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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.

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.