2024-25 Virginia State Cup pioneers collaborative efforts between U.S. Soccer Organizational Members
CHARLESTON, S.C. / FREDERICKSBURG, Va. (July 15, 2024) – US Club Soccer and the Virginia Youth State Association are proud to announce the 2024-25 Virginia State Cup, a first-of-its-kind collaboration to help unify the youth soccer landscape. The U-15 through U-18/19 competition, which spans August-November, will be a true open cup, accepting teams from both organizations to provide families with a best-in-class, single state cup in Virginia.
Previously, US Club Soccer’s Virginia Premier Soccer League and the Virginia Youth State Association hosted separate cup competitions. Now, the pool is combined, providing a more competitive tournament field and ensuring the availability of the best referees.
“We are thrilled to see collaboration amongst our members,” said Shari Summers, U.S. Soccer Federation Chief Soccer Growth Officer. “This unified approach to the Virginia State Cup not only elevates the level of competition but also strengthens the entire youth soccer ecosystem in Virginia. By bringing together top teams, coaches, and referees, we are setting a new standard for excellence and providing invaluable opportunities for player development and scouting. This initiative aligns with our mission to grow the sport and nurture the next generation of soccer talent across the country.”
“The Virginia State Cup has always been the crown jewel in the state,” noted Bill Phillips, President of the VYSA Board of Directors. “In 2024-25, with the collaboration of the Virginia Youth Soccer Association and US Club Soccer, the focus will be on providing a first-class experience for all teams and players at this signature event. Teams representing both organizations will enjoy a high level of competition culminating in the crowning of true state champions.”
Champions of the 2024-25 Virginia State Cup will attend the national postseason event of the sanctioning body for which they are registered. VYSA-carded teams advance to the US Youth Soccer National Championship Series, and US Club Soccer-registered teams advance to the US Club Soccer National Cup Finals. Scouting opportunities and exposure for participating players remains the same with top performers being scouted for future US Club Soccer id2 and US Youth Soccer ODP programming.
“Unifying the youth soccer landscape is a priority for US Club Soccer and something we’ve been advocating for years,” said Mike Cullina, US Club Soccer CEO and Virginia Premier Soccer League President. “We’re grateful that our VYSA friends share that vision. This is a win for everybody, most importantly for youth soccer families in Virginia.”
“The launch of the reimagined Virginia State Cup represents a strong commitment by both the Virginia Youth State Association and US Club Soccer to collaborate on this signature event,” added Don Rawson, VYSA Executive Director. “Teams representing both organizations will enjoy a high level of competition culminating in the crowning of true state champions.”
“This is a great example of two organizations working together for the game, its players, coaches and referees,” said Skip Gilbert, US Youth Soccer CEO. “We hope more State Associations will follow Virginia’s lead.”
The deadline for U-15 through U-18/19 teams to apply to the 2024-25 Virginia State Cup is Aug. 15. Preliminary games to determine seeding will take place in late August through September before progressing to group games in October through early November. The semifinals and finals take place in mid- to late-November at the Publix Virginia Soccer Training Center in Fredericksburg. Information on the spring portion of the Virginia State Cup, which includes U-11 through U-14 teams, will be released in the fall.
“GotSport is excited to be a part of this bold initiative,” said Gavin Owen-Thomas, President and CEO of GotSport, which is a presenting sponsor of the Virginia State Cup. “It is right for the game. I applaud the leadership of both organizations.”
ABOUT US CLUB SOCCER:
A National Association member of the U.S. Soccer Federation, US Club Soccer fosters the growth and development of soccer clubs in order to create the best possible environment for players of all ages. Anchored by Players First and its five pillars of Club Development, Coaching Development, Player Development, Parent Engagement & Education and Player Health & Safety, US Club Soccer offers registration, league- and cup-based competition platforms, player identification and a variety of other programming, resources and services. US Club Soccer is sponsored by Nike, DICK’S Sporting Goods and Gatorade.
ABOUT VIRGINIA YOUTH STATE ASSOCIATION:
The Virginia Youth Soccer Association (VYSA) is a non-profit, charitable corporation devoted to promoting youth soccer in the Commonwealth of Virginia and the District of Columbia. VYSA is an Official Member of the U.S. Soccer Federation and US Youth Soccer. As a governing body of youth soccer in Virginia and D.C., VYSA is dedicated to the continued development of the games’ key stakeholders and is committed to supporting the growth of soccer in underserved areas.