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After an incredibly competitive spring season, the Tennessee State Soccer Association (TSSA) officially crowned its State Cup Champions this past weekend at the Richard Siegel Soccer Complex in Murfreesboro. Girls champions were determined in the 12U-19U age groups for all three divisions of play, along with boys teams in the 12U-14U age brackets.

“This year was one for the record books,” said Jeannie Louk, TSSA Director of Leagues and Programs. “Excitement on and off the field. We had it all. Signing the bracket boards as each team advanced, 37 champion teams raising the Cup and honoring our elite referees who were chosen for the final games. We could not have asked for a better ending to the season. Good luck to all the teams advancing to Southern Presidents Cup and Southern Regionals. I know they will represent TN well!”

TSSA State Cup Champions – Division 1

12U Girls (9v9) – Clarksville SC G2012 Maroon

12U Boys (11v11) – NUSA B12 Maroon

12U Girls (11v11) – Germantown Lady Legends 2012 Black

13U Boys – TSC 2011 Boys ECNL

13U Girls – TSC Williamson 2012 Girls Showcase

14U Boys – 2010 Lobos Rush ECNL

14U Girls – 2010 Lady Lobos Rush E64

15U Girls – 2009 Lady Lobos Rush E64

16U Girls – Germantown Lady Legends 08 Black

17U Girls – 2007 Lady Lobos Rush E64

18U Girls – Chattanooga Red Wolves Academy 06 Girls

19U Girls – 05/06 Lady Lobos Rush E64

TSSA State Cup Champions – Division 2

12U Boys (9v9) – All-In FC TN 12B Mercurial

12U Girls (9v9) – Armada FC 2012 Girls Red

12U Boys (11v11) – TSC Williamson 2012 Boys Premier Blue

12U Girls (11v11) – KHM 12G Premier I

13U Boys – TUSC 2011 Boys NPL

13U Girls – SCOR 11 GU13 Lady Mustangs

14U Boys – 2010 Lobos Rush E64

14U Girls – 2010 Lady Lobos Rush Elite

15U Girls – Germantown Lady Legends 09

16U Girls – TSC Williamson 2008 Girls Showcase

17U Girls – TSC Williamson 2007 Girls Showcase

18U Girls – Lincoln Futbol Club G18U

19U Girls – TSC Sumner 2005/2006 Girls Showcase

With the TSSA Spring State Cup Finals now concluded, champions at the Division 1 level will advance to the US Youth Soccer (USYS) Southern Regionals this June in Tampa and Auburndale, Florida. 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 month 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.

“This was a special weekend, and we got to honor our officials who made the finals as well,” said Hans Hobson, TSSA Chief Executive Officer. “We thank the players, coaches and parents who participated in our League this year and helped make it such a great success.”

In addition to Division 1 and Division 2 tournaments, champions were also crowned at the Division 3 level of TSSA State Cup.

TSSA State Cup Champions – Division 3

12U Boys (9v9) – Armada FC 2012 Boys

12U Girls (9v9) – TSC Williamson 2013 Girls Academy Elite Blue

12U Boys (11v11) – Stones River FC 2012 Red

12U Girls (11v11) – USA North G2012

13U Boys – FC Alliance 2011B RL

13U Girls – Clarksville SC G2011 Blue

14U Boys – Tri-Cities United 2010 Boys Premier

14U Girls – OLE FC 10G Premier

15U Girls – Tennessee Christian Soccer Association G15U

16U Girls – Camp Forest FC 2008/2009 Girls

17U Girls – 2007 Columbia Lady Arsenal

18U/19U Girls – USA North G 2005/6

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!

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

The Tennessee State Soccer Association (TSSA) will be hosting its 2024 Cleveland Grimes Friendship Cup this weekend at the Richard Siegel Soccer Complex in Murfreesboro. The recreation soccer festival will be held at the same time as TSSA State Cup Finals, creating a fully vibrant soccer atmosphere throughout the facility.

“We are excited to host the Friendship Cup again this spring in Murfreesboro,” said Hans Hobson, CEO of the Tennessee State Soccer Association. “This end of year Recreational Event is something we continue to grow, and we are looking forward to seeing everyone.”

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. In addition to the soccer activity, there will be various forms of entertainment throughout the weekend to provide a full festival atmosphere.

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 the Tennessee State Soccer Association (TSSA) Spring State Cup, which will take place this weekend at the Richard Siegel Soccer Complex in Murfreesboro. Finals will be contested for Division 1 and Division 2 girls teams in the 13U-19U age groups, along with Division 1 and Division 2 boys teams in the 13U-14U bracket. Additionally, Division 3 Semifinals and Finals will take place over the weekend, as will all 12U competitions.

“We have narrowed down to the best of the best, two teams in each age/division battling to be the next State Champion!” said Jeannie Louk, TSSA Director of Leagues and Programs. “Some will be defending their titles, and some are here for the first time. This is the most exciting time of the season, and what a way to end another successful TN State Cup!”

Division 1 Finals

13U Girls: TSC Williamson 2012 Girls Showcase vs. 2011 Lady Lobos Rush E64

13U Boys: TSC 2011 Boys ECNL vs. TSC Williamson 2012 Boys Showcase Blue

14U Girls: 2010 Lady Lobos Rush E64 vs. Chattanooga FC 2010G Navy

14U Boys: 2010 Lobos Rush ECNL vs. Music City FC 10B Elite

15U Girls: TSC 2010 Girls ECNL vs. 2009 Lady Lobos Rush E64

16U Girls: Chattanooga Red Wolves Academy 2008 Girls vs. Germantown Lady Legends 08 Black

17U Girls: 2007 Lady Lobos Rush E64 vs. Chattanooga Red Wolves Academy 2007 Girls

18U Girls: Chattanooga Red Wolves Academy 06 Girls vs. Chattanooga FC 2006G Navy

19U Girls: 05/06 Lady Lobos Rush E64 vs. (NUSA G06 Maroon vs. One Knox 06/05G DPL)

Division 2 Finals

13U Girls: EFSC Everton 2011 Girls vs. SCOR 11 GU13 Lady Mustangs

13U Boys: TUSC 2011 Boys NPL vs. Wilson United SC 2011 B Black

14U Girls: 2010 Lady Lobos Rush Elite vs. Aris FC 2010 Girls Black

14U Boys: 2010 Lobos Rush E64 vs. Chattanooga FC 2010B Navy

15U Girls: Germantown Lady Legends 09 vs. OLE FC 09G Premier

16U Girls: TSC Williamson 2008 Girls Showcase vs. Tri-Cities United 08/09 Girls Premier

17U Girls: NUSA G07 Maroon vs. TSC Williamson 2007 Girls Showcase

18U Girls: CFFC 2006 Girls vs. Lincoln Futbol Club G18U

19U Girls: (TSC Sumner 2005/2006 Girls Showcase vs. IFA Lady Futsal Escola 2005) vs. (TSC Williamson 2005/2006 Girls Showcase II vs. NUSA G06 Navy)

TSSA State Cup is the culmination of the spring season for Tennessee State League, where a record 375 teams from 54 different clubs participated in the statewide competition.

“The first weekend of our Spring cup event was very successful,” said Hans Hobson, TSSA Chief Executive Officer. “The play on the field was excellent. We look forward to the final weekend matchups and crowning the individual State Cup Champions.”

Tennessee State Cup Champions at the Division 1 level (13U and older) will advance to the US Youth Soccer (USYS) Regional Tournament this June in Tampa and Auburndale, Florida. 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 (13U and older) will continue onto regional play in the USYS Southern Presidents Cup next month 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 stage is now set for the opening rounds of the Tennessee State Soccer Association (TSSA) Spring State Cup this weekend at the Richard Siegel Soccer Complex in Murfreesboro. Division 1 and Division 2 girls teams in the 13U-19U age groups, along with Division 1 and Division 2 boys teams in the 13U-14U bracket, will compete in quarterfinal play on Saturday to earn their spot in the semifinals on Sunday.

“With five TN teams already earning a spot into Nationals through NL PRO and six TN teams securing their spot in Southern Regionals though NL Conference play, we are excited to see which teams will join them!” said Jeannie Louk, Director of Leagues and Programs at the Tennessee State Soccer Association. “We have 205 teams from 48 different clubs across the state that have earned their spot into the State Cup, and we are excited to see how it all plays out on the pitch.”

TSSA State Cup commences following the spring season of Tennessee State League, where a record 375 teams from 54 different clubs participated in the statewide competition. After this run of matches in the state quarterfinals and semifinals, next weekend will showcase the finals in the Division 1 and Division 2 Tournaments, along with the semifinals and finals of the Division 3 Tournaments. Additionally, the semifinal and final rounds for all 12U boys and girls tournaments will take place.

Tennessee State Cup Champions at the Division 1 level (13U and older) will advance to the US Youth Soccer (USYS) Regional Tournament this June in Tampa and Auburndale, Florida. 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 (13U and older) will continue onto regional play in the USYS Southern Presidents Cup next month 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!

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

The Tennessee State Soccer Association (TSSA) will be hosting its 2024 Cleveland Grimes Friendship Cup during the weekend of May 25-26. The recreation soccer festival will be held at the Richard Siegel Soccer Complex in Murfreesboro at the same time as TSSA State Cup Finals, creating a fully vibrant soccer atmosphere throughout the facility.

“We are pleased to once again host this event alongside our State Cup in Murfreesboro, Tennessee,” said Hans Hobson, CEO of the Tennessee State Soccer Association. “Cleveland Grimes made countless contributions to the game of soccer throughout our state, particularly at the grassroots level. We look forward to honoring Cleveland’s strong legacy with many of the recreation teams from throughout our state.”

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. 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 May 25-26. 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!

Wendy’s will be celebrating and supporting soccer across the State of Tennessee as follows:

• Wendy’s will become the presenting sponsor of the Tennessee Spring Soccer Season Kickoff.
• Providing TSSA member families with special offers redeemable at local Wendy’s locations.
• Local Wendy’s Franchisees will be partnering with local TSSA clubs to visit their club locations and engage with soccer families.
• At select events such as TSSA State Cups, ODP competitions, and other TSSA events, Wendy’s will be on-site to activate, provide sampling and Wendy’s offers.

Wendy’s and Tennessee State Soccer Association are looking forward to another great year of soccer in Tennessee!

If your club is interested in exploring a partnership with a local Wendy’s franchise please complete the interest form: CLICK HERE

The spring season of the Tennessee State League is now fully underway, with teams focused on reaching the TSSA State Cup Tournament for their respective age groups this May. Currently playing in the TSSA Spring State League are girls teams in the 12U-19U divisions, along with boys teams in the 12U-14U age groups.

“Our Spring TSL had another record-breaking year in the number of teams participating,” said Jeannie Louk, Director of Leagues and Programs at the Tennessee State Soccer Association. “The season is just beginning, and we already had four Tennessee teams automatically qualify for Regionals and another four teams automatically qualifying for Nationals in the National Championship Series, leaving even more opportunity for more teams to win and advance out of State Cup! We cannot wait to see how it all unfolds come May.”

As mentioned, teams are competing in TSSA State League matches to earn a spot in the TSSA State Cup. During the weekend of May 18-19, the quarterfinal and semifinal rounds of the TSSA State Cup will be hosted for Division 1 and Division 2 girls teams in the 13U-19U age groups, along with Division 1 and Division 2 boys teams in the 13U-14U bracket. Over the following weekend of May 25-26, the finals will be held in each of the Division 1, Division 2 and Division 3 Tournaments. Additionally, the semifinal and final rounds for the 12U boys and girls teams will take place.

Champions at the Division 1 level (13U and older) will advance to the US Youth Soccer (USYS) Regional Tournament this June in Tampa and Auburndale, Florida. The competition is part of the USYS National Championship Series, which is the country’s most prestigious national youth soccer tournament. Champions at the Division 2 level (13U and older) will continue onto regional play in the USYS Southern Presidents Cup this June 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.

“I am incredibly excited to see this growth for now the fifth season in a row,” said Hans Hobson, CEO of the Tennessee State Soccer Association. “We will continue to provide the very best league our state can offer our member clubs and their teams.” 

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) hosted its 2024 TSSA Annual Awards Dinner this past weekend, where players, teams, coaches, referees and volunteers were recognized for outstanding performances and contributions to youth soccer in the state. The event was held at Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro.

“We want to congratulate all of our award winners once again, and we thank them for everything they do to make our game great,” said Hans Hobson, CEO of the Tennessee State Soccer Association. “We thoroughly enjoyed our new location here at MTSU in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. The event was probably our best one yet.”

Please see below for a full list of the award winners and honorees who were acknowledged at the 2024 TSSA Annual Awards Dinner.

• TOA Competitive Coach of the Year (Male) – Cesar Salinas (Stones River Futbol Club); Tyler Robertson (TN Premier Soccer Academy)
• TOA Competitive Coach of the Year (Female) – Jenger Parrish (Tennessee Soccer Club)
• Pinnacle Recreation Coach of the Year – Jeremy Lansing (Lexington Soccer League)
• Soccer Village Volunteer of the Year – Rufus Woodard (Columbia Soccer Association)
• Publix Administrator of the Year – Samantha Thomas (Wilson United Soccer Club)
• TOPSoccer Buddy of the Year – Peyton Evans (Tennessee United Soccer Club)
• TOPSoccer Coach of the Year – Elizabeth Warlick (All In FC TN)
• Young Male Referee of the Year – Alex Linville
• Young Female Referee of the Year – Jessica Hoeft
• Tennessee State Referee Program (TSRP) Trail Blazer Award – Bill “Pops” Nelson

A special guest speaker at the 2024 TSSA Annual Awards Dinner was former international referee Howard Webb. The England native officiated primarily in the Premier League from 2003 to 2014, and he also served as a FIFA Referee from 2005 to 2014. In 2010, he became the first person to referee both the finals of the UEFA Champions League and FIFA World Cup in the same year. After retiring from officiating in 2014, Webb stepped into the position of Technical Director for the Professional Game Match Officials Board. He later stepped into the role of General Manager for the Professional Referees Organization (PRO) before most recently becoming the first-ever Chief Refereeing Officer of England’s Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL).

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