The Michigan State Youth Soccer Association has united with the World’s Largest Soccer Coaches’ Organization as an Official Education Partner and Club Standards Partner.

As an Official Education Partner, MSYSA is now offering NSCAA coaching education diploma courses from Level 1 through 6, Special Topics diplomas, Goalkeeper Level 1 through 3 diplomas and the High School diploma.

“This partnership is a great fit for both associations, as we are each committed to soccer excellence through coaching education,” Ian Barker, NSCAA Director of Coaching Education, said. “NSCAA is looking forward to working with, teaching and learning from MSYSA.”

Additionally, MSYSA will host the courses and provide NSCAA-trained instructors. Both associations will mutually promote each other through appropriate communication outlets as coaching education partners.

MSYSA has also joined as a partner of the NSCAA Club Standards Project. The Club Standards Project is an evaluative process focusing on youth soccer organizations, designed to raise the expectations for coach and player development. As a Club Standards Partner, MSYSA will promote the program and encourage participation in the program, which assesses current performance in coaching and player development, and administration.

“We are excited about this opportunity to combine the resources of NSCAA and MSYSA to grow youth soccer in our state,” added MSYSA Executive Director Tom Faro. “If our clubs and coaches participate in the Club Standards Project then incorporate the NSCAA’s educational assets, it will prove to be a winning combination for our players and coaches.”

The MSYSA’s high-level participation as a Club Standards Partner is a unique one for the NSCAA. The partnership provides the Club Standards Project, which launched this past spring, a platform through which to analyze MSYSA clubs on an individual basis.

“As an association, we are constantly seeking ways to better serve our members and the overall soccer community,” said Joe Cummings, NSCAA Chief Executive Officer. “Adding MSYSA as an Education and Club Standards Partner elevates the state’s programs and allows for more coaches and clubs to access the resources provided by NSCAA.”

About the Michigan State Youth Soccer Association

The Michigan State Youth Soccer Association, Inc. (MSYSA) is a nonprofit organization that represents over 88,000 youth soccer players, 12,000+ coaches, and 8,000+ referees throughout Michigan. MSYSA consists of a vast number of leagues that register players (boys and girls) from ages 4 through 19 throughout the state. MSYSA is a member of the United States Youth Soccer Association and the United States Soccer Federation. For more information on MSYSA, visit www.michiganyouthsoccer.org.

About the NSCAA

Founded in 1941 and based in Kansas City, Kan., the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) is a non-profit organization with a mission to educate coaches, encourage excellence and serve the soccer community.

The NSCAA is the world’s largest soccer coaches’ organization with members at every level of the game. The membership is primarily made up of coaches, but also includes administrators, referees and others in the soccer industry. The NSCAA provides its members ways to enhance the game of soccer by providing a national education program, interaction and networking opportunities, and membership benefits.

For more information about the National Soccer Coaches Association of America, visit www.NSCAA.com.

About NSCAA Club Standards Project

The Club Standards project is the first program of its kind in the United States evaluating the on and off field performance of youth soccer organizations. Organizations participating in the Club Standards Project will be evaluated on their current performance in Coaching Development, Player Development and Administration. The program raises awareness of key principles and guides organizations to implement educationally sound and long term strategies. Clubs can find out how well their organization scores by completing the free preliminary assessment at www.nscaa.com/clubstandards. Contact: David Newbery, Coordinator, dnewbery@nscaa.com, ph. 860-501-1165

NSCAA members log in to comment. Not a member? Learn more today.