Chloe Erazo

March 19, 2025 – For Immediate Release

Alexandria, Virginia — Virginia Youth Soccer Association (VYSA) and Alexandria Soccer Association (ASA), in partnership with Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS), were recently awarded an Innovate to Grow grant from US Soccer. Funded for three years and beginning this fall, ASA and VYSA will launch “Soccer IN School” — the program will bring a two week soccer unit to every second grade physical education (PE) class in the ACPS district. For the coming year, all 1,360 second grade students will participate in this groundbreaking program which includes:

• Soccer training with professional U.S. Soccer licensed coaches
• Introduction to referees and rules of the game by U.S. soccer referees
• Professional player appearances
• PE Teacher training by US Soccer coaching educators
• A “Soccer Skills Challenge” take home packet including a soccer ball and jersey

ASA’s Outreach & School Programs Manager Johnatan Nunez partnered with the ACPS Health & PE Instructional Specialist, Kristin Donley, to develop the program. Soccer IN School integrates U.S. Soccer curriculum with the Physical Education Standards of Learning for second grade students in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The goals are to improve school day attendance and test scores, foster a love for the game, and get kids involved in soccer outside of school. Donley notes, “This partnership will be a valuable asset, supporting skill-focused instruction in the PE setting where both teachers and students reap benefits. Anytime you can enhance a unit of instruction by bringing in experts it increases student engagement and makes learning the unit more fun. Additionally, this program will foster a social emotional perspective as students learn how to show good sportsmanship and work as a team.”

Last year the Innovate to Grow grant funded 27 programs benefiting 762,398 players, coaches and referees across the U.S. Soccer ecosystem. The Innovate to Grow Fund was established in 2017 to help U.S. Soccer member organizations launch new and innovative programs designed to grow participation. 

Don Rawson, Executive Director of VYSA said, “VYSA is proud to partner with the Alexandria Soccer Association on this initiative. The club is known for innovative approaches to supporting the local community through the sport of soccer. This exciting Soccer IN School program would not be as successful without the significant investment and support of U.S. Soccer. As this program is launched, it will be fun to see the smiles on children’s faces—especially with the World Cup coming to the United States in 2026.”

VYSA, ASA and ACPS see firsthand the urgent need to get kids active, engaged and away from screens. Soccer IN School will have a significant impact, introducing kids to sport in a unique way, empowering them to play at home and with friends, engaging them with positive role models, and offering opportunities to transition to out-of-school time participation on a team. 

Tommy Park, ASA’s Executive Director, said, “Our team is proud that U.S. Soccer selected the City of Alexandria, through VYSA & ASA, to innovate and build on our Access4All project. Combating the national trend of the decline in youth sports is achieved by working tirelessly to inspire young people to PLAY, join a team, have FUN and develop long lasting friendships. We accept the challenge and are driven to broaden our partnership with the schools, teachers, community partners and parents!”

This program will fall within ASA’s Access4All Programming and will be managed by Johnatan Nunez. Questions can be directed to: jnunez@alexandria-soccer.org

Fredericksburg, Virginia (February 25, 2025) – Virginia Youth Soccer Association (VYSA) is pleased to announce the three year renewal of its partnership with Publix Supermarkets as the official supermarket of VYSA for the 2025-2027 soccer seasons. This renewed sponsorship reflects the continued commitment of both organizations to foster youth development, promote healthy lifestyles, and strengthen communities across Virginia.

Publix Supermarkets, a recognized leader in the grocery industry, has long been a supporter of local youth sports programs, and their renewed partnership with VYSA will help further enhance the association’s initiatives. The sponsorship will directly support VYSA’s efforts to provide opportunities for youth players of all ages and skill levels to participate in soccer, while also promoting community engagement and well-being.

“Virginia Youth Soccer Association is thrilled to continue the partnership with Publix Supermarkets for an additional three years,” said Don Rawson, Executive Director of VYSA. “Publix’s longstanding commitment to supporting youth sports aligns perfectly with VYSA’s mission by creating even more opportunities for players, fostering community connections, and promoting healthy, active lifestyles.”

“Publix is passionate about supporting the communities where we live, work and play and it’s honor to continue our support of the Virginia Youth Soccer Association.” said Nicole Krauss, with Publix Supermarkets.

About Publix Supermarkets:

Publix Supermarkets is a leading employee-owned supermarket chain headquartered in Lakeland, Florida. Known for its commitment to quality products and exceptional customer service, Publix has been a proud supporter of local communities through various sponsorships and charitable initiatives.

About Virginia Youth Soccer Association:

The Virginia Youth Soccer Association (VYSA) www.vysa.com is a member of the US Soccer Federation and US Youth Soccer representing over 125,000 youth players, coaches and administrators in the Commonwealth of Virginia and DC. VYSA is dedicated to fostering a positive soccer experience, emphasizing player development, sportsmanship, and community engagement.

Comment from Gordon Miller, VYSA Technical Director:

“Denise was instrumental in my hire as the first full time Technical Director at the VYSA. She cleared the way for new and innovative programming and was behind the technical team at every turn. She was politically astute and knew how to get things done at the board level. But more importantly she was a staunch advocate for the players and the under served. She had empathy for the economically disadvantaged and found ways to help them receive opportunities that they might have otherwise missed. She cared a great deal and fought tooth and nail for the VYSA both in the state, in the region and around the country.

She will be missed.”

Comment from Bob Maynes:

“Denise Edwards was at the helm of the Virginia Youth Soccer Association when it achieved incredible results. VYSA became one of the largest state associations in the country and it had one of the highest state wide participation levels in the country. The VYSA coaching education and ODP programs became absolutely top notch and were widely respected throughout US Youth Soccer. VYSA also became one of the few state associations that owned its own training facility, with 8 fields that were also some of the best maintained fields in the country. Denise was a leader in all those processes. 

So deep was the respect for Denise that at regional and national meetings attendees always wanted to know what Denise thought about an issue. Once at a national meeting a very controversial proposal was being debated. After a long heated and noisy discussion Denise finally stepped up and the room suddenly grew quiet. Everyone wanted to know what she thought. Denise briefly summed up the question and related issues and proposed a solution. Immediately the question was called and Denise’s solution was overwhelmingly adopted. It so happened that her solution was the opposite of what the USYS President wanted. Afterwards he came to her and told her he would check in with her next time before he brought up a controversial issue. 

Denise received that kind of respect because of her knowledge, her skill, her leadership and because she was a truly fine human being. She will be missed.”

Comment from Adele Dolansky:

“Denise Edwards was one of the most dynamic Presidents in the history of VYSA. Her leadership skills and relentless dedication to the wonderful game for all kids have earned her the respect and admiration of her VYSA member clubs and leagues, fellow State Association Presidents throughout US Youth Soccer and members of the US Youth Soccer Board of Directors.

Denise throughout her years as VYSA President have never been shy about stepping up to the microphone at Region I meetings, and US Youth Soccer meetings to speak for or against a proposed rule, proposed budget, proposed anything that would not be in the best interest of VYSA and the east region. Her passion and knowledge of what is right in all areas of soccer programs caught the attention of many people standing in the crossroads.

Her vision and determination to build a VYSA Soccer Complex became a reality. Without a doubt the complex has become a great asset to the programs and membership of VYSA.”

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Edwards family.

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.