History was made at the US Youth Soccer (USYS) National Presidents Cup, as UFA DSM 2011 Girls Elite (14U Girls) became the first Iowa Soccer Association team since 2019 to capture a national championship. Joining them with a deep tournament run was UFA DSM 2010 Boys Elite (15U Boys), who advanced all the way to the final round of the National Presidents Cup. UFA DSM 2012 Girls Elite (13U Girls) also competed on the national stage in Tampa, Florida, marking the second straight year that Iowa sent three teams to the prestigious tournament.
“It is great to see the hard work pay off for these kids!” said Dan Cataldi, Chief Executive Officer of Iowa Soccer Association. “The teams build all year leading to this capstone event where you have to earn your way in through the State and Regional Championships. I had the opportunity to watch these kids represent Iowa exceptionally well in not only their play, but also in their off the field actions as well. Everyone in the Iowa Soccer community should be proud of all these kids!”
Those sentiments were further echoed by Mike Wilson, Member Services Program Manager of Iowa Soccer Association.
“A wonderful experience to observe each team’s journey through the competition pathway provided through ISA and US Youth Soccer,” said Wilson. “It is an honor to support our membership at this prestigious event and see firsthand the players and coaches competing on the national stage. Uniquely special for us to have three teams advance, two teams reaching the finals and one national champion.”
The success of Iowa Soccer was not limited to the players and coaches who competed in Tampa. The Iowa Referee Committee was proudly represented as well, with referee Beaux Blanchard selected to officiate at the National Presidents Cup following a standout performance at the USYS Midwest Presidents Cup. Additionally, Blanchard and fellow referee Nikki Schuppan were chosen to officiate at the USYS National Championships in Orlando, Florida.
“Beaux Blanchard and Nikki Schuppan are proof that dedication, resilience and passion open doors to incredible opportunities,” said Hidajet Tica, Iowa Soccer Referee & Sportsmanship Director. “Their selection to a Youth National Tournament is more than recognition — it’s a beacon of inspiration for every young referee in Iowa who dares to dream big and work hard.”
UFA DSM 2011 Girls Elite arrived in Tampa after lifting the 14U Girls Midwest Presidents Cup in June, and they carried that momentum straight onto the national stage. They opened the tournament with a dominant performance in group play, winning all three matches while posting an 8-1 goal differential. After securing the top seed from their bracket, UFA DSM 2011 Girls Elite advanced to the semifinals, where they defeated Club Ohio North 11G Green (Ohio) by a 3-1 margin. That win punched their ticket to the 14U Girls Final against Old Bridge Thunder (New Jersey). When the final whistle blew, UFA DSM 2011 Girls Elite stood as National Presidents Cup champions with another 3-1 victory, becoming the third Iowa Soccer Association team in state history to lift the trophy at the national competition.
“We founded our club in 2018 with a dream—to give kids in the Des Moines Metro Area a platform to grow through the game of fútbol,” said Jaime Leiva, head coach of UFA DSM 2011 Girls Elite. “Back then, moments like this felt far off. But this group of girls has not only represented our club and our state on a national stage—they’ve inspired something even greater. They’ve shown every future UFA team that they can, too.”
That special journey was further commemorated by players from the squad.
“It’s feeling like it’s all unreal. Like thinking that all this hard work, everything, all the support from everyone, has all come into one big moment,” said Eva, a center back for UFA DSM 2011 Girls Elite. “It’s just kind of unbelievable.”
“It was incredible. It was such a relief just to see that all we’ve worked for this entire season is paying off,” said Tatum, a goalkeeper for UFA DSM 2011 Girls Elite. “It honestly still doesn’t even feel real. It’s just so amazing.”
UFA DSM 2010 Boys Elite (15U Boys) also lifted the Midwest Presidents Cup for their age group and carried that momentum into Tampa. They opened the National Presidents Cup by sweeping their group, earning three wins on a 9-3 goal differential. In the semifinals, they faced HVAA Stingers 2010 (Eastern Pennsylvania) and delivered a dominant 4-0 shutout. The 15U Boys Final saw them take on Milan De Miami Premier 2010 (Florida), where UFA DSM 2010 Boys Elite capped off an incredible postseason as national finalists.
UFA DSM 2012 Girls Elite (13U Girls) also competed in Tampa, battling through each match with grit and determination. While their run came to an end after group play, their presence on the national stage reflected the continued growth and strength of Iowa Soccer.
“It’s been great to see our teams progress from state play in Iowa, to regionals, and ultimately to the National Championships in Florida,” said Craig Winger, Chief Member Services Officer of Iowa Soccer Association. “Reaching that level is a significant accomplishment, and having a new national champion is a proud moment for our state and soccer community. Thank you, UFA, for your outstanding representation of Iowa soccer on the big stage!”
Hosted by US Youth Soccer, the Presidents Cup provides a progressive, competitive environment for teams seeking a series of unique challenges highlighting competition, camaraderie and community.
To contact the Iowa Soccer Association, please call (515) 252-6363 or email admin@iowasoccer.org. Also make sure to follow us on social media!
