As you may know, U.S. Soccer formed a special task force to specifically address

youth soccer matters. The belief is that our sport is much stronger when its

stakeholders are working together.

We took our first step last Friday, Oct. 12, holding the first Youth Task Force

Leadership Council meeting in Tampa, Fla. With a council comprised of the

leadership from AYSO, SAY Soccer, US Club Soccer, USSSA, US Youth Soccer and

the U.S. Soccer Federation, we discussed a number of critical issues facing youth

soccer in America.

We believe that with an eight-year runway toward the 2026 FIFA World Cup, we have

an opportunity to transform soccer in America, and it starts by tackling the challenges

in front of us at the grassroots level.

This Task Force, which will grow to include experts and thought leaders supporting a

number of working groups, will focus on areas where we believe we can work together

to create significant and lasting change, while supporting the strategic vision for U.S.

Soccer.

As we work together, the following statement guides our approach:

Soccer is the most beloved sport in the world, and we believe it's future in the U.S. will

be positively impacted by our efforts to work cooperatively under a shared sense of

purpose and a common belief in supporting the development of players, coaches and

referees.

In that way, we believe...

... that players should be kept at the center of every decision, and should be provided

with an environment that is fun, inclusive and safe.

... that coaches should participate in courses and educational opportunities that match

their ambition.

... that referees should be treated with respect, and provided with the resources that

allow them to develop and enjoy the experience.

There are many faces of youth soccer - across all ages and levels of competition -

and we are unified in our desire to grow the sport together.

In closing, we wish to express our deepest gratitude to the many thousands of

volunteers and professionals who have dedicated their lives to this beautiful game.

You inspire us, and together we will work to improve the game for all those who

participate in it.

AYSO - Mike Hoyer

SAY Soccer - Doug Wood

US Club Soccer - Mike Cullina

USSSA - Craig Scriven

US Youth Soccer - Dr. Pete Zopfi

U.S. Soccer - Carlos Cordeiro, Dan Flynn, John Collins and Tim Turney