!
MSYSA SUMMER SOCCER FEST
SERIES BRINGS COMMUNITIES
TOGETHER
ACROSS MARYLAND
The MSYSA World Cup Summer Soccer Fest Series has already created unforgettable memories for soccer families across Maryland, with two of the three events successfully completed and one more exciting celebration still to come.
The series kicked off June 12-13 at Baltimore Peninsula as part of the SOBO Soccer Fest before making its second stop on June 19 at Wiley Bates Field in Annapolis, in partnership with the Boys & Girls Club of Annapolis.
Players and families of all ages came together to enjoy free soccer activities, skills challenges, giveaways, music, and the opportunity to celebrate the beautiful game alongside fellow fans. Attendees were treated to special appearances from players representing the Annapolis Blues and Washington Spirit, who joined the festivities by playing 3v3 matches in the mini pitch, interacting with young players, and signing autographs.
One of the highlights of each event was gathering as a soccer community to watch Team USA compete on the world stage. Families, players, coaches, and fans cheered together during the World Cup watch parties, creating an electric atmosphere and showcasing the power of soccer to unite communities.
"The Summer Soccer Fest Series has been an incredible way to bring communities together through the game we all love," said Nathean Meadows, MSYSA Director of Outreach & Grassroots. "As we celebrate MSYSA's 50th anniversary, these events showcase our commitment to growing the game, creating memorable experiences for players and families, and making soccer accessible to everyone. Seeing young players interact with professional athletes, enjoy the World Cup atmosphere, and connect with others in the soccer community has made this series truly special."
The Summer Soccer Fest Series concludes on July 11 at the Montgomery County White Oak Community Recreation Center in partnership with Elite Soccer Youth Development Academy and Montgomery County Recreation. The final event promises another day filled with soccer, community, and World Cup excitement as Maryland's soccer community comes together for one last celebration.
MSYSA is proud to provide these free events and thanks all of the partners, volunteers, players, and families who have helped make the Summer Soccer Fest Series such a tremendous success. The final Soccer Fest will also serve as the last MSYSA-hosted World Cup watch party of the tournament, making it a celebration soccer fans won't want to miss.
A special thank you to our incredible partners whose support helped bring the Summer Soccer Fest Series to communities across Maryland: Annapolis Blues, Baltimore Peninsula, Boys & Girls Club of Annapolis, D.C. United, Elite Soccer Youth Development Academy (ESYDA), Montgomery County East Regional Services, Montgomery County Recreation, the Office of Mayor Jared Littmann, Soccer Forward / U.S. Soccer Federation, and the Washington Spirit.
NEW CHAMPIONS CROWNED DURING EXCITING MARYLAND CUPS WEEKEND
The Maryland State Youth Soccer Association (MSYSA) celebrated an exciting Maryland Cups Weekend on March 30-31, as champions were crowned in both the Maryland Presidents Cup and Maryland State Cup competitions.
On March 30, teams competed for Maryland Presidents Cup titles, earning the opportunity to represent the state at the US Youth Soccer Mid Atlantic Presidents Cup National Qualifier held June 11-14, 2026, in Loudoun County, Virginia. MSYSA was well represented on the regional stage, highlighted by City Sporting Group U19 Boys, who finished as finalists, and Elevate OC U16 Girls, who captured the regional championship in their first-ever Presidents Cup regional appearance. Elevate OC will now advance to the US Youth Soccer National Presidents Cup Championships in Wichita, Kansas.
March 31 featured the Maryland State Cup Championships and National Berth Matches. This year marked a historic first for MSYSA, as MSYSA recognized two State Cup champions in select age groups through the Winter State Cup and Spring State Cup competitions. Those champions then met in National Berth Matches to determine which team would earn MSYSA’s spot at the US Youth Soccer National Championships. The winning teams from those matches secured the opportunity to represent MSYSA at the 2026 US Youth Soccer National Championships, with boys teams competing in Salt Lake City and Provo, Utah, and girls teams competing in Murfreesboro and Smyrna, Tennessee, from July 13-23, 2026.
In total, 16 MSYSA teams will represent the state on the national stage this summer through the US Youth Soccer National Championships Series. Congratulations to all of our Maryland State Cup champions and national qualifiers. We wish each team the best of luck as they compete against the nation's top teams and look forward to seeing MSYSA bring home even more hardware this summer!
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JOIN UNITED CLUBS LEAGUE
This spring, students in MSYSA's Let's Play! program in Aspen Hill had the opportunity to meet some special guests from the Washington Spirit.
Washington Spirit players Maddie Haugen, Molly Skurcenski, Tamara Bolt, and Emma Gaines Ramos visited participants at Georgian Forest Elementary School and Harmony Hills Elementary School, spending time with students, answering questions, and sharing their experiences as professional athletes. The visits were coordinated in partnership with Washington Spirit Director of Youth Soccer Ana Mayoral, continuing a successful collaboration that has spanned eight seasons over the last four years.
our participants the chance to see what's dedication and a love for the game," said t's Play! Program Coordinator. "When ofessional players, especially female role e once young athletes just like them, it helps and inspires them to dream bigger both on Our partnership with the Washington Spirit credible resource for our participants, munities, while helping us continue to grow pire the next generation."
aring players share stories about overcoming challenges, practicing consistently, and working toward their goals helps students understand that success is built through effort and commitment. A simple conversation, autograph, or word of encouragement can leave a lasting impact, motivating children to stay active, try new things, and pursue their own goals with greater confidence.
MSYSA is grateful to the Washington Spirit for their continued partnership and commitment to creating memorable experiences for Let's Play! participants throughout Maryland. Together, we are helping grow the game while inspiring the next generation of players, leaders, and lifelong soccer fans.
On The Line Podcast Episode 14: ON THE LINE ➡ ON THE ROAD
MID ATLANTIC PRESIDENTS CUP SPECIAL
OTL goes OTR! This week, Priestly takes On The Line on the road to the Mid Atlantic Presidents Cup in Loudoun County, Virginia, bringing you exclusive interviews straight from the sidelines.
Hear from Maryland referee Jaret Williams, Broadneck Soccer Head Coach Finbar Clancy, and USYS Senior Operations Coordinator John Punt as they break down what makes the Presidents Cup experience so special from officiating and coaching to the tournament's regional impact.
Then, Priestly hands the mic to his "understudy," MSYSA Marketing Manager Bri Nardone, who catches up with Mid Atlantic Presidents Cup Champions Rubie Freistat and Coach Wesley Maddy of Elevate OC Soccer Club fresh off their championship run. They share what it took to reach the top, the emotions of winning, and what's next for the team.
Whether you're a player, coach, referee, or soccer fan, this episode is packed with behind-the-scenes stories, championship moments, and everything you need to know about the Maryland and Mid Atlantic Presidents Cup pathway.
WHY TEAM CHEMISTRY WINS CHAMPIONSHIPS ��
For Rubie and her team, it's all about communication, bringing the energy, and building friendships that go beyond the pitch. That chemistry has been a key part of their journey at the Mid-Atlantic Presidents Cup! ��
SUMMER SOCCER ACADEMY KICKS
OFF WITH A FUN-FILLED FIRST WEEK
AT THE ST. JAMES SCHOOL
The first week of the 2026 Maryland State Youth Soccer Association (MSYSA) Summer Soccer Academy is officially in the books, and it was the perfect way to kick off another exciting summer of soccer.
For the first time ever, MSYSA expanded Summer Soccer Academy by offering a third week of camp in June The new addition proved one thing: no matter when Summer Soccer Academy takes place, campers can always count on the same unforgettable experience filled with soccer, friendships, and fun
This first session welcomed 92 campers to The St. James School, whose outstanding indoor and outdoor facilities once again provided the perfect home for camp. Throughout the week, campers sharpened their technical skills, competed in fun games and challenges, and built lasting friendships with fellow players from across the region.
With temperatures fluctuating throughout the week, The St James School's exceptional indoor spaces allowed camp activities to continue without missing a beat Whether training on the outdoor fields or moving indoors, campers enjoyed a full week of high-energy soccer and engaging activities
"I look forward to Summer Soccer Academy every year because there's nothing better than seeing familiar faces return and watching campers create new memories while continuing to grow both on and off the field," said MSYSA Camp Director Jimmy. "Seeing their excitement, confidence, and love for the game grow each summer is what makes this camp so special."
The excitement is just getting started. MSYSA looks forward to welcoming campers back to The St. James School for the next two weeks of Summer Soccer Academy this July, where even more soccer, smiles, and unforgettable memories await.
Thank you to all of our campers, families, coaches, and staff for making the first week of Summer Soccer Academy a tremendous success. We'll see everyone back on the field soon!
