When a good idea takes off, its power grows — especially when it works. It attracts more supporters and resources, creating a momentum that can lead to widespread change. USCSA is a great example of this.
The United States Consortium of State Associations (USCSA) is excited to announce its expansion to include two additional member state associations, bringing its current total membership to 16 USYS State Associations representing more than 200 youth soccer leagues, more than 2,000 youth soccer clubs, more than 100,000 soccer coaches, and more than 900,000 youth soccer players.
The newly accepted members include:
- Alabama Soccer Association (Jennifer Pfeiffer, Executive Director)
- Wisconsin Youth Soccer Association (Melissa Zielinski, Executive Director)
“We are excited to work with the Consortium because the state associations that envisioned this group are impactful,” said Jennifer Pfeiffer, Executive Director of the Alabama Soccer Association.
“These associations consistently create innovative programs and think outside of the box. Collectively, they have grown the game, increased the number of youth soccer players within their communities, and are willing to share information with others as we all work to expand the game across the country. We believe it is great to have like-minded state associations so we can continue to work towards similar goals and objectives,” added said Pfeiffer.
The USCSA believes State Associations can provide an anchor in the local soccer communities by providing exceptional service, resources and inspiration that grows soccer participation by unlocking the potential within every community.
To maximize its success and potential, the USCSA relies on its core values:
Trust, Innovation, Compromise and Alignment.
“Joining the United States Consortium of State Associations means aligning with a collective goal that transforms individual efforts into nationwide impact,” said Melissa Zielinski, Executive Director of Wisconsin Youth Soccer Association.
“This group unites diverse perspectives to shape a stronger future for our game, and I am thrilled to be a part of that,” added Zielinski. “Together, we aspire to grow the game and enhance the services we provide to our members. Through collaboration, we can scale efforts and make an impact on important topics like the cost of participation, referee development, expanding opportunities in the girls’ game, and offer more education and resources that benefit our membership.”
Jim Walker, the new Executive Director of Georgia State Soccer Association is also proud to have had his state join USCSA before he took over leadership.
“I am excited about working with the USCSA and partnering Georgia State Soccer Association’s resources with them to help develop and grow the game of soccer for all youth and adults involved in the game,” said Jim Walker, Executive Director of Georgia State Soccer Association.
How is the United States Consortium of State Associations different?
Traditionally, each State Association has its own governance, policies and procedures, and resources, which limits the ability to scale and incorporate efficient solutions.
The USCSA aims to create real benefit for all its members, generating a momentum which could lead to widespread positive change. The goal is logical and simple; to expand its influence, reduce costs and enhance services by scaling operations together. The organization wants to evolve the traditional model by integrating business strategies and shared resources to increase efficiency and effectiveness of its State Association members.
USCSA President Evan Dabby, who is also the Executive Director of New Jersey Youth Soccer, voiced his excitement in adding Alabama Soccer Association and Wisconsin Youth Soccer Association to the organization.
“The USCSA is thrilled to add these new members, and we know their expertise will help accelerate our efforts,” said Dabby. “Specifically, this expansion will enhance our efforts leveraging these individuals’ experience and build upon our team’s successes.
“We are demonstrating our ability to align and revolutionize the way state associations engage with one another. Specifically, we are prepared to integrate corporate partners that will provide new resources and offerings to our members, while also generating revenue that will help us keep the cost of participation at a minimum. We are collaborating via our regular meetings to uncover the next solution and innovation. USCSA is focused on efforts related to referee development at the recreation level, travel experiences, resources to help grow the girls game, and a comprehensive “toolkit” to assist club and league operations, just to name a few.”
“I know the efforts of the USCSA will have a direct benefit to our members.” Evan Dabby
The USCSA Members Include (New Members Bolded):
- Alabama Soccer Association (Jennifer Pfeiffer, Executive Director)
- Arizona Youth Soccer (Jonathan Berzins, CEO)
- Georgia State Soccer Association, (Jim Walker, Executive Director)
- Indiana Soccer (Dave Guthrie, Executive Director and USCSA Secretary)
- Iowa Soccer (Dan Cataldi, CEO)
- Kentucky Youth Soccer Association (Kris Zander, Executive Director)
- Massachusetts Youth Soccer (Rob Holliday, Executive Director and USCSA Treasurer)
- Michigan Youth Soccer (Thomas Faro, Executive Director)
- New Mexico Youth Soccer (Gloria Faber, Executive Director)
- New Jersey Youth Soccer (Evan Dabby, Executive Director and USCSA President)
- Ohio Soccer (Gordon Henderson, CEO and USCSA Vice President)
- South Texas Youth Soccer (Jennifer Davis, Executive Director)
- Tennessee State Soccer Association (Hans Hobson, CEO)
- Utah Youth Soccer (Bryan Attridge, CEO)
- Vermont Soccer Association (Meg Munson, Executive Director)
- Wisconsin Youth Soccer (Melissa Zielinski, Executive Director)
Alabama Soccer Association (ASA) is a non-profit and educational organization whose mission is to foster the physical, mental and emotional growth of players of all ages by creating and increasing opportunities for wholesome participation. ASA has a current membership of over 20,000 registered players statewide for youth, 2,100 adult and approximately 3,500 active coaches, volunteers and administrators.
Wisconsin Youth Soccer Association (WYSA) is the governing body for youth soccer in the State of Wisconsin. Affiliated with U.S. Youth Soccer and the United States Soccer Federation, WYSA is dedicated to promoting and growing the sport of soccer across the state.
Georgia State Soccer Association is the authorized state youth and adult association for Georgia within the United States Adult Soccer Association, United States Youth Soccer Association, and through them is part of the United States Soccer Federation (USSF). Also, Georgia State Soccer Association serves as the official National State Association of USSF and has approximately 45,000 members.
