A Landmark Initiative to Enhance Competition and Player Development Across Florida
Auburndale, FL [January 31, 2025] – Florida Youth Soccer Association (FYSA) proudly announces a new strategic league alignment across the state, introducing the FSPL Qualifier League. This initiative marks a significant step in elevating the youth soccer landscape in Florida by providing a unified, competitive structure that enhances player development and streamlines league operations.
The FSPL Qualifier League is designed to create a more cohesive and structured pathway for teams aspiring to compete at higher levels. By standardizing playing rules, simplifying referee fee structures, and aligning administrative tasks, FYSA aims to improve the overall experience for players, coaches, referees, and club administrators.
Joel Dragan, FYSA’s Executive Director, emphasized the long-awaited benefits of this initiative, stating, “A unified FYSA league structure has been a long time coming! The incredible work of the FYSA Competition Committee along with FYSA staff provides a clear path from local competition to the highest level of soccer in the State of Florida. Athletes and teams will flourish under this newly defined structure. We welcome all clubs to come and experience the highest level and most professionally run youth soccer pathway in Florida!”
Christian Velasquez, FYSA’s Director of Competitions, echoed the enthusiasm for the initiative, stating, “FYSA is extremely excited to form this partnership with our affiliate leagues and create a true pathway for teams to compete in. By aligning competition rules & policies across all leagues, we will help ensure a consistent experience across all levels of play within the FYSA pathway.”
Olaf Henke, FYSA’s Vice President of Competitions, added, “We are excited to announce a collaborative effort between FYSA and its affiliated local leagues to improve the structure of the team vs. team-based competition in the state. This alignment will create a transparent and merit-based pathway for teams and clubs from the local level to the highest competition under the US Youth umbrella. Leagues will also work to streamline playing rules and all administrative requirements to simplify the process, reduce cost and time it currently takes to get players on the field.”
In addition, our next goals include improving our cup competitions and most importantly creating a unified competition calendar, which will define and outline league play dates, cup competition dates, and tournament dates—something that would considerably simplify season planning and reduce the administrative efforts required for scheduling and rescheduling.
This realignment is a strategic move to ensure the long-term growth and sustainability of our competition structure. We believe it will strengthen our leagues and provide an even better experience for our players and families.”
The FSPL Qualifier League will serve as a bridge between local competition and elite play, fostering an environment that supports development while maintaining a high standard of competition. FYSA remains committed to collaborating with its affiliate leagues to refine and strengthen this structure in the coming seasons.
About Florida Youth Soccer Association (FYSA) Florida Youth Soccer Association (FYSA) is the governing body for youth soccer in Florida, dedicated to providing a safe and competitive environment for players of all skill levels. With a commitment to player development, coaching education, and community engagement, FYSA continues to shape the future of soccer in the state.
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United Soccer Association Board Names Former FYSA President as Executive Director
Tampa, July, 2024 – The United Soccer Association (USA League) is thrilled to announce the appointment of Kai Velmer as its new Executive Director, effective immediately. Velmer brings a wealth of experience and a passionate vision for the future of soccer in our community.
With a distinguished career in sports management and a deep commitment to the development of soccer at all levels, Velmer is poised to lead the USA League into a new era of growth and success. His previous roles include six years with the Tampa Bay Rowdies administration, four years with the Tampa Bay Sports Commission, and six years with the Women’s Premier League.
For the last four years, he has been the President of one of the largest youth soccer organizations in the US, the Florida Youth Soccer Association, (FYSA), where he demonstrated exceptional leadership and a keen understanding of the sport. He also serves as Pinellas County United Administrator as well as Vice President of Soccer Assistants, helping clubs grow and spread their message online. His experience and dedication are simply unmatched.
“We are delighted to welcome Kai Velmer to this new role in the USA League family,” said Allan Langford, President of the United Soccer Association. “His innovative approach and dedication to the game will undoubtedly drive our organization forward and inspire our players, coaches, and families.”
As Executive Director, Velmer will oversee all operational aspects of the USA League, including program development, community engagement, and strategic partnerships. He will work closely with the board, staff, and stakeholders to enhance the association’s impact and reach.
“I am honored to join the United Soccer Association and eager to contribute to its mission of promoting and advancing soccer in our community,” Velmer said. “Together, we will build on the strong foundation already in place and create new opportunities for players of all ages and abilities.”
The United Soccer Association looks forward to the dynamic leadership and fresh perspectives that Velmer will bring to the organization. His appointment marks a significant milestone as the USA League continues to champion the growth and enjoyment of soccer in the State of Florida.
To reach Kai, please contact: [email protected]
QUICK LINKS
The Tampa Bay Rowdies and the United Soccer Association have teamed up to provide USA League coaches and players with great educational opportunities, as well as promotions and discounts that will allow our members to experience and learn from professional soccer coaches and players. Support the Tampa Bay Rowdies organization. Click here to visit them.
US Youth Soccer TOPSoccer is a community-based training and team placement program for young athletes with disabilities, organized by youth soccer association volunteers. The program is designed to bring the opportunity of learning and playing soccer to any boy or girl, who has a mental or physical disability The USA League encourages ALL our clubs to host a program. Click here for info.
Read the new changes to the background check requirements published by the FYSA. Thorough background checks in youth sports programs are a proactive measure to ensure young athletes’ protection and overall development. Click on the image to access the info from the FYSA.
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Our boys learned to play the game and be responsible athletes with the club. Their success as students and athletes in college are in part due to the guidance of their coaches.
Thanks for providing a league were our kids can play in an organized way. The coaching, the refs, the fields. Everything perfect.
Really appreciate all the work done so that our boys and girls can play the beautiful sport.
🐐 enough saidAnother season, another defender dropped by Messi 🥶 ... See MoreSee Less
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Great job Seminole FC Soccer coaches ... See MoreSee Less
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What an amazing goal ... See MoreSee Less
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Great touch ... See MoreSee Less
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Interesting take…do you think Eric Wynalda has a point?
#youthsoccer #youthdevelopment #tournaments #ussoccer #golztv ... See MoreSee Less
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1-3 tournaments are ok, Showcases are the biggest scam, they are expensive and with the promise of college coaches being on site, but never heard of a player being sign up at this showcases, some teams does like 5-10 tournaments per season and by the half season lots of players are hurt or needs months of recovery, especially between the age of 12-16 y.o. I like to do one or two tournaments per season just to see how can we improve competing against other clubs out our area. But in the past I had parents that wanted to participate on many tournaments possible on the season
Congratulations St. Pete Raiders Soccer Organization and Santiago for being selected to participate in the ODP Subregional event in Georgia.
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Have you ever wanted your business name and logo on the front of a soccer jersey? Here is your chance to become Nature Coast Soccer first competitive jersey sponsor. Check it out and bid now. Support youth soccer. ... See MoreSee Less
Competitive Sponsor Auction | Nature Coast Soccer
www.naturecoastsoccer.com
Be the First-Ever Sponsor of the Nature Coast SC Competitive Program! We’re excited to announce an exclusive opportunity to secure the inaugural sponsorship for the Nature Coast Competitive Program....1 CommentComment on Facebook
Thanks for sharing! 💜
Check out the latest and greatest from Azalea Youth Soccer League & Pinellas County United Soccer Club ... See MoreSee Less
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