THE LATEST FROM WYOMING SOCCER |
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WYOMING 307 SELECT & ODP
Wyoming Soccer is finalizing our player pools for our Wyoming 307 Select Program and rosters for our Wyoming ODP Program and we are looking forward to making that formal announcement soon.
Wyoming Soccer Association is actively seeking a state sponsor for our state programs. If you are aware of a business or organization who would like statewide exposure to families and young athletes, we would like to visit with them! Please contact our Sponsorship Committee Chair, Andrew Apfelberg, if you or anyone you know would be interested in this amazing opportunity. |
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WSA WELCOMES NEW BOARD MEMBERS |
Wyoming Soccer Association has recently experienced a couple of vacancies on our Board of Directors due to unforeseen circumstances. Those being in District 3 (Green River, Evanston, Jackson & Rock Springs) and District 5 (Cheyenne, Laramie, Rawlins & Torrington). Per Wyoming Soccer Bylaws, when a vacancy occurs during one's term, the District has 60 days to elect a new representative. Over the past couple weeks, District 3 and District 5 successfully elected representatives for their respective districts, and we would like to welcome and introduce them to you! |
Chris Bieber from Green River was elected as the District 3 Representative. Chris grew up in Bismarck/Mandan, ND where he fell in love with the sport of soccer at age 5 and continued to play it throughout high school at Mandan High School. There were not any college soccer programs in North Dakota when he graduated, so he pursued a BFA degree at Minot State University where he graduated in 2005.
Following graduation, Chris moved to Green River, WY with his girlfriend, who has since become his wife, and in 2006 he started coaching as an assistant coach for the Green River High School Wolves. In 2013, he became the head coach of the program and continued until the 2019 season when Covid cancelled the season after 6 practices. During his time coaching high school, he was named 4A Western Conference Coach of the Year in 2014, 2016, and 2018.
While still involved at the high school level, Chris also started coaching his oldest son, Graysen, when he started playing recreational soccer at age 3. He loved coaching his kids and now also coaches his daughter, Thabley, and his youngest son, Finn.
In 2017, Chris began serving as a board member for the Green River Spurs and has continued to coach at various age levels for the Spurs since then. Chris is excited to see how the game continues to grow throughout our state and local communities, and we are excited about his willingness to serve and know he will be an asset to our leadership at the state level.
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Brian Palmer from Cheyenne was elected as the District 5 Representative. Brian has been involved in soccer in Wyoming since he was very little and allowed to play. He grew up in Laramie where he participated in the early years of Laramie Blizzard Soccer. Brian played for the club and represented Laramie all through his youth and into high school. He gained accolades as first team All State and All Conference, as well as helping to bring Laramie High School its first state high school championship. During Brian's school years he was involved in ODP and played for Coach Tim Dennison representing Wyoming in several national tournaments.
In college, Brian played soccer for Montana State University in Billings. He spent all four years of college representing the Yellowjackets and setting a couple records during his time there while completing a degree in Spanish. His degree ultimately led him to join the US Border Patrol in 2007 and he relocated to El Paso, Texas.
His career choice forced many things to the backburner, and once he got married and had two children, this included soccer. Finding time to play pickup games in Texas was no longer possible, as his life became dedicated to his family. During this time, the border became an even more dangerous place to live and raise kids. He and his wife decided to return to Wyoming, and Brian feels that was one of the best choices they have ever made.
Back in Cheyenne, Brian started coaching recreational soccer for Cheyenne Soccer Club. From that point, he was hooked again with his first love and he hasn't looked back. He currently co-coaches the Cheyenne Sting 12U Boys and is the head coach of the Wyoming 307 Select 2011 Boys Team. Both of his children play for Cheyenne. Brian works full time for the Cheyenne VA Medical Center, and feels lucky this career also grants him time to coach. Brian loves this game and he is passionate about growing it in our state and we believe he will be an asset to our Board with his experience and passion.
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BE PREPARED FOR THE ACT/SAT TESTS
We are here to help through the eKnowlede PowerPrep10
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Wyoming Soccer Association's partner, eKnowledge, has boosted their programming to assist our high school aged soccer players across the state in gaining some amazing ACT and SAT test prep for a deal almost too good to be true.
The PowerPrep10 Beta Program is a course that is intuitive, student-driven, comprehensive, multi-media, content rich and focused precisely on your student's needs with instant access to a LIVE teacher!
The value of this is $350, but as a member of Wyoming Soccer Association you can get in for as low as $19.99 and can receive EVERYTHING for only $49.99 - a $1500 value!
Registration deadline to register for the next available ACT Test of 2022 (October 22, 2022) is September 30, 2022 (late fee applies).
The deadline to register for the next SAT Test of 2022 (November 5, 2022) is October 7, 2022.
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WYOMING CUP/CHAMPIONSHIPS &
UNITED CUP LOCATION ANNOUNCED FOR 2023 & 2024
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Wyoming Soccer Association is pleased to announce that Casper Soccer Club has won the bid to host the 2023 & 2024 Wyoming Cup & Championships and Wyoming United Cup.
Casper Soccer Club has been our gracious host for the past several years and they continue to help us grow the event year to year. Casper Soccer Complex has adequate field space and Casper has the hotels, restaurants and shopping to create an ideal location for our state championships.
Thank you to Casper Soccer Club for submitting your proposal and we were happy to accept it. Wyoming Soccer Association is proud to hold our event in Casper for the next two years!
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THE LATEST FROM US YOUTH SOCCER |
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The month of September is Youth Soccer Month! Every year, US Youth Soccer promotes the month with fun, games, promotions and weekly themes!
If you are not following US Youth Soccer on social media, we highly encourage you to do so, as there are tons o fun ideas and great giveaways. This week's theme is Friendship and they are giving away 2 sets of Nike bags full of gear for you and a friend!
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US Youth Soccer and etrainu.com are proud to announce a new education training platform partnership to ensure their members can perform better on and off the field.
Find out how these global leaders in online learning will play an integral role in growing USYS University.
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THE LATEST FROM US SOCCER |
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WORLD CUP 2022
What can you do?
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The 2022 World Cup is right around the corner and will take place November 20, 2022 - December 18, 2022 in Qatar. What better time to get kids excited about the sport of soccer?!
You may be wondering what, outside of watching the games, can you do to help garner that excitement? There are lots of things communities can do on a local level to spark that interest. Wait...did we say "spark"?! Does that mean your club could apply for a SOW Soccer grant? Yes, yes it does! As long as it is something that will generate grass roots growth, you could apply for a grant for an event around the World Cup in your local area.
Let us help you with just a few ideas:
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Purchase World Cup 2022 Panini Sticker Books from our partners at Soccer.com for students in your schools (you can target a grade, a school, the district) and create a local contest to facilitate interest and get kids excited.
- Rent out a local movie theatre and have watch parties of the US National team matches.
- Create giveaways, promotions and scholarships for your local club around answering "fun facts" or "trivia" questions around the World Cup and/or our national teams.
The World Cup is not just about fanfare, soccer games and who is winning/losing. It is about a feeling, it is about the fans! You can create that feeling, you can create fans - and those fans can become players! Get those ideas flowing and talk to your local club. If you are not sure who to get in touch with, just click here for a full directory of all our affiliated clubs around the state. We are excited to see what ideas you have and we are excited to help you make it happen!
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OVERCOMING THE REFEREE SHORTAGE |
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Wyoming Soccer is working hard to gain more referees, and the best way to do that is to host referee clinics. We invite you to take advantage of the opportunity to offset some of the costs of youth soccer, earn some extra money, familiarize yourself with the rules and see things from a new perspective!
Click the below button to find out about all our upcoming Wyoming Referee Clinics.
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If your club is interested in hosting a referee clinic, please click HERE.
Wyoming Soccer has also recently learned we are the recipients of another Innovate to Grow Grant, and this one will focus on referees. We have started formulating a plan and we cannot wait to get started!
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Over the past few months, you may have noticed we've been talking about an Innovate to Grow grant to help us recruit and retain referees in Wyoming. This is a BIG challenge, but we believe the true solution is you. You, as members of our clubs, and as parents, hold the key.
We have embarked on some initiatives that you will hopefully start seeing pop up. The truth of the matter is that we love our kids and we want what is best for them. We want them to be safe, we want them to have fun, and let's face it, we want them to win. We get emotional, we get passionate, and we get loud. Why? Because we are human!
With that said, it has become more prevalent to see parents, and sometimes even coaches, removed from the sidelines due to being "loud and passionate". Most of us have been there, and if not, we have definitely found ourselves seated next to them.
We are going to be offering frequent reminders before and during all events to keep in mind that we are the example. We are not only watching our kids play soccer - first and foremost, they are watching us. They see us on the sidelines, they hear us, and more often than not they are not listening to us, and neither are the referees. Kids are going to play the game the way they play it, the way the coach has instructed them. Referees are going to call the game they way they call it, the way they have been trained. They are going to make mistakes - who doesn't?... We need to be their support and cheer them on - the players and the referees.
Bottom line is that our referee shortage is often due to us. They do not get paid enough to tolerate disrespectful sideline behavior. Many of them are kids themselves. We need to respect the "Call of the Whistle", which means we are setting the right example for our kids.
Don't be that parent! Sometimes seeing our reflection is the best wake up call. Remember, they see us, too!
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Last month we featured one of two Wyoming players who were selected for a USYS West Region ODP roster, Parker O'Neill. This month, we are featuring Green River Spurs player, Tommy Vasco - who also made a USYS West Region ODP roster.
Tommy has played organized soccer since he was three years old was kicking a ball around as soon as he could walk. He has a passion for the game and has typically played the center striker for his teams. He has played for Wyoming 307 Select for three years and has been involved in Wyoming ODP for the last two years, as well. He also plays for the Utah State ECNL team.
Tommy has been predominately coached by his dad, Joe Vasco, but has also been coached at times by Conrad Damori.
"Tommy has soccer in his DNA. His dedication to putting in the extra work has paid dividends, with him being selected to the regional ODP squad as his most recent accolade. That passion will continue to grow and will lead to many more successes," says Coach Damori.
As alluded to by Coach Damori, this summer Tommy was selected to the USYS ODP West Region roster as a center forward. He will be heading to Florida in November to participate in the national inter-regional event.
Tommy can never get enough soccer and will play as many games as he can. He has guest played for several teams over the years. He has guest played for Casper Blades, Lander Strikers, Riverton Rampage and the Gillette Edge. When he’s not playing soccer, Tommy also plays football and basketball. Tommy also enjoys working with animals and raises a 4-H steer each year that is born and raised on his grandpa’s ranch. Between soccer and taking care of his steer, his summers are pretty well consumed.
Tommy is a spunky young man full of personality and a future in soccer! We are thrilled to have players like Tommy in our association, and we are honored to spotlight him. We want to hear more about players like Tommy. Remember, the Player Spotlight can highlight achievement in any area, whether it's soccer, academics, community, or attitude. Please share your kids with us!
To nominate a player from your club for the Player Spotlight, please download the nomination form by clicking HERE. Once completed, please email to wssa@wyomingsoccer.com.
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REGISTRATION IS OPEN FOR THE 2023 UNITED SOCCER COACHES CONVENTION IN PHILADELPHIA!
Register today to receive the best price possible for the United Soccer Coaches Convention and receive the benefits that come with attending including:
- Over 250+ education sessions, featuring both lectures and field demonstrations.
- Ability to earn United Soccer Coaches Diplomas and Certificates.
- Reuniting with your soccer community through socials and networking events.
- Adding to your professional development through sessions focused on leadership, risk management, parent/player relationships, and marketing.
- Access to the Exhibit Hall featuring over 200+ exhibitors from different corners of the soccer landscape.
- All recorded United Soccer Coaches Convention sessions are included with registration for no additional cost!
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THE LATEST UPCOMING EVENTS |
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September 24-25, 2022
October 1-2, 2022
October 7-9, 2022
GILLETTE, WY
October 8-9, 2022
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SEPTEMBER CODE OF CONDUCT HIGHLIGHT |
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Please remember all registrants must agree to the Wyoming Soccer Association's (WSA's) Code of Conduct.
- Adults should NOT place themselves in one-on-one situations with players other than their own before, during or after WSA sanctioned events.
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GET TO KNOW OUR GROWING LIST OF PARTNERS |
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WYOMING SOCCER ASSOCIATION| www.wyomingsoccer.com
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