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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.

Meredith Waropay, Contributing Writer

The Town of Smyrna recently hosted its Annual Welcome Back Party, which is a highly anticipated event to celebrate the start of a new season. However, this year was especially notable because it served as Smyrna’s 40th Anniversary Celebration of organized soccer being played throughout its Middle Tennessee community.

The fun-filled event consisted of food, fun and the recognition of dedicated individuals who have helped soccer thrive in Smyrna throughout the years. Hundreds of community members gathered for the festivities, enjoying the game and sharing memories from the past four decades. The event also honored a continued partnership between the Town of Smyrna, Smyrna Parks Department and other community members.

Playing a prominent role in the celebration was Tommy Williams, who is the Director of Coaching at Stones River FC in Smyrna.

“Many of the original founding members and players have continued to be a part of our club throughout the years,” he stated. “Those who carried the club through the years have continued to be a part of the organization, even as their roles changed from parent to grandparent and from coach to board member.”

Speakers at the 40th Anniversary Celebration included HG Cole (Smyrna Town Council and Stones River FC Founding Member), Mary Esther Reed (Smyrna Town Mayor), Mike Moss (Smyrna Parks Director), Tre Arhagba (Tennessee State Soccer Association), Michael Sullivan (Stones River FC President), Robert Cope (Stones River FC Treasurer) and Tommy Williams.

“We have developed a strong culture of giving back and a collective spirit focused on growing the game in this community,” Williams continued. “Many of our coaches and volunteers played here. That brings with it a sense of ownership and passion.”

At the event, community members celebrated the vast diversity that Smyrna has to offer. The town has grown to become more diverse in recent years, bringing new ethnic and cultural backgrounds to the community. A common element that continues to unify the Smyrna residents has been the game of soccer.

“Smyrna has become such a uniquely diverse place. The sense of pride in being part of this community, and all that entails, is palpable,” Williams confirmed. “The blending of cultures, backgrounds, languages and customs has made this town and this soccer community a truly special place. The willingness of the old guard to work with the new, for old customs to embrace new ones, and the willingness to look at potential challenges as opportunities; has created a community proud of where it came from and excited about where it is going.”

As the sun set on Smyrna’s Welcome Back Party and 40th Anniversary Celebration, it was clear that the town’s passion for soccer goes far beyond the field. The event not only marked a milestone in Smyrna’s rich history but also celebrated the community’s unity, diversity and shared love for the game. With leaders like Tommy Williams and a host of dedicated community members, Smyrna continues to build on its legacy, fostering a sense of belonging and pride among its residents.

As they look forward to the next 40 years, the town remains committed to nurturing the sport and the spirit of togetherness it brings, proving that soccer in Smyrna is more than just a game. It is a cherished tradition that binds generations.

The Tennessee State Soccer Association (TSSA) has seen registrations consistently increase in recent years for the Tennessee State League, and that trend is continuing into the Fall 2024 competition. 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 over the coming months.

“Soccer across the nation continues to grow,” said Hans Hobson, Chief Operating Officer of the Tennessee State Soccer Association. “Our league has grown an average of 10% over the last three years in the fall season alone. This is great for the State of Tennessee and the game of soccer.”

The fall season of the Tennessee State League is played amongst all age groups and genders from 12U to 19U, excluding girls in the high school age range. Fall State Cup will take place in the 15U to 19U divisions for boys and in the 12U age group for both boys and girls, with all regular season games concluding by November 10th. Following that opening slate of matches, Tennessee State Cup Quarterfinals and Semifinals will be held during the weekend of November 16th and 17th. Finals will then be played on November 23rd and 24th at the Richard Siegel Soccer Complex in Murfreesboro.

“This is an exciting time for soccer in Tennessee!” said Jeannie Louk, TSSA Director of Leagues and Programs. “We have launched a new system for TSL teams, and what better way to kick it off than with a record number of teams. With this many teams, we also have the opportunity for more teams to advance to State Cup in the fall. TSSA is committed to keep growing soccer!”

Open to all member clubs and their teams, the 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).

Champions at the Division 1 level will advance to regional play in the US Youth Soccer 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 US Youth Soccer Presidents Cup, which 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. Division 3 is considered the final level of State Cup competition, with many of the participants being newly formed teams or coming from a more recreation-based environment.

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

Greetings from Frisco, Texas – the home of US Youth Soccer.

This year marks US Youth Soccer’s 50^th anniversary. As proud as we are of our legacy, the start of 2024 also marked the beginnings of meaningful change. Earlier this spring, we began an earnest, in-depth evaluation of our National Championships, presented by New York Life.

We achieved a significant degree of consensus – near unanimity – among our 54-member State Associations with our plans to reimagine our signature championship.

We are thrilled to implement these exciting changes that will, undoubtedly, deliver on goals that centered around the vision to create the best youth sport event in the country. Universal agreement established that the ideal competitive format impacted these core areas:

1.  Player Experience/True Competitive Balance

2.  Lower Costs/Financial & Travel Sensitivity

3.  Central Location/Dynamic Facilities

Looking ahead, our goal is for USYS to host a competitively balanced championship event for the 2025-26 season, featuring teams from each of the 54 State Associations that will qualify directly from their State Cup competitions into three divisions. Our National League will also have a direct pathway into this incredible program which will come together at a single site to play for national titles.

Our revamped National Championships will create even more opportunities for lifelong memories for players and their families, coaches, and referees. More than 10,000 teams historically enter our National Championship Series, and we expect even more to be drawn to the format in the years to come.

On behalf of USYS Board Chair Todd Lockhart, our Board of Directors, Chief Soccer Officer Tom Condone, and the entire USYS staff, we thank the working group who helped facilitate these key changes (and will continue to lead the redesign).

• Louis Mateus, US Youth Soccer Board of Directors, Member at Large
• Jonathan Berzins, Arizona Youth Soccer Association, Chief Executive Officer
• Chris Branscome, Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Association, Chief Executive Officer
• Jennifer Davis, South Texas Youth Soccer, Executive Director
• Dave Guthrie, Indiana Soccer, Executive Director
• Gordon Henderson, Ohio Soccer Association, Chief Executive Officer
• Hans Hobson, Tennessee State Soccer Association, Chief Executive Officer
• Melissa Zielinski, Wisconsin Youth Soccer Association, Executive Director 

With our Golden Anniversary Championships later this month in Orlando, we cannot wait to crown another set of champions. In addition, we are bullish to begin our second 50 years with a reimagined National Championship to be played against the backdrop of the 2026 World Cup in the U.S.

Stay tuned for updates as we use this momentum to finalize planning to debut the nation’s best youth sports event, capping the 2025-26 soccer season!

Thanks for your continued support of our great game,

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Pateadores SC 2008 Blue capped off an incredible run today at the US Youth Soccer Southern Regional Championships Presented by New York Life, defeating AFC 08B Black (STX) in the 16U Boys Final, 2-1. With the victory, Pateadores SC 2008 Blue joins NUSA 06G Maroon (19U Girls) as champions representing Tennessee at the Southern Regional Championships, which concluded on Thursday in Tampa and Auburndale, Florida.

Pateadores SC 2008 Blue (16U Boys) went undefeated at the Southern Regional Championships, winning six consecutive matches and outscoring their opposition by a tally of 26-5. They opened the regional competition with nine points (3-0 record) in group play and a 13-3 goal differential to earn the top seed in their bracket. They continued that momentum into the elimination rounds, first recording a dominant 7-0 victory over 08 NCF HPJ Gold (NC) in the quarterfinals before rolling to a 4-1 win over Nona Soccer 2008B Black Elite 64 (FL) in the semifinals. That result set up a Thursday meeting with AFC 08B Black (STX) in the 16U Boys Final, where Pateadores SC 2008 Blue closed the book on the Southern Regional Championships by lifting the trophy for their age group.

Four additional Tennessee State Soccer Association (TSSA) teams also reached the last day of the Southern Regional Championships on Thursday, advancing past group play before winning quarterfinal and semifinal match-ups earlier this week.

Coming up just short in their quest for a title was TSC Williamson 2012 Girls Showcase (13U Girls), who played up an age group throughout this tournament and earned their place in the final against HTX 12 (STX). TSC Williamson fell to HTX 12 by the slim margin of 3-1 this morning. Kononia Lady Fire 2009/10 (15U Girls) won five consecutive matches to reach the championship game in their age group, but they were unable to solve the riddle that was the MIFC 2009 Girls (FL) in the final earlier today. 2007 Lady Lobos Rush Elite 64 (17U Girls) also went on a five-match winning streak to open the Southern Regional Championships, but the back line of BVB International Academy Louisiana 07 G’s Yellow Elite (LA) proved to be a difficult code to break today in the title game. Also playing in the final for their age group was NUSA 07 Boys Maroon (17U Boys), who battled Strikers Miami FC 2007 Elite (FL) in the 17U Boys Championship this morning. Both sides played incredible defense throughout the match, but a lone tally for Miami FC eventually became the game-winner when the final whistle blew on this 1-0 result.

Southern Regional Champions now move onto the USYS National Championships in July at the Disney Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, Florida. The USYS National Championships Presented by New York Life is the country’s most prestigious national youth soccer tournament.

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

Tennessee saw its first champion get crowned today at the US Youth Soccer Southern Regional Championships Presented by New York Life, with NUSA 06G Maroon defeating fellow Tennessee representative 05/06 Lady Lobos Rush Elite 64 in the 19U Girls Final, 2-0. In addition to full state representation in the 19U Girls Championship Match, the Tennessee State Soccer Association (TSSA) also saw five more teams advance to the finals of the regional tournament on Thursday morning.

NUSA 06G Maroon reached the 19U Girls Final after defeating Mighty Bluebirds Wright (AR) in the semifinals, 5-3. They opened the Southern Regional Championships by registering seven points (2-0-1 record) and a 7-2 goal differential in group play, which placed them at the top of their bracket. 05/06 Lady Lobos Rush Elite 64 earned a 2-0 shutout over Miami Springs Soccer MSVG 2005 Blitz (FL) in the semifinal round after winning their bracket with nine points (3-0 record) and a 14-4 edge in goals.

Advancing to the final day of competition at the Southern Regional Championships is TSC Williamson 2012 Girls Showcase (13U Girls), who blanked Greater Boca SFFA 2011 Girls Elite SUN (FL) on Wednesday 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. Next up for TSC Williamson is a reservation with HTX 12 (STX) in the championship game on Thursday morning.

Kononia Lady Fire 2009/10 (15U Girls) is also moving onto the final round of the Southern Regional Championships following a 2-1 result over MS Rush United 09G Premier (MS) in the semifinals on Wednesday. Kononia reached the semifinals after securing a dominant 6-2 victory over Dallas Texans G09 (NTX) in the quarterfinals, which came after going undefeated in group play with nine points (3-0 record) and a 17-4 goal differential. Kononia now looks to lift the trophy when they battle MIFC 2009 Girls (FL) tomorrow morning in the championship match for their age group.

Also punching their ticket to the finals on Thursday is 2007 Lady Lobos Rush Elite 64 (17U Girls), who won their fifth consecutive match at the Southern Regional Championships this morning. They squared off against Sav United 07G Premier (GA) in the semifinals on Wednesday, defeating the Georgia side by a tally of 5-2. Lady Lobos Rush arrived at the semifinals after earning a 3-2 result over FC Dallas ETX 07G Premier (NTX) in the quarterfinals. They opened the tournament in dominant fashion, securing the top seed in their group on nine points (3-0 record) and outscoring their opposition by a goal differential of 14-2. One more win against BVB International Academy Louisiana 07 G’s Yellow Elite (LA) in the finals on Thursday will see Lady Lobos Rush get crowned Southern Regional Champions in the 17U Girls Division.

Pateadores SC 2008 Blue (16U Boys) continued their fantastic run at the Southern Regional Championships on Wednesday, rolling to a 4-1 win over Nona Soccer 2008B Black Elite 64 (FL) in the semifinals. That win came off the momentum of a dominant 7-0 victory over 08 NCF HPJ Gold (NC) in the semifinals. Pateadores opened the regional competition with nine points (3-0 record) in group play, outscoring their opponents by a tally of 13-3. Next on the docket is a Thursday pairing with AFC 08B Black (STX) in the 16U Boys Championship Match.

NUSA 07 Boys Maroon (17U Boys) is now just a single victory away from lifting the trophy at the Southern Regional Championships after earning a 2-1 win over Kendall Hammocks Lightning KHL 07 (FL) in the semifinals on Wednesday. They arrived at the semifinals after defeating BRSC 07 B Black (LA) in the quarterfinals by a tally of 6-3. NUSA opened the regional competition by winning their group on seven points (2-0-1 record) and a 10-3 edge in goals. NUSA now seeks a 17U Boys Championship when they face off against Strikers Miami FC 2007 Elite (FL) on Thursday morning.

USYS Southern Regional Finals on Thursday (TSSA Teams in Bold, Times in EDT)

13U Girls – TSC Williamson 2012 Girls Showcase vs. HTX 12 (STX) at 8:30 AM

15U Girls – Kononia Lady Fire 2009/10 vs. MIFC 2009 Girls (FL) at 8:15 AM

16U Boys – Pateadores SC 2008 Blue vs. AFC 08B Black (STX) at 8:45 AM

17U Girls – 2007 Lady Lobos Rush Elite 64 vs. BVB Louisiana 07 G’s Yellow Elite (LA) at 7:45 AM

17U Boys – NUSA 07 Boys Maroon vs. Strikers Miami FC 2007 Elite (FL) (SC) at 7:30 AM

TSSA teams that reached the tournament semifinals but unfortunately saw their run end today were Chattanooga FC 2010G Navy (14U Girls) and One Knox 09 (15U Girls). Matches for the USYS Southern Regional Championships are being played in Florida at the Tampa SportsPlex and the Lake Myrtle Sports Complex in Auburndale.

Winners at the USYS Southern Regional Championships will move onto the USYS National Championships in July at the Disney Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, Florida. The USYS National Championships Presented by New York Life is the country’s most prestigious national youth soccer tournament.

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