CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand (Nov. 13, 2008) – The U.S. Under-17 Women’s National Team advanced to the championship game of the 2008 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, defeating Germany 2-1 in a classic semifinal that saw goals from forwards Vicki DiMartino and Courtney Verloo pull the USA back from a 1-0 first half deficit.

The USA will now face Korea DPR in the 2008 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Final on Nov. 16 at North Harbour Stadium in Auckland. Kickoff for the championship game is 4 p.m. local (10 p.m. ET on Nov. 15). The skillful North Koreans edged a gritty England side by a 2-1 score in the other semifinal to earn their place in the title match. Click learn more to read the entire article.

FEDERAL WAY, WASHINGTON (Wednesday, November 11) – In response to the recent news that Kent-born soccer superstar and Olympian Michelle French was recently diagnosed with a rare form of non-Hodgkins lymphoma, Washington Youth Soccer has launched an immediate state-wide fundraiser to help her combat rising medical bills. Thanks to a donation by AIG/Pullen Insurance, Washington Youth Soccer is raffling off a once-in-a-lifetime trip for two to watch Manchester United play at Old Trafford Stadium, the team’s historic home field, with all proceeds going to French’s fight against cancer. Click learn more to read the entire press release.

With just a couple of weeks remaining in the collegiate soccer regular season, Seattle University junior goalkeeper Emerson DeOliveira (Normandy Park, Wash.) has the lowest goals against average among all goalies in both Division I and Division II, according to the statistical rankings released by the NCAA Tuesday, Nov. 4. DeOliveira has given up only two goals in just over 623 minutes of action for a 0.289 goals against average. Washington Youth Soccer would like to congratulate Emerson on his achievements and wish him continued success. Click learn more to read the full article.

FEDERAL WAY, WASHINGTON (Thursday, October 30) – Washington Youth Soccer is currently accepting nominations for several awards to be presented at its 2009 Annual Awards Dinner next April. Held in conjunction with SoccerPalooza, Washington Youth Soccer’s highly attended community event, the annual awards dinner celebrates the accomplishments of statewide nominees in nine categories. Click learn more to read the full press release.

Click here to download the nomination forms.

Linda Kautz, Snohomish TOPSoccer Program Director, recieved a pretigious WAHPERD (Washington Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance) Award in the Adaptive Category.

For approximately a decade, Linda's role as a coach and founding member of the Snohomish TOPSoccer program has had a phenominal impact on hundreds of children and their families with both physical and or intellectual disabilities. Over the years, Linda has not only instructed players in the game of soccer, but buddies as well, on how to work with these special needs players.

Linda's sharing of her professional knowledge and experience has been pivotal in the success and growth of all Washington Youth Soccer TOPSoccer programs across the state.

Her influence has not only been felt at the local and state level, but on a national level as well. A few years ago, Linda authored a basic guide for working with TOPSoccer buddies. This guide has become the basis for a training guide that has now been adapted both at the Regional and National Youth Soccer levels.

Washington Youth Soccer is very proud of Linda and wishes to congratulate her on receiving this prestigious award.

CHICAGO (October 20, 2008) - The U.S. Soccer Coaching Department announced the dates and locations for the 2009 U.S. Soccer Winter National Coaches Schools. The first courses of 2009 have been scheduled for the first week of January; giving every coach a chance to obtain a FIFA recognized "A", "B" or "C" level license and to increase their knowledge of the game. Click learn more for the entire article and application.