Introduction Founded more than thirty years ago, the Utah Youth Soccer Association is the state's largest soccer organization. It serves as the governing body for youth soccer in Utah on behalf of the United States Soccer Federation. The Utah Youth Soccer Association is a non-profit corporation and holds tax-exempt status under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Service Code. The organization is also considered a charitable institution under the Utah State Tax Commission code. As a result, the Association is not operated for personal or corporate gain; rather, it is managed by a volunteer Board of Directors solely for the benefit of Utah's children. Governing Body for Youth Soccer in Utah The Utah Youth Soccer Association is recognized by the U.S. Soccer Federation and the U.S. Olympic Committee as the governing body for youth soccer in our state. This status affords the Utah Youth Soccer with access to resources from these national organizations, including sponsorships, event benefits, and other services that help the Utah Youth Soccer to pursue its mission of serving youth players of every age, ability, and interest level. Participants in programs affiliated with the Utah Youth Soccer Association automatically become members of US Youth Soccer, which is the world's largest youth soccer organization, and the U.S. Soccer Federation, which is the ultimate governing body for soccer in this country and which is responsible for the U.S. National Team programs. Serving Players of all Ages and Abilities The Utah Youth Soccer Association is the only organization in Utah that offers playing opportunities to youth players of all ages, playing abilities, and levels of commitment. The organization's mission is offer a diverse range of soccer services to meet the needs of every child in the state, regardless of the child's background or financial means. The Utah Youth Soccer Association partners with local affiliates and local governments to operate recreational soccer leagues in communities across the state. Utah Youth Soccer supports recreation programs ranging from introductory programs for tots, to developmental leagues for youngsters, to co-ed teams for teens. No organization in Utah serves more recreation soccer players. The Utah Youth Soccer Association also offers competition programs for more advanced and ambitious players. Utah Youth Soccer operates the State Competition League, the state's premier competition soccer program, featuring teams from Logan to St. George. The state's top soccer clubs are proud members of the Utah Youth Soccer Association. As a result, the Utah Youth Soccer Association connects recreational and competitive soccer programs, providing recreation players with a bridge to higher-level activities. Finally, for the most talented and promising players, the Utah Youth Soccer Association operates its Olympic Development Program, which gives players the opportunity to represent the state at the regional and national level. Graduates of this program have been part of the U.S. National Team and one young woman from Taylorsville was part of a World Cup championship team. Supporting Local Affiliates and Community Partners The Utah Youth Soccer Association has a 30-year tradition of serving Utah's youth soccer players by forming partnerships with local clubs and organizations, as well as counties, cities, towns, and school districts. Thanks to its professional staff and thousands of dedicated volunteers, the Utah Youth Soccer Association provides soccer expertise and administrative support services to soccer programs across the state.