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CaptainU offers free recruiting profile

CaptainU teams up with Georgia State Soccer Association to Expand College Sports Recruiting Efforts

Plano, TX, June 3, 2022—Georgia State Soccer Association— the official National State Association of USSF, as well as the recognized national soccer association within the Federation International de Football Association (FIFA), the worldwide governing body for soccer — announced today a new partner in CaptainU, powered by Stack Sports, to help more athletes find college opportunities. CaptainU a self-managed recruiting software tool that connects high school athletes and college coaches across the country, is the best way to connect with college coaches and get recruited. This 3 year partnership allows Georgia Soccer athletes and parents, instant access to every college soccer coach in the country, while increasing CaptainU’s huge reach for college soccer coaches.

“We couldn’t be more excited for the opportunity to work with CaptainU and discover innovative ways to improve college soccer recruiting in the state of Georgia,” said Laura Halfpenny, Executive Director of Georgia Soccer. “This partnership will provide our athletes, parents, coaches, and teams access to expert recruiting tools. Expanding our Partnership with Stack Sports to provide additional resources to our members was an easy choice for us after the service we receive from them over the last decade.” Through this partnership, Georgia Soccer athletes will receive a free recruiting profileand highly discounted upgraded plans, coaches are eligible for free CaptainU College accounts, teams are eligible for a free CaptainU Teams accounts, and more.

“We’re thrilled to be partnering with Georgia Soccer and providing them with innovative tools and resources to enhance their already great program,” said Brandon Hollmann, General Manager of CaptainU. “Our mission has always been to assist college coaches, teams, and athletes throughout the recruiting process, and by teaming up with Georgia Soccer, we’re doing just that.”

About Georgia Soccer Georgia Soccer 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 Soccerserves as the official National State Association of USSF making it responsible to act on behalf of USSF and provide licensing courses for coaches and certification courses for referees. In turn, the United States Soccer Federation is the recognized national soccer association within the Federation International de Football Association (FIFA),the worldwide governing body for soccer. Essentially, we serve affiliated member organizations throughout Georgia in both program and administrative support activities.

About CaptainU CaptainU empowers athletes to take their game to the next level through recruiting and discovery tools to connect with clubs, events and colleges. More than3 million high school athletes, college coaches, club coaches and tournament directors have used CaptainU tools to network, build relationships, and build championship teams. CaptainU was founded in 2008 and now powers the recruiting journey for partners like AAU, USA Gymnastics, Georgia Soccer, and US Rowing. To learn more about CaptainU, visit CaptainU.com .

About Stack Sports With nearly 50 million users in 35 countries, Stack Sports is a global technology leader in SaaS platform offerings for the sports industry. The company provides world-class software and services to support national governing bodies, youth sports associations, leagues, clubs, parents, coaches, and athletes. Some of the largest and most prominent sports organizations including the U.S. Soccer Federation, Little League Baseball and Softball, and Pop Warner Little Scholars rely on Stack Sports technology to run and manage their organizations. Stack Sports is headquartered in Dallas and is leading the industry one team at a time focusing on four key pillars — Grassroots Engagement, Participation Growth, Recruiting Pathways, and Elite Player Development. To learn more about how Stack Sports is transforming the sports experience, please visitwww.stacksports.com.

Savannah Clovers FC and Savannah United Announce a Strategic Partnership

Savannah Clovers Football Club and Savannah United have announced a strategic partnership that will support male and female players in the local area. This agreement will see the Clovers professional soccer organization enter into a mutually-beneficial relationship with Savannah United’s regionally-recognized Select, Academy and Recreation playing platforms. Both parties will work together to create a defined pathway for players who strive to play professional soccer.

The partnership will include scrimmages, training opportunities, workshops and development programs for Savannah United coaches and players. Additionally, this unique access to the professional club will be created through match day experiences, special events, attendance at training sessions, ticket offers and internship opportunities.

“Savannah Clovers FC and Savannah United are committed to advancing soccer in our region,” said Savannah United Executive Director Gary Wright. “Savannah Clovers’ vision to bring a team into a national, professional league is an unprecedented development for Savannah, and we are pleased to put our respective expertise together to provide special opportunities for our players.” Wright continued, “we are very excited to provide a pathway for our Boys and Girls programs, and to give the players at Savannah United every opportunity to play professional soccer.”

“Our vision for the Savannah Clovers Football Club includes a roster anchored with local players who understand our style of play and the values of our organization, and this partnership helps to lay this groundwork,” said Jef Thiffault, Clovers Chief Operating Officer. “Over the past nine months, we have been building this relationship with their management team, and we are honored for the opportunity to add to Savannah United’s over thirty-year commitment to serving the area through our professional platform.“

Savannah Clovers FC begin their first season as a professional club in April, 2023 in the National Independent Soccer Association (NISA).

About Savannah United

“The Club was first established in 1991 as Coastal Georgia Soccer Association. In 2013 after a merger with Savannah Celtic, for the advancement of youth soccer in the area, the club was rebranded and name changed to Savannah United. With around 2,000 players annually, and its very experienced professional staff,Savannah United is the premier,leading and most successful youth soccer club in Savannah, Georgia and the surrounding area.

Having produced the likes of Morgan Brian (USWNT player), Indy Vassilev (English Premier league and MLS Player) and countless players to go to college on soccer scholarships over the years, Savannah United strives to provide the best soccer experience for the player and their families. The club provides programs for all skill levels that include Recreation, Academy to the Elite level that allows all players to play and participate in the beautiful game.

About Savannah Clovers Football Club

Savannah Clovers Football Club is a Community-based soccer team founded on June 23, 2016 as a local amateur club. The team played in the United Premier Soccer League for five seasons and participated in both the 2020 and 2021 editions of the NISA Independent Cup. The club’s mission is to bring the highest levels of soccer to the Hostess City, while engaging players, fans and local businesses to serve our community. In 2022 Savannah Clovers received a major financial investment resulting in the club turning professional and gaining membership into NISA (The National Independent Soccer League sanctioned as a National Division Three League by the United States Soccer Federation). Savannah Clovers FC will begin their inaugural season in NISA as the city’s first professional outdoor soccer season in April of 2023.

About NISA

The National Independent Soccer Association was founded in 2017 with a mission to bring professional soccer to every city in the United States. A pro league member of U.S. Soccer, NISA focuses on a model based on meritocracy, independent clubs controlling their own league, clubs owning their intellectual property, all without the barrier of territorial rights. A member of the U.S. Soccer Federation, NISA also runs the mid-summer Independent Cup, open to independent professional and amateur clubs alike, and NISA Nation, an incubator league for amateur clubs interested in going pro.

For the latest Savannah Clovers FC updates, visit the official Savannah Clovers social pages on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram or visit https://www.savannahclovers.com/

Learn more about Savannah United by visiting www.savannahunited.com or social pages on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

Congratulations Piedmont Conference Members

Congratulations to the clubs representing Georgia in the Piedmont Conference.

The US Youth Soccer Piedmont Conference consists of teams primarily from Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina. The top teams in the Piedmont Conference top tier divisions will earn advancement to the US Youth Soccer Regional Championships (NCS) and automatically qualify for National League P.R.O.

For more information including scores and standings, rules, and updates, please visit https://www.usysnationalleague.com/piedmont-conference/.

Clubs Announced in Referee Initiative

GEORGIA SOCCER ANNOUNCES INAUGRAL CLUBS IN INNOVATE TO GROW REFEREE RECRUITMENT AND DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE

ATLANTA, GA – Georgia State Soccer Association (Georgia Soccer) is pleased to announce that forty (40) Georgia Soccer Member Clubs have been accepted to the Referee Recruitment and Development Initiative announced on August 6, 2022.

At the Semi-Annual General Meeting, August 6^th Georgia Soccer Executive Director Laura Halfpenny announced Georgia Soccer was the recipient of a US Soccer Innovate to Grow grant of $276,148. This grant will subsidize a three-year referee recruitment, development and retention program that member Clubs & Leagues of Georgia Soccer will benefit from. Each year we will add five hundred (500) new referees who will be granted full subsidy; their certification, uniform and approved background check will be fully covered by this grant.

The initiative will be called Positively Soccer and tackle several key challenges our member Clubs and Leagues are facing to recruit, develop and retain referees. Along with the subsidy of five hundred (500) referees, member Clubs & Leagues enrolled in the initiative will be given support through a referee mentorship program offered by the State Referee Committee and Clubs & their Assignors will be given tools to develop a Club wide referee program to continue to develop young referees.

“The Innovate to Grow Grant is a game changer for Georgia Soccer. The decline in referees is a nationwide problem and we at Georgia Soccer now have a solution. We all know too well the challenge of recruiting & retaining referees. Now, Clubs, Coaches, Parents, Players and Referees will all be part of creating a positive environment where we can all thrive. I applaud the 40 clubs that have enrolled and are part of this program.” Laura Halfpenny, Executive Director at Georgia Soccer.

The following Georgia Soccer member clubs have committed to being part of Positively Soccer Referee Program for 22-23;

Alliance Soccer Club

All-In Futbol Club

Alpharetta Soccer Club

Athens United

Atlanta Fire United Soccer Association

Attack Youth Soccer Club

Bluesprings Youth Soccer Association

Cherokee Impact

Collins Hill Soccer Club

Columbus Youth Soccer Club

Decatur YMCA

Fayette County YSL

Fugees Soccer Club

Georgia Express FC

Georgia Storm

Georgia Storm – Madison (MAYSA)

Inter Atlanta FC

Lanier Soccer Association

Legion Futbol Club/Central GA Soccer Association

Macon Soccer Club

MAYS Metro Atlanta YMCA Soccer

Oconee Futbol Club

Old Capital Soccer League

Ordaz Soccer Academy

Peachtree City Youth Soccer Association

Piedmont Soccer Academy

Pike Soccer, Inc.

Rapids FC

Richmond Hill Soccer Club

Rockdale Youth Soccer Association (RYSA)

Roswell Soccer Club

Rush Union Soccer

Savannah United

Soccer in the Streets

Southern Soccer Academy

Steamers FC / Georgia Fútbol Club

Three Rivers Athletic Club (TRAC)

Tucker Youth Soccer Association (TYSA)

UFA South Georgia

Zico10 Soccer School

Georgia Soccer Announces Cristina Coca as Director Of Tournament & Event Operations

Georgia State Soccer Association (GSSA) is pleased to announce Cristina Coca as our new Director of Tournament & Event Operations. Cristina will be responsible for leading and facilitating all GSSA Tournaments & Events including all State level Cup events (State, President’s, United Rec Cup, Adult State Cup) as well as oversee event operations for ODP Program including tryouts and sub regional events. She will also be the liaison with US Youth Soccer and the Southern Region during regional and national level competition series for all GSSA teams and clubs.

Cristina comes to us from Florida Youth Soccer Association (FYSA) where she held the position of Director of Competitions, overseeing all League & Cup competitions including the USYS National League Sunshine Conference. “I am very excited to join such a forward-thinking State Association within US Youth Soccer. I look forward to bringing a new perspective to soccer in the State of Georgia and help GSSA expand its competition pathways into new and existing markets.” said Cristina Coca.

“We look forward to Cristina bringing her knowledge and experience to this role to continue to drive success, growth, and development for all GSSA events, tournaments and competitions.” Cristina is well respected within our soccer community and very much so embodies the values we have here at Georgia Soccer.” Laura Halfpenny, Executive Director.

Coca joins the GSSA staff with a BA in Public Relations- Communications from Flagler College (Florida) and a MS in Sport Management and Administration from Delta State University (Mississippi). Most recently Coca was the Director of Competitions at FYSA and formerly the Director of Competition for the US Club Soccer’s Florida Club League.

Cristina can be reached at ccoca@georgiasoccer.org

About Georgia Soccer

Georgia Soccer 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 Soccer serves as the official National State Association of USSF making it responsible to act on behalf of USSF and provide licensing courses for coaches and certification courses for referees.

Fundraising Opportunity

We’re excited to announce the partnership between US Youth Soccer / Georgia Soccer and Little Caesars Fundraising to help offset your soccer expenses and support grassroots initiatives including, player and referee development.

This is a great opportunity for every player, parent, referee, and coach to raise money by selling Little Caesars Pizza and Bread Kits, Cookie Dough, and In-Store Meal Deals.

What’s in a Kit? View the Little Caesars Fundraising product lineup here.

$5 for every item you sell through the fundraiser will go directly back to you, and an additional $1 will benefit our both our national and state associations.

When you’re ready to register and start selling:

Click https://bit.ly/RegisterUSYS-GA to create your account and register your fundraiser. Registration ends on October 2^nd.
Share your unique selling link with your friends & family across the country. Kits are shipped directly to your buyers via FedEx.
Your fundraiser will end 4 weeks from your date of registration and your profit check will be sent directly to you within 2-4 weeks!

Your participation will make a big difference!

Be sure to follow us on social media for more information, exciting updates, and start raising big dough today!

If you have any questions about the fundraiser, please contact Little Caesars directly at Fundraising@LittleCaesarsFundraising.com.

SPORTSBREAKS.COM is an Official Fan Travel Partner of Georgia Soccer

Georgia Soccer and Sportsbreaks.com are excited to announce a partnership, becoming the Official Fan Travel Partner of the association.

An award-winning sports fan travel provider, Sportsbreaks.com offer ticket-inclusive packages to many of the world’s top sporting events including European soccer, Formula One races around the world, Rugby, Cricket, Golf, Tennis and much more.

Have you ever wanted to see Barcelona play at Camp Nou, or Manchester United play at historic Old Trafford or Real Madrid at the Bernabéu? Sportsbreaks.com provides an official match ticket and hotel break package for many of the biggest clubs across Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, Ligue 1 and Primeira Liga.

Headquartered in the United Kingdom, Sportsbreaks.com has now launched in the United States with an office and staff based in Atlanta, Georgia.

As part of the multi-year partnership, Sportsbreaks.com will offer all Georgia Soccer Association members with ticket-inclusive packages to sporting events globally, beginning with the 2023-2024 Premier League Schedule release on June 15th.

Laura Halfpenny, Georgia State Soccer Association, Executive Director, commented,

“We are thrilled to announce our new partnership with Sportsbreaks. This partnership will provide our valued members with sports travel experiences and even more unforgettable moments at the world’s most iconic soccer events across the Globe.”

Chief Operating Officer for Sportsbreaks.com in North America, Jeremy Parkins, commented,

“We’re excited to announce a long-term partnership with Georgia Soccer Association. Providing their membership with a trusted local source for global sports ticket and hotel packages, and specifically, Soccer matches worldwide. Our multi-year agreement is an exciting addition to our existing partnerships, we look forward to working with everyone at the association.”

Visit Sportsbreaks.com to access ticket-inclusive packages for a range of unforgettable sports experiences.

Click here for detailed information or call our Atlanta based staff at 404-465-3561.

Of the Year & Scholarship Winners 2021

ATLANTA, GA – August 10, 2021.

Georgia Soccer announced its annual award and scholarship recipients for 2020-21. Annual awards are given for Select Coaches of the Year, Recreational Coach of the Year, Referee of the Year and Administrator of the Year. Presented annually, the award winners are part of a Georgia soccer community of over 4,000 coaches and administrators who selflessly give their time and expertise to enrich the lives of the players, families and community they are in.

The 2020-21 recipients are Scott Burris, Georgia Impact Soccer Club Girls Select Coach of the Year, Liam Fleming, Richmond Hill Soccer Club Boys Select Coach of the Year, Mike Diethelm, Georgia Rush Soccer Recreational Coach of the Year, Devin Cole Referee of the Year and Charlie Morgan, Richmond Hill Soccer Club Administrator of the Year.

The 2020-21 Scholarship recipients are given annually to graduating seniors. The Rich Freeman Scholarship is awarded in memory of former Georgia Soccer staff member Rich Freeman. As our Senior Member Administrator, Rich was the technical expert, chaplain and the one everyone came to the office to see. He was never too busy to help, and no job was ever too big or too small. This years recipients are Christian Bowen, Judah Soccer / Legion FC and Molly Duncan, AFC Lightning.

The Georgia Soccer Board of Directors awards two scholarships to high schools seniors who demonstrate excellence on the field, in the classroom and in the community. This years recipients are Olivia Loris, AFC Lightning and Lewis Scruggs IV, Madison Area Youth Soccer Association (MAYS)

Learn more about each recipient below.