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Photo: Tennessee Soccer Club representatives load supplies into a trailer that was delivered to East Tennessee.

Helping Greeneville Soccer Association Get Back on their Feet

In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, communities across East Tennessee faced extraordinary challenges, and the Greeneville Soccer Association was no exception. To aid in their recovery, Jackson Boom and Jackson Area Wide Soccer (JAWS), which plays in the Tennessee State Soccer Association (TSSA), collaborated with Great American Sports and All Children Play, a fund of the Community Foundation of West Tennessee. A TSSA member at the youth level, Jackson Boom also operates a men’s club in the United Premier Soccer League (UPSL) and a women’s side in the Women’s Premier Soccer League (WPSL).

Their collective efforts helped raise more than $5,275 for recovery assistance. Those donations then led to the purchase of more than $15,000 worth of essential soccer equipment, giving Greeneville Soccer Association a much-needed boost to rebuild and get back on the field.

Rebuilding After the Storm

Hurricane Helene left a trail of devastation in its wake, hitting towns like Greeneville particularly hard. Families, businesses and community programs experienced significant losses, including local youth sports organizations like Greenville Soccer Association. Faced with damaged facilities and depleted resources, the club was struggling to recover. Recognizing this need, Jackson Boom and its partners stepped up to provide support, underscoring the power of Tennessee’s soccer community to come together during times of crisis.

Equipping a Comeback

The funds raised made a tangible impact. With the money collected, Jackson Boom and its partners delivered a full-sized 11v11 goal, nine soccer nets of various sizes, over 50 soccer balls and more than 150 training bibs. These resources allowed players and coaches to resume training, practices and games, helping to restore a sense of normalcy and hope for the Greenville soccer community.

“I was deeply saddened to hear about the losses in East Tennessee, and our thoughts remain with everyone affected,” said Cesar Quispe, President of Jackson Boom. “We’re committed to supporting our soccer community through times of need and are grateful for the collective effort that made this donation possible. We look forward to continued collaboration and further updates as the recovery progresses.”

Tennessee Soccer Club Raises Funds for Supplies

Tennessee Soccer Club also made significant contributions to recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene, raising more than $8,000 to purchase supplies that were then delivered to East Tennessee. A trailer was packed full of the supplies by club representatives before being shipped directly to that region,  among the items being water, diapers, cleaning materials and medical supplies.

Clubs Unite to Help Eastern Tennessee

Additional clubs came together in unity and support for those affected by Hurricane Helene, with organizations such as Soccer Club of Oak Ridge (SCOR), Blount United Soccer Club (BUSC), East TN Futbol Club, One Knoxville SC and Tennessee Select Soccer Academy joining forces to assist in recovery efforts.

“East TN showed incredible support from SCOR, BUSC, East TN Futbol, One Knox and TN Select (and many more across the eastern side) in our joint effort to assist our soccer community affected by the hurricane,” said Elise Morris, Eastern District Director of the Tennessee State Soccer Association. “While we may compete on the field as rivals, we always need to remember that off the field, we are indeed a family. If we can help any further as we approach winter, please let us know!”

If your club or soccer organization supported recovery efforts following the flooding in East Tennessee, please contact us and let us know!

The final round of the Tennessee State Soccer Association (TSSA) Fall State Cup Presented by TOA was played this past weekend, with champions being crowned at the Richard Siegel Soccer Complex in Murfreesboro. Boys teams in the 15U to 19U age groups, as well as both boys and girls teams in the 12U division, provided an outstanding weekend of soccer as they battled for the right to be called state champions.

“We had a great end to a successful State League and our state championships,” said Jeannie Louk, TSSA Director of Leagues & Programs. “We are looking forward to seeing what all our winners do at the next level this summer. And I would also like to give a shout out to all our referees who got named to a finals crew.”

Division 1 Champions

12U Boys: NUSA B13 Brentwood Maroon

12U Girls: Signal Mountain Storm 2013 Girls Red

15U Boys: TSC 2010 Boys ECNL RL

16U Boys: TSC 2009 Boys ECNL RL

17U Boys: Pats 2008 Blue

18U Boys: NUSA B07 Maroon

19U Boys: TUSC 2006 Boys NPL

Division 2 Champions

12U Boys: NUSA B13 Brentwood Navy

12U Girls: KHA1 Murfreesboro G13

15U Boys: Armada FC 10B Red

16U Boys: 2009 Redoubt Generals Royal

17U Boys: 2008 Lobos Rush ECNL RL

18U Boys: NUSA B07 Navy

19U Boys: PSA Pedro Jrs

Division 3 Champions

12U Boys: EFSC 2013 Real Madrid Yellow Boys

12U Girls: Stones River FC 2013 Girls

15U Boys: 2010 Lobos Rush Elite

16U Boys: Action Elite 09B

17U Boys: One Knox 08/09 Sevierville

19U Boys: Rc3 FC Reign 06/07/08B

For the third consecutive year, TSSA saw a record-breaking number of teams register for the fall season, shattering the previous league record with 438 teams taking part in more than 1,500 games. State Cup competition was further highlighted this month with additional TSSA events at the Richard Siegel Soccer Complex during tournament play, including the Cleveland Grimes Friendship Cup and a TOPSoccer Celebration.

“The 2024 Fall State Cup event was a huge success,” said Hans Hobson, TSSA Chief Executive Officer. “We hosted 60 referee coaches and 135 teams that advanced to the quarterfinal stage of the event. Thank you to everyone who participated, starting at the State League level.”

Winners at the Division 1 level of Tennessee State Cup now advance to the US Youth Soccer (USYS) Southern Regional Championships next summer in Dallas, Texas. The competition is part of the USYS National Championships Presented by New York Life, which is the country’s most prestigious national youth soccer tournament. Champions at the Division 2 level continue onto regional play in the USYS Southern Presidents Cup next summer in Plano, Texas. The USYS Presidents Cup provides a progressive and competitive environment to teams that might not otherwise get the opportunity to participate in a series of unique experiences highlighting competition, camaraderie and community.

Open to all member clubs and their teams, TSSA has hosted the Tennessee State Cup since 1976. Games are played at competitive levels within three divisions (Division 1, Division 2 and Divisions 3).

To contact the Tennessee State Soccer Association, please call (615) 590-2200. Also make sure to follow us on social media!

The finals are now set for 15U to 19U boys teams in the Tennessee State Soccer Association (TSSA) Fall State Cup, with Division 1 and Division 2 championships being held this weekend at the Richard Siegel Soccer Complex in Murfreesboro. Additionally, Division 3 Semifinals and Finals will take place over the weekend, as will all 12U competitions.

“After months of competitive league play, this weekend’s D1 and D2 championship games will showcase the teamwork and dedication of 20 teams representing 11 different clubs from across the state,” said Jeannie Louk, TSSA Director of Leagues & Programs. “Best of luck to all teams in their pursuit of winning State Cup!”

Division 1 Finals

15U Boys: TUSC 2010 Boys NPL vs. TSC 2010 Boys ECNL RL

16U Boys: NUSA B09 Maroon vs. TSC 2009 Boys ECNL RL

17U Boys: Pats 2008 Blue vs. TUSC 2008 Boys NPL

18U Boys: NUSA B07 Maroon vs. Aris FC – B18U 2007 Predator

19U Boys: NUSA B06 Maroon vs. TUSC 2006 Boys NPL

Division 2 Finals

15U Boys: All-In FC TN 10B Chupacabras vs. Armada FC 10B Red

16U Boys: 2009 Redoubt Generals Royal vs. TSC Williamson 2009 Boys Showcase

17U Boys: 2008 Lobos Rush ECNL RL vs. One Knox 08B NPL West

18U Boys: Armada FC 07B Antioch Red vs. NUSA B07 Navy

19U Boys: PSA Pedro Jrs vs. All-In FC TN 06/07B

For the third consecutive year, TSSA saw a record-breaking number of teams register for the fall season, shattering the previous league registration record with 438 teams taking part in more than 1,500 games.

Winners at the Division 1 level of Tennessee State Cup will advance to the US Youth Soccer (USYS) Southern Regional Championships next summer in Dallas, Texas. The competition is part of the USYS National Championships Presented by New York Life, which is the country’s most prestigious national youth soccer tournament. Champions at the Division 2 level will continue onto regional play in the USYS Southern Presidents Cup next summer in Plano, Texas. The USYS Presidents Cup provides a progressive and competitive environment to teams that might not otherwise get the opportunity to participate in a series of unique experiences highlighting competition, camaraderie and community.

Open to all member clubs and their teams, TSSA has hosted the Tennessee State Cup since 1976. Games are played at competitive levels within three divisions (Division 1, Division 2 and Divisions 3).

To contact the Tennessee State Soccer Association, please call (615) 590-2200. Also make sure to follow us on social media!

The Tennessee State Soccer Association (TSSA) recently hosted its 2024 Cleveland Grimes Friendship Cup at the Richard Siegel Soccer Complex in Murfreesboro. The event is held in memory of Cleveland Grimes, who previously served as a TSSA Board Member and Executive Vice President, and it is open to all Division 4 Recreational Teams that are registered with TSSA.

“This recreational soccer tournament is held to promote the ideals of fun and learning that were hallmarks of Cleveland’s role in promoting youth soccer in Tennessee,” said Teresa Harrison, Vice President of Youth Recreational for the Tennessee State Soccer Association.

Cleveland Grimes made countless contributions to soccer throughout his lifetime, coaching and refereeing at all stages of the game in addition to his various leadership roles. However, it was at the recreation level that he truly found his love for the sport. 

The Cleveland Grimes Friendship Cup was hosted in unison with TSSA State League matches that were being played at the Richard Siegel Soccer Complex, creating a fully vibrant festival atmosphere throughout the facility. Participants in the Friendship Cup were able to showcase their skills against different competition than what they normally see within their respective organizations, and the event also provided a great opportunity for local referees to officiate a wider base of games.

The theme of the Cleveland Grimes Friendship Cup is “all about having fun” and celebrating grassroots soccer, the spirit of friendship and sportsmanship. Plans are already underway for the next Cleveland Grimes Friendship Cup, which is scheduled to take place at the Richard Siegel Soccer Complex during the weekend of May 17-18, 2025. Stay tuned to the TSSA website for updates about that event as it gets closer.

To contact the Tennessee State Soccer Association, please call (615) 590-2200. Also make sure to follow us on social media!

The stage is now set for 15U to 19U boys teams in the Tennessee State Soccer Association (TSSA) Fall State Cup, with Division 1 and Division 2 quarterfinal and semifinal action taking place this weekend at the Richard Siegel Soccer Complex in Murfreesboro. In addition, Division 3 Quarterfinals will be played on Sunday, and the weekend will be further highlighted with a TOPSoccer Celebration this Sunday as well.

For the third consecutive year, TSSA saw a record-breaking number of teams register for the fall season, shattering the previous league registration record with 438 teams taking part in more than 1,500 games. Following this run of matches in the state quarterfinals and semifinals, next weekend will showcase the Division 1 and Division 2 State Championships, as well as Division 3 Semifinals and Finals. Additionally, 12U teams in both the boys and girls divisions will be competing next weekend.

“We will have 135 teams from 40 different clubs across the state vying to be State Champions,” said Jeannie Louk, Director of Leagues and Programs at the Tennessee State Soccer Association. “Some are defending their titles, and others are here for the first time. Should make for an exciting weekend of soccer!”

Winners at the Division 1 level of Tennessee State Cup will advance to the US Youth Soccer (USYS) Southern Regional Championships next summer in Dallas, Texas. The competition is part of the USYS National Championships Presented by New York Life, which is the country’s most prestigious national youth soccer tournament. Champions at the Division 2 level will continue onto regional play in the USYS Southern Presidents Cup next summer in Plano, Texas. The USYS Presidents Cup provides a progressive and competitive environment to teams that might not otherwise get the opportunity to participate in a series of unique experiences highlighting competition, camaraderie and community.

Open to all member clubs and their teams, TSSA has hosted the Tennessee State Cup since 1976. Games are played at competitive levels within three divisions (Division 1, Division 2 and Divisions 3).

To contact the Tennessee State Soccer Association, please call (615) 590-2200. Also make sure to follow us on social media!

The Tennessee State Soccer Association (TSSA) is very pleased to announce its 2023-24 ‘Of The Year’ Award Winners, with an official awards presentation planned for the TSSA Annual General Meeting that will take place on January 25, 2025.

Nominees for the TSSA ‘Of The Year’ Awards are submitted by their peers within the soccer community, which assists in the recognition of the coaches, administrators and volunteers who help our game serve as a place where everyone feels welcome, supported and inspired.

“We are excited to again host our AGM at Middle Tennessee State University,” said Hans Hobson, CEO of the Tennessee State Soccer Association. “The event last year was exceptional with their new space and student hospitality staff. We look forward to engaging conversations with our membership and the opportunity to honor our award winners.”

Please see below for a full list of the award winners who will be acknowledged at the 2025 TSSA Annual General Meeting.

• Soccer Village Administrator of the Year – Phyllis Wilson (Lexington Soccer League)
• PRIME Volunteer of the Year – Vicki Cannon (Cheatham County Soccer Association)
• Wendy’s Female Competitive Coach of the Year – Juan Hernandez (Chattanooga FC Academy)
• Wendy’s Female Competitive Coach of the Year – James Branch (Wilson United Soccer Club)
• Wendy’s Male Competitive Coach of the Year – Zayrion Harris (Lobos Rush)
• Pinnacle Recreational Coach of the Year – Chris Moline (Montgomery County Soccer Association)
• Wendy’s TOPSoccer Coach of the Year – Majda Adrovic (Kings Hammer TOPSoccer)
• Wendy’s TOPSoccer Buddy of the Year – Brooks Talley (Germantown Legends TOPSoccer)

The 2025 TSSA Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be hosted at the Middle Tennessee State University Student Union Building in Murfreesboro on Saturday, January 25, 2025. For registration or additional information about the AGM, please email Emily Meyer, TSSA Membership Services Manager, at emeyer@tnsoccer.org.

To contact the Tennessee State Soccer Association, please call (615) 590-2200. Also make sure to follow us on social media!

Event Held in Memory of Cleveland Grimes, Former TSSA Board Member and Executive Vice President

The Tennessee State Soccer Association (TSSA) is excited to announce that it will be hosting the 2024 Cleveland Grimes Friendship Cup during the weekend of November 9-10. The recreation soccer festival will be held at the Richard Siegel Soccer Complex in Murfreesboro, and the event is open to all Division 4 Recreational Teams that are registered with TSSA.

“We are excited to host this event again in memory of our friend, Cleveland Grimes,” said Hans Hobson, CEO of the Tennessee State Soccer Association. “He embodied the passion and volunteerism within our recreational soccer community.”

The TSSA Friendship Cup is held in memory of Cleveland Grimes, who previously served as a TSSA Board Member and Executive Vice President. Grimes made countless contributions to soccer throughout his lifetime, coaching and refereeing at all stages of the game in addition to his various leadership roles. However, it was at the recreation level that he truly found his love for the sport.

The Cleveland Grimes Friendship Cup will host age groups ranging from 6U to 18U, but all teams and players must be registered with the Tennessee State Soccer Association as a Division 4 Recreation Team. Each team will play a minimum of three games over the weekend with boys, girls and coed sides all being invited to participate. The games will also be used as an opportunity for young referees to receive exposure to an event outside of their hometown club. Further, 13U to 18U teams with limited rosters will be offered a small-sided playing format (6v6 or 7v7) on a reduced-sized pitch.

The theme of the Cleveland Grimes Friendship Cup will be “all about having fun” and celebrating grassroots soccer, the spirit of friendship and sportsmanship. In addition to the soccer activity, there will be various forms of entertainment throughout the weekend to provide a full festival atmosphere.

Registration is currently open for the Cleveland Grimes Friendship Cup during the weekend of November 9-10. For full details and pricing information, or to sign-up your team today, visit the Friendship Cup Registration Page online or email friendshipcup@tnsoccer.org.

To contact the Tennessee State Soccer Association, please call (615) 590-2200. Also make sure to follow us on social media!

Tennessee State Soccer Association (TSSA) is excited to announce Logan Paul and KSI’s widely popular beverage, PRIME Hydration, as its Official Hydration Partner. Through this partnership, PRIME Hydration will provide its cutting-edge hydration products to support the diverse needs of athletes within TSSA membership and the youth soccer community.

“TSSA is excited to partner with PRIME as our exclusive hydration partner,” said Hans Hobson, TSSA Chief Executive Officer. “PRIME is a leading hydration product that will serve as a great benefit for our membership.”

As part of this announcement, TSSA athletes will receive access to PRIME Hydration products at various state association events such as Tennessee State Cup and ODP (Olympic Development Program). PRIME Hydration hit shelves in early 2022 as the brand’s healthy sports drink alternative, delivering hydration that helps to fuel athletes and aids in overall recovery. With zero added sugar, 10% coconut water, BCAAs, electrolytes, antioxidants and more, PRIME Hydration has quickly made itself a staple in the beverage brand market.

PRIME’s logo and branding will be featured on the TSSA website, social media and email newsletters. PRIME and Tennessee State Soccer Association will also collaborate on exclusive custom content and key media integrations. The partnership between the two organizations represents a shared commitment to advancing the well-being and success of athletes throughout the State of Tennessee. 

To contact the Tennessee State Soccer Association, please call (615) 590-2200. Also make sure to follow us on social media!

Meredith Waropay, Contributing Writer

TSC Williamson 2012 Girls Showcase played up a year in the 13U Division this past season and found an incredible amount of success at the higher age group. Despite the challenge of competing against older teams, the team proved to be fierce competitors throughout the year who were more than up to the difficult task at hand.

“What made this team so special was how well they got along on and off the field,” said Stephen Jordan, head coach of TSC Williamson 2012 Girls Showcase. “They work hard every single training session, giving 100% effort and having a positive attitude.”

TSC Williamson 2012 Girls Showcase first won the Tennessee State Soccer Association (TSSA) State Cup at the Division 1 level, which is part of the US Youth Soccer National Championships Presented by New York Life. By winning the TSSA 13U Girls State Cup, the team booked its ticket to the USYS Southern Regional Championships in Tampa and Auburndale, Florida.

TSC Williamson played exceptionally well at the USYS Southern Regional Championships and ultimately earned their place in the final against HTX 12 of South Texas, falling by a slim margin in the regional championship match. The Tennessee side reached the final after blanking Greater Boca SFFA 2011 Girls Elite SUN (FL) in the semifinals, 1-0. Prior to that outing, TSC Williamson claimed a 4-1 victory over MS Rush 11G Premier (MS) in the quarterfinals. They entered the elimination rounds after a runner-up finish in group play, registering six points (2-1 record) on a 7-5 goal differential in their bracket.

“One of my favorite things about coaching this team is they are open to learning, changing roles and being challenged,” Coach Jordan continued. “It has been wonderful to watch them grow and become more confident on the field.”

The decision to have the team play up an age group was ultimately made to help them develop as competitive players. In the 13U age group, TSC Williamson was challenged to play 11v11 instead of 9v9, and playing up also tested the team’s strategic game play and physicality.

“We started the season with goals solely focused on development,” Coach Jordan confirmed. “We did not anticipate challenging to win the Tennessee State League, but the growth throughout the season was incredible. It was not until State Cup that we started talking about ‘how to win’ to keep the season going. The biggest fear of losing for the girls was that the season would end, and that they would not be playing together.”

TSC Williamson 2012 Girls Showcase demonstrated remarkable growth and resilience throughout the past season. Playing up a year in the 13U Division presented significant challenges, but the team’s commitment to development and their ability to adapt to tougher competition was clearly evident. As the 2024-25 season commences, Coach Jordan and TSC Williamson 2012 Girls Showcase now set their sights on new challenges and seeing what additional accomplishments they can reach.