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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THE BENEFITS OF SOCCER
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.
This month we celebrate love (Including love to the ref's and the other teams). At United Soccer Association, we believe everyone deserves the chance to enjoy playing the sport they love. Our clubs help kids of all ages and abilities gain confidence by getting out on the pitch with their peers. We provide quality instruction, instill self-discipline and promote good sportsmanship through our league games. Happy Valentines Day to everyone!
#unitedsoccerassociation #fysa #FloridaSoccer #youthsoccer #SoccerHistory #soccer #football #futbol #FIFA #futebol #sport #PremierLeague #boyssoccer #girlssoccer ... See MoreSee Less
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For the MESSI discount, all you have to do is go to Soccerintampabay.com and click Ticketmaster to buy tickets, then click "Unlock" BEFORE selecting your seat, and it will automatically be discounted! ... See MoreSee Less
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None of the codes are working.
🎉⚽ Exciting News for Soccer Fans! ⚽🎉
Lionel Messi and Miami are coming to Tampa tomorrow to play against Orlando City! This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to witness soccer greatness live in action! 🏟️
📅 Date: Friday, Feb 14
📍 Location: Raymond James Stadium, Tampa
⚠️ Special Discount Offer for United Soccer Association Families! 🎟️ just for YOU! Don't miss out on this amazing opportunity to watch Messi and his teammates show off their skills! ✨
🔗 Get Your Tickets Now – Scan the promo code for your 15% discount!
Hurry, tickets are going fast! ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
For the MESSI discount, all you have to do is go to Soccerintampabay.com and click Ticketmaster to buy tickets, then click "Unlock" BEFORE selecting your seat, and it will automatically be discounted! ... See MoreSee Less
1 CommentComment on Facebook
None of the codes are working!!!
🎉⚽ Exciting News for Soccer Fans! ⚽🎉
Lionel Messi and Miami are coming to Tampa tomorrow to play against Orlando City! This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to witness soccer greatness live in action! 🏟️
📅 Date: Friday, Feb 14
📍 Location: Raymond James Stadium, Tampa
⚠️ Special Discount Offer for United Soccer Association Families! 🎟️ just for YOU! Don't miss out on this amazing opportunity to watch Messi and his teammates show off their skills! ✨
🔗 Get Your Tickets Now – Scan the promo code for your 15% discount!
Hurry, tickets are going fast! ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Message to all the United Soccer Association players: Come and experience an MLS club playing at Lake Myrtle Sports Park Auburndale, home of Florida Youth Soccer Association! This event is free to the public and will take place Saturday, February 15, 2025, Kickoff at 6pm. Lake Myrtle Sports Park is located at 2701 Lake Myrtle Park Rd, Auburndale, FL 33823. See you all there!
unitedsoccerassociation #fysa #FloridaSoccer #youthsoccer #soccer #soccerreferees #futbol #FIFA #futebol #PremierLeague #competitivesoccer #recsoccer #boyssoccer #girlssoccer #Rowdies ... See MoreSee Less
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Exclusive group ticket offer is now live! As part of the upcoming preseason match between Orlando City SC and Inter Miami CF, this is a special group ticket option for youth teams and their families. Please utilize the unique USA League discount code USA25 and to share with your club.
By using this code you gain access to:
• Discounted ticket rates for a selected section.
• Automatically considered (but not guaranteed) for additional perks based off of total sales by the club [i.e. pregame fanfest opportunity, video board recognition during the event, player walkout on the field, etc.].
The maximum number of tickets that may be purchased at one time is 8, however, you can use the code as many times as you want to fill the needs of your club/team members. If more than 8 are looking to sit together, we recommend purchasing at around the same time to ensure you get the seat groups you are looking for.
Click here to get your tickets ecs.page.link/tYXgH ... See MoreSee Less
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Message to all the United Soccer Association players: Come and experience an MLS club playing at Lake Myrtle Sports Park Auburndale, home of Florida Youth Soccer Association! This event is free to the public and will take place Saturday, February 15, 2025, Kickoff at 6pm. Lake Myrtle Sports Park is located at 2701 Lake Myrtle Park Rd, Auburndale, FL 33823. See you all there!
unitedsoccerassociation #fysa #FloridaSoccer #youthsoccer #soccer #soccerreferees #futbol #FIFA #futebol #PremierLeague #competitivesoccer #recsoccer #boyssoccer #girlssoccer #Rowdies ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Message to all the United Soccer Association players: Come and experience an MLS club playing at Lake Myrtle Sports Park Auburndale, home of Florida Youth Soccer Association! This event is free to the public and will take place Saturday, February 15, 2025, Kickoff at 6pm. Lake Myrtle Sports Park is located at 2701 Lake Myrtle Park Rd, Auburndale, FL 33823. See you all there!
unitedsoccerassociation #fysa #FloridaSoccer #youthsoccer #soccer #soccerreferees #futbol #FIFA #futebol #PremierLeague #competitivesoccer #recsoccer #boyssoccer #girlssoccer #Rowdies ... See MoreSee Less
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