USYS Oregon

US Youth Soccer

Rebuilding the Foundation: How State Associations Can Lead Soccer’s Next Chapter

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There’s a buzz across American youth soccer right now—and not always for the right reasons.

It’s the sound of parents stressing over rising costs. It’s the hum of clubs juggling multiple platforms, leagues, and sanctioning bodies. It’s the rumble of coaches navigating logistical chaos while trying to keep player development at the forefront. And it’s the persistent pull of the “new shiny league,” luring families and clubs with promises of exposure, elite status, and national travel—often without sustainable infrastructure or long-term benefit.

As leaders within state associations, we are at a crossroads. Our mission hasn’t changed—we exist to serve the game, protect its players, and provide opportunities for growth and community. But our environment has. What used to be a relatively straightforward development and competition pathway has become a dizzying maze of acronyms, exclusivity, and arms races in travel, gear, and tournament fees.

In this new reality, how do we build a better state association?

The answer is both simple and complex: by returning to our core values, embracing innovation without abandoning common sense, and, above all, standing firm in the belief that youth soccer should serve all families—not just the ones who can afford to chase the brass ring.

The Rise of the “Platform Era” and the False Promises That Follow

Over the past decade, we’ve seen the emergence of numerous national and regional platforms, each claiming to offer the next step forward in competition and exposure. For some clubs and elite players, these leagues have served a purpose. But increasingly, we see them siphoning talent, fragmenting communities, and encouraging an unsustainable culture of over-travel, over-spending, and over-promising.

Young players—some as young as 11 or 12—are flying across the country for league games. Parents are burning through vacation days and savings accounts to attend showcases. And clubs are left managing multiple league schedules, each with its own rules, registration systems, and player movement restrictions.

All of this, and yet, the question lingers: Are we actually making youth soccer better? Or just more expensive?

State Associations: The Sleeping Giants

Here’s the good news: state associations are uniquely positioned to lead the sport through this chaos.

We are not a startup. We are not a private venture capital entity seeking profit. We are not a league with a short-term business model. We are mission-driven, community-rooted, and accountable to the people we serve. That means our incentives are aligned with long-term development, equity, and sustainability—not short-term revenue or optics.

We already have the infrastructure: fields, clubs, referees, coaching education, player safety protocols, and decades of institutional knowledge. We also have the trust—though admittedly, that trust has been tested over the years. Now is the time to rebuild it.

But to do that, we need to be bold in rethinking how we deliver soccer. That means:

  • Creating better in-state competition structures that reduce the need for cross-country travel
  • Supporting regional collaborations between states like Idaho and Washington to elevate play without inflating costs
  • Investing in technology and communications so we can match the user experience families are now accustomed to
  • Building incentives for clubs and coaches to stay within the state system and help us improve it, rather than flee it
  • Reasserting the value of local soccer as a legitimate and often better developmental path

Chasing the Brass Ring (That May Not Be There)

Parents are constantly told that national exposure, brand-name platforms, and nonstop travel are necessary for their child’s success. That’s simply not true.

Yes, some players will need and benefit from higher levels of competition and showcase opportunities. But for the vast majority of young athletes, the path to development and joy in the game does not require a monthly airline ticket.

In fact, early overexposure to travel, pressure, and burnout is one of the biggest threats to retention and long-term player health. We cannot keep ignoring this.

It’s time we collectively say: We don’t need to put 11-year-olds on planes to prove their worth.

When did local excellence stop being enough? Why can’t a state final feel like a big deal? Why are we normalizing 30-hour weekends for league games?

This is the quiet frustration brewing among parents, club leaders, and coaches. They’re tired of the rat race. They’re tired of paying more to get less. And they’re wondering: isn’t there a better way?

A Place for Platforms—But Not for Everyone

Let me pause here and be clear: this is not an anti-platform rant. I’ve been to a number of them, and they are fantastic spectacles.

In fact, I believe platform leagues do have a place in the broader soccer ecosystem. They serve an important role for a certain segment of players—those who are truly competing at a national or pre-professional level, who need exposure to top-tier scouting environments, and whose development curve requires that level of challenge.

But it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. And far too often, it’s sold like one.

For every 3 or 4 players on a team who truly should be in that high-performance environment, there are often another 12 or 15 that you need to bring along just to field a team. Those kids aren’t bad players—they’re just not at the same stage of development. Yet they’re absorbing the same travel schedule, the same costs, and the same expectations, often to their own detriment.

We’ve created a system where participation in elite-level platforms has become a club status symbol—rather than a player-by-player decision rooted in readiness and need.

State associations have a responsibility to provide meaningful alternatives—competitive, high-quality leagues with local relevance and player-centric design. Because platform leagues can’t and shouldn’t be the default. They should be the exception—and a well-considered one at that.

A Call to Clubs: Let’s Rebuild Together

We understand why clubs look for alternatives. When communication is poor, systems are outdated, and leadership feels disconnected, the shiny new thing can look pretty good.

But here’s the truth: You don’t need to leave the state system to have a voice in changing it.

In fact, the more engaged our clubs are, the stronger our solutions become. We want your feedback on formats, fees, calendars, and policies. We want to pilot new ideas with you. We want to innovate with our stakeholders, not apart from them. Our Technical Advisory Committee has been fantastic this year and has led to so many great ideas and new rules and policies.

We also believe clubs deserve stability. That means simplifying structures, offering flexibility where possible, and recognizing that no two clubs are the same. Our role is not to impose—it’s to support, uplift, and lead collaboratively.

A Note to Parents: Your Voice Matters

Parents are not just customers; they are stewards of their child’s experience in sport. And many are beginning to question the system they’ve been sold.

You don’t need a $9,000-a-year travel plan to help your child fall in love with soccer. You don’t need a private platform badge to validate your family’s commitment. What your child needs is developmentally appropriate coaching, local competition, friendships, fun, and the ability to grow without burnout.

State associations are listening. We hear your concerns. And we’re ready to respond—not with marketing, but with action.

The Path Forward: Building a Better State Association

So how do we build something better?

1. We invest in people. Coaches, referees, administrators—they are the backbone of the sport. We must improve training, increase support, and raise the profile of these roles.

2. We modernize systems. From registration to scheduling, the experience needs to be seamless, intuitive, and mobile-friendly. The soccer experience should be as easy as ordering takeout or booking a flight.

3. We reimagine competition. Better bracketing, better travel planning, more regionalization, and innovative scheduling can reduce costs and keep the best talent playing locally longer.

4. We elevate communication. Transparency builds trust. We must over-communicate, engage proactively, and explain why we do what we do.

5. We protect the game’s integrity. From SafeSport compliance to equity efforts, state associations must lead with conviction. The game must be safe, inclusive, and accessible to all.

6. We stay humble but firm. There will always be other options. But we don’t need to emulate every shiny object. We need to build a system that works—ethically, sustainably, and inclusively.

This Isn’t About Turf Wars. It’s About the Soul of the Game.

We’re not interested in fighting other leagues just for the sake of it. Competition can be healthy, and innovation doesn’t belong to any one organization. But when fragmentation leads to confusion, exploitation, and skyrocketing costs, we have to draw the line.

State associations were created to serve the game, not profit from it. And we still believe in that mission.

So, let’s stop chasing illusions and start building something real—together. For the families. For the players. For the love of the game.

Because this isn’t just soccer. It’s community. It’s joy. It’s identity. And it’s worth getting right.

Check us out at oregonyouthsoccer.org or email me at simon@oregonyouthsoccer.org

Why Every Club Should Embrace TOPSoccer: Building Inclusive Communities Through the Game We Love

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Soccer is the world’s game — a universal language of movement, joy, teamwork, and passion. But for far too long, the opportunity to participate fully in that language has been limited for children with intellectual, emotional, or physical disabilities. U.S. Youth Soccer’s TOPSoccer (The Outreach Program for Soccer) aims to change that. It’s more than just a program — it’s a culture shift. And if we truly believe in the power of soccer to build character, connect people, and change lives, then every club should have a TOPSoccer program. Not as a checkbox or charity effort, but as a fundamental part of who we are.

Here in Oregon, we at OYSA (Oregon Youth Soccer Association) are committed to making TOPSoccer accessible and sustainable for every club in our state. Through partnerships with Capelli Sport and other vendors, we can provide equipment and eliminate program fees — all we ask is for clubs to say yes. But that “yes” is about more than logistics. It’s a commitment to inclusion, to growth, and to reshaping club culture in powerful and lasting ways.

What is TOPSoccer?

TOPSoccer is a community-based training and team placement program for young athletes with disabilities, organized by local soccer clubs and volunteers. It is designed to bring the opportunity of learning and playing soccer to any child, regardless of ability. Programs are highly adaptable and focus on ability over limitation. It offers a safe, supportive, and fun environment where every player is valued, and every participant — players, buddies, and coaches alike — leaves changed for the better.

Why It Matters for Players with Disabilities

At its core, TOPSoccer is about access — to the field, to the team, and to the joy of the game. For many kids with disabilities, sports are often out of reach due to lack of appropriate programming, trained staff, or community buy-in. This can lead to isolation and a lack of the social and physical development opportunities that team sports naturally provide.

TOPSoccer gives these athletes a place to belong. It creates space where players are not defined by what they cannot do, but by how much they can grow. It develops confidence, motor skills, friendships, and an incredible sense of accomplishment. Parents often share how their child’s self-esteem and social engagement flourish through the program.

For families, it means something even more profound — a chance to see their child fully included and celebrated in a sport they love.

The Power of Inclusion for the Entire Club

While the direct benefits for children with disabilities are profound, the impact on the rest of the club is equally transformative. TOPSoccer introduces a level of empathy, awareness, and emotional intelligence that most traditional soccer programs struggle to cultivate.

When able-bodied and neurotypical players serve as “buddies” — on-field mentors and partners for TOPSoccer athletes — they gain more than volunteer hours. They experience the beauty of adaptive play, learn to lead with compassion, and develop communication and problem-solving skills that no tactical drill can replicate. They begin to see ability in a new light. Many buddies describe their time in TOPSoccer as the most rewarding part of their soccer journey.

Coaches, too, evolve. Leading a TOPSoccer session demands patience, creativity, and a broader definition of success. It re-centers the game around fun, progress, and connection — lessons that translate into better coaching across all age groups and levels.

And for clubs, it’s a culture-defining program. A club that invests in TOPSoccer sends a message: We are for everyone. That message resonates far beyond the field — it builds community loyalty, attracts families who value inclusion, and positions the club as a leader in character development and service.

“But It Takes Work”

Yes — and that’s what makes it worth doing.

Implementing a TOPSoccer program requires effort, coordination, and training. But clubs won’t be doing it alone. OYSA is ready to walk beside every club willing to take the leap. We will cover registration fees. We will supply uniforms and equipment through our partnership with Capelli and others. We will offer coaching education and guidance. We’ll even help with volunteer recruitment strategies.

What we can’t do is make the decision for you. The will has to come from within your club — from leadership that understands the long-term value, from coaches willing to step up, and from a membership that embraces the idea that soccer is better when it includes everyone.

Once a club commits, the barriers fall away. Many clubs begin with a 6-week session, once a week, using fields and time slots they already control. From there, the program grows organically. The demand is there — across our state, parents are waiting for someone to say yes.

Real Stories. Real Impact.

In clubs that have already embraced TOPSoccer, the impact is undeniable. One Oregon club reported that after launching their first season, their high school players not only gained a deeper appreciation for the game but also began mentoring younger teams more effectively. The TOPSoccer players themselves returned week after week with enthusiasm and smiles — some for the first time in their lives feeling like “real soccer players.”

Another club saw its volunteer list grow as word spread, with siblings, classmates, and even coaches from other sports wanting to get involved. A simple decision to include turned into a movement — one that strengthened the entire club.

How to Get Started

Launching a TOPSoccer program doesn’t require a full infrastructure overhaul. It starts with a conversation. Contact OYSA and we’ll guide you step-by-step, from planning your first session to celebrating your first goal. We’ll help connect you with experienced clubs and offer toolkits, templates, and promotional materials. We’ll train your coaches and support your volunteers. We’ll make sure cost is never a reason to say no.

The only thing we can’t provide locally is the passion — but chances are, your club already has that. All you need to do is channel it in a new direction.

The Future We Can Build Together

Imagine an Oregon where every club — from the coast to the high desert — offers a place for every kid to play. Where young athletes of all abilities are seen, heard, and celebrated. Where the values we talk about in mission statements — inclusion, teamwork, integrity — are lived out every week on the field.

That future is within reach, and it starts with a simple decision: to open the doors a little wider, to make room at the table, and to let the game we all love work its magic on every kind of player.

Let’s not wait for someone else to lead. Let’s be the generation of clubs that make inclusion a standard, not a special project. Let’s make TOPSoccer part of our identity — not as an extra, but as a core program that represents the best of who we are.

At OYSA, we’re ready when you are. Let’s build this together.

Whistle to Whistle: The Challenge of Developing Youth Referees in a Results-Driven Landscape

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In youth soccer, we spend countless hours talking about player development. We champion the long-term process—allowing players to fail, learn, grow, and improve over time. We praise coaches who nurture potential over winning at all costs and applaud clubs that emphasize individual progression over trophies. But when it comes to referees—especially youth referees—we seem to forget all those principles.

Why is it that a 14-year-old center midfielder is allowed to make a dozen mistakes in a match and still be seen as “developing,” while a 16-year-old referee is held to professional standards from their first whistle?

At OYSA, we’re grappling with this very contradiction. And in the current climate of referee shortages, rising parent aggression, and club-level pressures to win, the challenge has never been more urgent—or more complex.

The Double Standard of Development

We often hear from clubs, “We support referee development.” But that support is frequently undercut the moment a game result is perceived to have been affected by a young official’s decision. Suddenly, that referee is seen not as a developing learner, but as a threat to the team’s success. The irony is striking: a U13 player can miss five open chances, or misplay passes all game without raising an eyebrow, but one missed offside call from a young referee can lead to confrontations, complaints, and demands that “more experienced refs” be assigned.

This double standard is not just unfair – it’s counterproductive. Referees, like players, require time, experience, mentorship, and support to grow. Expecting perfection early in their careers only ensures we push them out before they have a chance to improve.

The Reality of the Referee Shortage

Adding to the pressure is the nationwide referee shortage, which Oregon is not immune to. While clubs understandably want experienced referees on every match, the reality is we simply don’t have enough of them. As a result, younger, less experienced referees are being placed in higher-stakes environments earlier and more frequently.

The intended model of “shadowing” or mentorship—where a seasoned referee guides a new one through the early stages of their career—is breaking down. The very referees we rely on to mentor the next generation are often being pulled to fill game slots themselves. They’re managing full weekends of match assignments, leaving little or no time to walk the sidelines with a whistle-in-training and provide the kind of feedback that truly builds skills and confidence.

This shortage has turned referee development from a structured process into more of a trial by fire. It’s not what we want, but it’s what we’re facing.

Clubs, Coaches, and the Culture of Winning

The lip service around development often falters in the face of results. For many clubs, the scoreboard still reigns supreme. It’s understandable—winning draws attention, funding, and reputation—but it creates a culture where the value of a young referee’s learning curve is seen as a threat, not a necessity.

We hear the frustrations: “That referee cost us the game,” or “We need refs who know what they’re doing.” But we also need to ask, are we creating an environment where it’s even possible for referees to get to the point of knowing what they’re doing?

Development, by nature, involves imperfection. If our soccer culture can’t tolerate mistakes from referees—especially youth referees—it’s not supporting development. It’s demanding immediate performance in a role that, arguably more than any other in the game, requires experience to master.

Societal Pressures and the Sideline Atmosphere

Another challenge we face is the general climate surrounding youth sports. Spectator behavior continues to be a top concern. The pressure, aggression, and scrutiny referees face from the sidelines—often from adults—would be difficult for anyone to manage. For teenagers just starting in the role, it can be overwhelming.

We’ve had referees tell us that they’re more nervous officiating a U11 game than they are taking a high school exam. Why? Because on that field, they’re being judged by parents, coaches, and even peers—often loudly, and sometimes cruelly.

We must ask ourselves: what kind of developmental environment are we creating when youth referees leave the field in tears, questioning whether they should ever come back?

OYSA is taking this seriously. We are actively investing in training programs, building partnerships for referee recruitment, and pushing for behavior reforms on the sidelines. But we can’t do it alone. Culture change requires everyone: clubs, coaches, parents, and players.

A Call for Balance

We’re not asking for lowered standards or unchecked tolerance of poor officiating. Referees, like players and coaches, must be accountable and work to improve. But we are asking for perspective.

A young referee who misses a call isn’t “ruining the game”—they’re learning. Just like your goalkeeper who misjudges a bounce, or your striker who scuffs a sitter, they’re gaining experience they can only get by being in the game.

If we want better referees, we must give them the time and space to become better. That means tolerating a learning curve. That means offering mentorship, not criticism. That means remembering that the referee is not the enemy, but a fellow part of the youth soccer ecosystem.

Moving Forward: What OYSA is Doing

At OYSA, we are committed to building a sustainable referee development pipeline. Here’s how:

  • Mentorship Revamp: We’re going to be exploring alternative mentorship models that don’t rely solely on in-person shadowing. This includes video review, post-match debriefs via Zoom, and peer-referee communities where younger officials can learn from one another.
  • Club Education: We’re launching targeted training for clubs and coaches on how to interact with referees—particularly young ones. Emphasizing communication, respect, and understanding of the developmental process is key.
  • Spectator Behavior Initiatives: Working with clubs, we are piloting sideline management tools, including volunteer parent liaisons, clear signage, and increased reporting avenues for abuse or inappropriate behavior.
  • Referee Retention Incentives: We’re also exploring rewards and recognition programs for referees who show commitment and growth, as well as clubs that demonstrate strong referee support practices.

It Takes a Village

Just as player development doesn’t rest solely on one coach, referee development cannot rest solely on OYSA. It takes a village. A youth referee’s journey is shaped by every club that hosts them, every coach that interacts with them, and every sideline that either supports or undermines them.

Let’s stop expecting perfection from our youngest referees while preaching patience with our youngest players. Let’s model the development culture we so often promote. Only then can we truly build the future of the game—from the touchline to the center circle.

Chasing the Brass Ring: Is Platform League Soccer Worth It?

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In American youth soccer today, platform leagues like ECNL, MLS Next, and Girls Academy dominate the landscape. These leagues are presented as golden runways — slick, structured, and well-lit — leading straight to college scholarships and, for a select few, a professional career. The pitch is powerful: better competition, better coaching, better exposure. For ambitious families, the logic feels irresistible.

But there’s a harder truth buried beneath the optimism: the vast majority of kids in these leagues will never play NCAA Division I soccer. Even fewer will ever sniff a professional contract. And yet families spend thousands — often tens of thousands — chasing that outcome.

It’s a paradox we rarely talk about: in almost no other area of life would people willingly make such a steep investment against such long odds. But in youth soccer, the dream carries a kind of gravitational pull that keeps families on the ride long after reason might tell them to get off.

The Promise of Platform Soccer

Let’s start with what’s real. Platform leagues do offer tangible benefits. They consolidate talent, create national scouting infrastructure, and offer higher-quality coaching than most grassroots or travel programs. College coaches do scout heavily at platform events, and for the top-tier athletes, this visibility can translate into real scholarship offers.

For kids who are serious about the sport — those with genuine talent, drive, and the right support — these leagues provide an environment that pushes development. Playing with and against better players often speeds up growth, and high-level training can set the foundation for a future in the game.

But platform soccer isn’t just about soccer. It becomes a lifestyle: year-round training, travel to distant tournaments, and a tight-knit social circle revolving around teammates. For some families, that lifestyle is part of the draw.

The Statistical Cliff

Still, the numbers are brutal. According to the NCAA, only about 1.4% of high school soccer players go on to play Division I. The percentage is only slightly higher — perhaps in the 5–10% range — for those in top platform leagues, depending on geography and club pedigree. That means over 90% of players, even within elite environments, will not reach the level that often justifies the enormous financial and emotional investment.

To put that in perspective: imagine someone telling you there’s a 5% chance you’ll get a return on a $30,000 investment over five years. Most of us would laugh and walk away. We certainly wouldn’t spend our weekends flying across the country for the privilege of losing more money.

In nearly every other part of life, we base decisions on rational risk-reward trade-offs. But youth sports — especially soccer — live in a world apart. Why?

The Psychology of the Dream

A big part of it comes down to emotion. Parents want to believe in their child’s dream — and more than that, they want to support it. It feels noble, even necessary. Coaches and clubs, whether consciously or not, encourage that belief. After all, it keeps players in the system.

The result is a culture where hope outpaces realism. Every goal scored at age 12 feels like a sign of something bigger. Every invitation to a showcase tournament feels like a stepping stone. The messaging — from clubs, from other parents, from Instagram highlight reels — reinforces the idea that this investment will pay off, if you just keep going.

And maybe it will. For someone. But the odds aren’t good.

When the Journey Is the Reward

Here’s where it gets more complicated — and more human.

For some families, platform soccer is worth it even if there’s no brass ring at the end. The time spent traveling together, the lessons learned through competition, the friendships formed over years — these are valuable in their own right. The discipline, time management, resilience, and confidence that come from committing to something difficult are transferable skills, even if the dream of D-I soccer never materializes.

In that light, platform soccer can be seen as an experience investment rather than a return investment. The cost isn’t necessarily about achieving some specific athletic outcome; it’s about the ride. And for many kids, especially those who thrive in competitive environments, that ride is formative.

Still, it’s important to know what you’re buying — and why.

A Call for Clarity

The problem isn’t that platform soccer exists. The problem is that it’s often marketed — implicitly or explicitly — as the only viable path to college soccer, even when it’s not. There are many great players who go D-II, D-III, or NAIA. Some even go pro via non-traditional routes. Not every kid needs to be on a national platform to find a future in the game.

And not every family can — or should — try to keep up with the financial demands of this model. When platform soccer becomes a source of stress, guilt, or financial strain, it may be time to reassess the “why.”

Is the dream still the child’s, or has it become the parent’s? Is the experience still joyful, or is it a job? Is the goal still growth, or has it become about status?

These are hard questions. But they’re necessary ones.

The Bottom Line

Platform league soccer isn’t a scam — but it is a gamble. And like any gamble, families should go in with their eyes open.

If your child loves the sport, thrives in the environment, and your family can comfortably afford it — by all means, invest. Enjoy the ride. The memories might be worth every penny, regardless of whether a scholarship comes at the end.

But if you’re spending big money in the hopes of beating 19-to-1 odds for a D-I spot, it’s worth asking: would you take that bet anywhere else in life?

And if not — why does soccer make it feel okay?

Pay-to-Play in Youth Soccer: A Heavy Gamble in Need of Course Correction

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The pay-to-play model in youth soccer has become one of the most hotly debated topics in the American sports landscape. Critics often scream from the rooftops that the system is broken beyond repair, demanding a total overhaul of how we develop players in this country. I get where that frustration comes from. But I’m not one of those people who believes U.S. Soccer is fundamentally broken… A very brief search on this platform will show you dozens of Chicken Littles who believe the sky is falling. I believe we’ve made incredible strides in the last couple of decades. The growth of the game is real. The talent is rising. The infrastructure is improving. But like any growing system, there comes a time when you have to pause, assess, and correct the course. That’s where we are now.

At the heart of the discussion is the pay-to-play model—a structure where families bear the financial burden of club fees, tournament travel, private training, and showcase events. For older, highly motivated players with a clear goal of playing at the collegiate or professional level, this system can offer significant advantages. Exposure to scouts, competitive games, and experienced coaches can accelerate development and open doors. That part of the model isn’t the issue. In fact, it can be hugely beneficial when applied at the right stage of a player’s journey.

The problem is when we apply this system—this high-investment, high-pressure structure—to very young players. When 9-, 10-, or 11-year-olds are caught in the pay-to-play machine, the model begins to extract more than it gives. And what it often takes away is balance.

Kids lose the freedom to explore other sports, spend time with family, be involved in school activities, or just have unstructured fun. The early specialization that pay-to-play encourages is risky. Study after study shows it increases the likelihood of burnout and injury while decreasing overall athletic and emotional development. A 10-year-old shouldn’t have to decide between playing soccer year-round or missing out on being a kid.

I’ve seen incredibly talented young players fall out of love with the game—not because they lacked ability, but because they were drained by the demands of a system that asked too much, too early. That’s the risk side of the equation. And it’s not just a physical risk, it’s an emotional and developmental one too. The personal growth that comes from trying new things, being in different environments, or just making mistakes outside of a single identity as “the soccer kid” is often lost.

To be clear: I’m not saying we tear the whole thing down. I’m saying we need to rethink how and when we apply intensity and investment. There should be a larger window for younger players to explore and enjoy the game without the looming pressure of performance or the weight of financial commitment. We need more community-based programs that bridge the gap between recreational and elite levels, especially for families who can’t afford the current price tag of development.

We also need to stop treating pay-to-play as the only path. Alternative routes—like school-based teams, futsal, and local club programs—can offer meaningful development and joy, especially in the foundational years. If we broaden our definition of success, we can build a soccer culture that values the whole player, not just the resume.

This isn’t about burning it all down. It’s about tuning the system so it serves more kids in better ways. I want to be someone who contributes to that conversation—not by shouting into the wind about what’s wrong, but by helping build what could be right.

Because when we get it right, soccer won’t just produce better players—it’ll help raise better people. And that’s the kind of win that lasts.


https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26595205

Thoughts Perspective on Club Governance and Professionalization in Youth Soccer

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This is in response to a very interesting article from Cinch Sports that was sent to me by a colleague and friend.:

That article can be read here.

As the governing body for youth soccer in Oregon, Oregon Youth Soccer Association (OYSA) is deeply invested in the long-term development of players, the integrity of clubs, and the sustainability of the game at all levels. The recent article raises important concerns about the limitations of nonprofit, volunteer-led models in managing competitive youth soccer clubs—a perspective we acknowledge and, in many respects, share. However, as a state association overseeing a wide spectrum of clubs, we believe the path forward must strike a balance between professionalism and community-rooted values.

There is no doubt that the competitive youth soccer landscape has grown more demanding. Families invest significant resources in pursuit of high-quality training, and the expectations for organizational standards, coaching expertise, and player development continue to rise. We agree that in many cases, the traditional model of governance—volunteer boards with limited tenures—can present challenges when it comes to consistency, long-term planning, and professional accountability.

OYSA supports efforts to elevate the standard of club operations, including encouraging clubs to adopt more professional management structures. Many of our most successful clubs have full-time executive directors or directors of coaching who ensure continuity and operational excellence. These roles allow for forward-thinking strategy, sustained community partnerships, and high standards in player development—key ingredients in building strong, reputable programs.

However, it’s important to recognize that Oregon’s soccer ecosystem is diverse. Not all clubs have the financial capacity to support full-time staff. In rural or smaller communities, volunteer boards may be the only viable governance option. Dismissing the nonprofit model altogether risks alienating these clubs and the many passionate individuals who sustain them. Rather than abandoning this structure, OYSA encourages clubs to adopt hybrid models—where key professional roles coexist with a supportive, informed board that upholds the club’s mission and values.

We also acknowledge the article’s concerns regarding conflicts of interest, particularly in parent-led boards. OYSA continuously emphasizes the importance of transparency, clear governance policies, and strong codes of conduct to minimize such risks. We provide resources and training to help clubs navigate these challenges and build governance models that are both ethical and effective.

Ultimately, the conversation must move beyond binary choices. The question is not whether clubs should be run by volunteers or professionals—but how we ensure clubs have the tools, structures, and leadership needed to deliver the best experience for players. Professionalization is not just about hiring staff—it’s about creating a culture of excellence, integrity, and service to young athletes.

OYSA remains committed to supporting clubs of all sizes and structures in achieving these goals. By fostering collaboration, offering strategic guidance, and investing in club development, we aim to help every club—whether volunteer-run or professionally managed—meet the evolving demands of youth soccer while staying true to the spirit of the game.