• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Login
Tennessee Soccer

Tennessee Soccer

  • About
    • About TSSA
    • Board of Directors
    • Governance
    • Become a Member
    • TSSA Hall of Fame
    • Events
    • Contact Us
  • Member Services
    • Youth Home
    • Sports Connect Log-In
    • Member Clubs
    • Forms
    • TOPSoccer
    • Adult Soccer
    • Knoxville Metro Soccer Association (KMSA)
    • Sanctioned Tournaments
    • Membership Services
    • Annual General Meeting
  • Leagues/Cup
    • State League (TSL)
    • State Cup
    • Juniors Development League (JDL)
    • TSSA Winter Goals Play Date
    • Friendship Cup
  • ODP
    • About ODP
    • ODP Pathway
  • Safe Soccer
  • Coaches
  • Referees
    • Login

News

Tennessee State Cup Commences This Weekend

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!

TSSA Hosting TOPSoccer Celebration on November 17th

The Tennessee State Soccer Association (TSSA) will be hosting a TOPSoccer Celebration on Sunday, November 17th, as part of the Tennessee State Cup at the Richard Siegel Soccer Complex in Murfreesboro. Open to all TOPSoccer friends and families, the festival will include mini-games, skills contests, parachute games and a medal ceremony.

“We are excited to host this first-ever TOPSoccer event here in Murfreesboro,” said Hans Hobson, CEO of the Tennessee State Soccer Association. “We hope that this is the first of many events like this to come.”

The TSSA TOPSoccer Celebration is completely free of charge and will begin at 10 AM on Sunday, November 17th. Registration is now currently open, and those who are interested in attending the event can sign up online. Any questions can be directed to topsoccer@tnsoccer.org or by calling (615) 590-2200.

TOPSoccer (The Outreach Program for Soccer) is a recreational sports program for children with intellectual, emotional and physical disabilities. Developed by US Youth Soccer, TOPSoccer creates a platform for those with diverse abilities to play the game in a structured environment that is safe, fun, supportive and inclusive. If you are interested in bringing a TOPSoccer Program to your club or community, we encourage you to contact the Tennessee State Soccer Association at your earliest convenience via email at topsoccer@tnsoccer.org or by calling (615) 590-2200.

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

TSSA Announces 2023-24 ‘Of The Year’ Award Winners

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!

TSSA Hosting Cleveland Grimes Friendship Cup on November 9-10

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!

TSSA And PRIME Hydration Announce Partnership to Enhance Athletic Performance And Wellness

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!

Rising to the Challenge: TSC Williamson 2012 Girls Elevate Their Game in the 13U Division

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.

Smyrna Celebrates 40 Years of Soccer

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.

TSSA Shatters Registration Record for Fall State League

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!

USYS National Championships Come to a Close in Orlando

The 2024 US Youth Soccer National Championships have officially come to a conclusion, with the week-long event wrapping up after champions were crowned in the 13U to 19U age groups at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, Florida.

Chattanooga Red Wolves 08G (16U Girls) reached the semifinal round of the national tournament, where they came up just short against FW United 08G Elite 64 (IN). Prior to the elimination rounds, Chattanooga Red Wolves 08G emerged as the top seed from their bracket after a stellar showing in group play. The team won each of their three opening round games, all of which were shutouts. Chattanooga Red Wolves 08G outscored their opposition by a tally of 12-0 over the course of those three matches to punch their ticket to the final four for their age group.

Tennessee was represented by an additional six teams at the USYS National Championships. However, no quarterfinal round at the national tournament meant a smaller pool of teams advanced to the elimination rounds. Also competing at the USYS National Championships but unfortunately seeing their tournament run end after group play was Lady Lobos Rush U14G Elite 64 (14U Girls), Kononia Lady Fire (15U Girls), Germantown Lady Legends 08 Black (16U Girls), Pateadores SC Nashville 2008 Blue (16U Boys), Lady Lobos Rush Elite 64 (17U Girls) and Chattanooga Red Wolves 06G (19U Girls).

Pateadores SC Nashville 2008 Blue (16U Boys) went unbeaten in their group on a 2-0-1 record, which placed them level with Stony Brook LGN Wildlings Blue B2008 (NYE) at the top spot in their bracket, but an extremely close goal differential in favor of Stony Brook gave them the tiebreaker. Incredibly, Pateadores SC Nashville 2008 Blue was unbeaten in nine matches over the course of the Southern Regional Championships and National Championships (cumulative 8-0-1 record). Lady Lobos Rush Elite 64 (17U Girls) were also unbeaten in their group with five points (1-0-2 record), but Nationals Union 07 Girls Black (MI) secured the semifinal berth after completing the opening round with seven points (2-0-1 record).

The USYS National Championships Presented by New York Life are the final stage of the USYS National Championships, which begin at the state level before progressing to the regional and then national stages. The event is a culmination of a year-long series of competitions, providing approximately 185,000 players on 10,000 teams from US Youth Soccer’s 54 State Associations with the opportunity to showcase their soccer skills against the best competition in the nation.

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

Chattanooga Red Wolves 08G Advance to National Championship Semifinals

Chattanooga Red Wolves 08G (16U Girls) are continuing their quest for a national title on Saturday morning after advancing past group play and into the semifinal round of the US Youth Soccer National Championships in Orlando, Florida. The Tennessee representative now faces FW United 08G Elite 64 (IN) tomorrow with a trip to the championship match on the line.

Chattanooga Red Wolves 08G emerged as the top seed from their bracket after a stellar showing in group play. The team won each of their three opening round games, all of which were shutouts. Chattanooga Red Wolves 08G outscored their opposition by a tally of 12-0 over the course of those three matches to punch their ticket to the final four for their age group. Their meeting with FW United 08G Elite 64 (IN) kicks off at 8:00 AM on Saturday morning at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando.

Tennessee was represented by an additional six teams at the USYS National Championships. However, no quarterfinal round at the national tournament meant a smaller pool of teams advanced to the elimination rounds. Also competing at the USYS National Championships but unfortunately seeing their tournament run end after group play was Lady Lobos Rush U14G Elite 64 (14U Girls), Kononia Lady Fire (15U Girls), Germantown Lady Legends 08 Black (16U Girls), Pateadores SC Nashville 2008 Blue (16U Boys), Lady Lobos Rush Elite 64 (17U Girls) and Chattanooga Red Wolves 06G (19U Girls).

Pateadores SC Nashville 2008 Blue (16U Boys) went unbeaten in their group on a 2-0-1 record, which placed them level with Stony Brook LGN Wildlings Blue B2008 (NYE) at the top spot in their bracket, but an extremely close goal differential in favor of Stony Brook gave them the tiebreaker. Incredibly, Pateadores SC Nashville 2008 Blue was unbeaten in nine matches over the course of the Southern Regional Championships and National Championships (cumulative 8-0-1 record). Lady Lobos Rush Elite 64 (17U Girls) were also unbeaten in their group with five points (1-0-2 record), but Nationals Union 07 Girls Black (MI) secured the semifinal berth after completing the opening round with seven points (2-0-1 record).

The USYS National Championships Presented by New York Life are the final stage of the USYS National Championships, which begin at the state level before progressing to the regional and then national stages. The event is a culmination of a year-long series of competitions, providing approximately 185,000 players on 10,000 teams from US Youth Soccer’s 54 State Associations with the opportunity to showcase their soccer skills against the best competition in the nation.

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

« Previous Page
Next Page »
Tennessee Soccer
Privacy Policy
This website is powered by SportsEngine's Sports Relationship Management (SRM) software, and is owned and subject to the Tennessee Soccer privacy policy.
Powered by SportsEngine