USYS Europe e.V. is a Verein (i.e., Non-profit Club hereafter referred to as USYSE) headquartered in Germany providing an avenue for American players from all over Europe to train and compete. USYSE is centered around a “Grassroots” program and an Olympic Development Program (ODP); two linked, but separate programs. The Grassroots program is a commitment by USYSE to ensure all Americans have an opportunity to play soccer. ODP is a program focused on identifying and developing elite American players in Europe.
The activities of USYSE are governed by a Board of Directors elected by its members. USYSE currently depends primarily on player registration fees to fund its programs and activities. The current USYSE fee is 40 euros. The ODP teams represent USYSE, and the United States of America.
USYSE currently has two types of American soccer programs in Europe: grass roots (to include Recreational team programs and Select programs) and an Olympic Development Program (ODP). The district programs are not ODP programs; they feed the ODP program.
USYSE - Grassroots
The weight of the Grassroots program is managed by European Districts, with the support of USYSE. The Districts have autonomy with their local programs, but must adhere to USYSE mandates and philosophies. They must offer an opportunity for all Americans in their areas to learn and play soccer while promoting a healthy, fun atmosphere.
District Mission
The primary mission of the District grassroots (recreational) program is to provide a fun venue for all Americans living in Europe an opportunity to play and develop in the game of soccer, and provide an avenue for elite American players to advance into the USYSE ODP programs.
The Districts can have both a recreational and competitive (Select) program, but must maintain the grassroots program at all times. District dependent, the recreational programs are either isolated programs (competing internally) or programs that have integrated into the local counties’ competitive programs. If the District program is an isolated program, players may also participate in local community clubs (i.e., German teams and leagues). The District programs that have integrated into the local countries’ programs, may not be able to participate on other local community teams (This rule is dependent on local country’s rules).
The Select program consists of the top players in the district, and provide more advanced training for those players with potential to participate in the USYSE ODP program. Select players do not necessarily participate in the recreational programs; majority of the select players compete on higher level local country teams. Districts identify their own select players independent of USYSE ODP program. All USYSE ODP players are highly encouraged to participate in the District Select programs. (Elite American players training and playing in elite European clubs may not necessarily gain from the Select programs, but it affords these players an opportunity to act as an example, model to the other district select players.)
Currently there are 7 districts in USYSE. Players register directly with their respective districts. Costs of participating with the districts vary based on all volunteer staffs or paid staffs, use of military installation facilities or rented local community facilities, etc. USYSE player fee is included in the District fee; Districts will transfer USYSE fees to USYSE on the players behalf. (USYSE fees are due to USYSE by the end of October each year.) All of the districts have active Private Organization accounts. The Private Organization accounts were established several years ago, and allow the districts, as non-profit organizations, to use banks on military installations.
US Youth Soccer Europe Contact Information