Fredericksburg, VA (February 5, 2026) – The Virginia Youth Soccer Association (VYSA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Serkan Orsan as its new Executive Director, effective February 16, 2026. Orsan was chosen after a nationwide search that began last fall after current Executive Director Don Rawson announced he would be leaving. Rawson has recently begun a role in the Soccer Growth Strategy Group at the United States Soccer Federation.
“It has been such a rewarding experience to be a part of the soccer community in Virginia over the past four years,” Rawson said. “VYSA has a tremendous staff, an experienced board of directors, and a membership of clubs and leagues that work tirelessly to create an exceptional youth soccer experience for thousands of families across Virginia.”
Orsan joins VYSA with more than two decades of experience in soccer leadership and business development. He most recently served for five years as Executive Director of Kings Hammer Murfreesboro, where he successfully managed a club of more than 2,800 players and directed four annual tournaments.
During his tenure, Orsan launched new programming initiatives, secured regional sponsorships, and strengthened club’s ties with local communities. He was later promoted to Vice President of Sponsorships and Corporate Affairs, a newly created strategic role focused on expanding corporate partnerships and enhancing community engagement across all club regions.
“Serkan brings an outstanding combination of soccer expertise, strategic leadership, and a proven commitment to community growth,” said VYSA President, Bill Phillips. “We are excited to welcome him to VYSA and confident that his vision and experience will help guide soccer in Virginia into an exciting new era.”
Orsan holds an impressive range of coaching and leadership qualifications, including a USSF “A” License, a USSF Grassroots Instructor License, and a UEFA “B” Coaching Diploma. He also earned an MBA in Marketing and a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering.
“I am honored to be trusted with this position and fully committed to serving the soccer community across Virginia,” said Orsan. “VYSA plays such a vital role in developing the game at every level, and I look forward to collaborating with our member clubs, coaches, referees, volunteers, and partners to expand opportunities for players, strengthen our programs, and continue building a positive and inclusive soccer environment statewide. With the momentum of the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, our goal is to ensure that Virginia’s soccer community is prepared to capitalize on this moment — inspiring more young athletes, elevating coaching and referee development, and building a sustainable foundation that will support the next generation of players and leaders.”
In his role as Executive Director, Orsan will prioritize supporting VYSA’s member organizations by strengthening communication, enhancing statewide collaboration, and ensuring clubs have the tools, resources, and guidance needed to succeed. His leadership will focus on aligning programming across all levels of play, investing in coach and referee development, and helping create a consistent, positive soccer experience for families and communities throughout Virginia.
“I want to personally thank Don Rawson for his tremendous years of service to VYSA.” Said Bill Phillips. “Don Rawson has consistently been a true innovator, and his leadership has helped establish VYSA as one of the most forward-thinking youth soccer organizations in the country.”
Phillips added, “Serkan Orsan was the obvious choice to succeed Don. While Don will certainly be missed, we are excited about the future of VYSA under Orsan’s leadership.”
VYSA welcomes Serkan Orsan to the organization and looks forward to his leadership in advancing soccer across the Commonwealth during this exciting era of growth and opportunity.
Virginia Youth Soccer Association (VYSA):
VYSA is a non-profit organization dedicated to growing youth soccer in Virginia. Our singular goal is to support, inspire, and grow youth soccer by unlocking the potential within every player in the community. We support clubs, leagues, teams, coaches, referees, parents, and players with resources, expertise, and programs that it easier for young people to get involved and stay in the game. We stand for innovation, integrity, teamwork, inclusion, and trust. Find out more at www.vysa.com.
For more information, please contact VYSA President Bill Phillips @ president@vysa.com