Leading The Way For Championship Teams
Winning a championship is a challenge on the field and often a hurdle financially. The costs of competition can be a burden that grows as teams advance. There’s nothing worse than achieving the title of State or Regional champion and advancing to the next level of competition and dealing with the unforgiving burden of travel costs.
Cal South understands this cost of competing and is ensuring their member teams are supported, so they can focus their efforts on the field instead of fundraising.
Cal South is one of the fifty-five state associations of US Youth Soccer and the teams from this area have earned the reputation of winning more than their fair share of championships — in fact, 67 National championships so far.
With all these victories comes the cost of competition and Cal South teams know very well how much it money it takes to travel to US Youth Soccer Regional and National youth soccer tournaments. The Cal South Board of Directors believes strongly in supporting their members accomplishments and goals and has stepped up to help their members reach for the stars.
For 2015, Cal South has provided an amazing total of $220,000 in direct subsidies to its youth and adult affiliate member league teams competing in Kansas, Oklahoma and Virginia.
22 teams have benefited from Cal South’s financial support, each receiving a subsidy of $10,000 was provided for each team to cover their travel expenses to the various Finals tournaments in these states.
“It takes an incredible amount of hard work and dedication to reach nationals. We are extremely proud of all of our member teams and gladly support their efforts. Our Board of Directors has approved an unprecedented level of assistance to lessen the financial impact on our member clubs and leagues. This would not be possible if not for the support our members provide by participating in our state competitions,” stated Cal South President Derek Barraza.
Four teams just completed their U.S. Youth Soccer Presidents Cup run in Overland Park, Kansas, with 3 teams emerging as National Champions: U13 SMUFC 01, U15 UIFC Panthers and U17 Legacy FC.
A total of 17 teams are heading to Tulsa, Oklahoma the week of July 20th to compete in the U.S. Youth Soccer National Championships:
Boys: U14 San Diego SC 00 Academy Navy, U15 Surf Aguilar, U15 Fullerton Rangers White, U16 Albion SC White, U17 Santa Barbara SC White, U18 Fullerton Rangers 96 White, U18 FC Golden State White.
Girls: U13 So Cal Blues Baker, U14 Legends FC Gold, U15 Albion SC White, U15 Carlsbad Elite 99, U15 Legends FC 99, U17 Beach FC Academy 97, U17 Carlsbad Elite 97/98, U18 Beach FC Academy, U18 Carlsbad Elite, U17 DMCV Sharks Elite.
One adult team, Chula Vista FC, is also competing in Norfolk, Virginia in the USASA National Men’s Open Cup Championship happening July 17th through the 19th.
“I am fortunate to have had the opportunity to present medals and awards to hundreds of players and coaches during Regional and National Tournament Ceremonies,” said Ric Listella, Region IV Chair. “During the Awards Ceremony, we allow coaches to speak to their teams and the audience. I have witnessed coaches from all over Southern California express their gratitude to Cal South for their financial support — helping these teams attend Regional and National Tournaments. Coaches have thanked Cal South commenting, they did not know how they would have been able to afford participating without that support.”
“On stage — what the public does not see or hear — is the number of times I have had Derek Barraza help me in presenting the awards for Cal South teams,” said Listella. “The coaches shake Derek’s hand, and thank him for Cal South’s financial help. It’s a humbling experience to see the gratitude the coaching staff and players have for Cal South, especially at a moment each player and coach will remember the rest of their lives – when the teams receive their US Youth Soccer awards.”
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