From the competitive fields of national tournaments to the training grounds of a European trip, Iowa Soccer Association made the most of every opportunity during the 2025/26 season.
Across competitions, development programs, and community-building initiatives, the 2025/26 cycle was one of growth, ambition, and meaningful progress for players, coaches, referees, and clubs from every corner of the state.
Iowa Teams Take the National Stage
Central Iowa took center stage this summer as the Iowa Soccer Association hosted the USYS North Central Presidents Cup National Qualifier, giving Iowa clubs a chance to test themselves against top competition from across the Midwest. Advancing to the USYS National Presidents Cup were the UFA18/19U Boys and UFA 16U Boys, while also competing on the national stage were the UFA DSM U15 Girls and BSA 16U Boys Elite after punching their tickets to the USYS National Championships Presented by New York Life.
Alongside the competing teams at the USYS North Central Presidents Cup National Qualifier, the Iowa Referee Committee worked to ensure that Iowa’s up-and-coming officials were part of the experience as well. These high-profile events provided valuable opportunities for young referees to gain experience, learn from referee coaches, and work matches at the regional and national levels, further strengthening the officiating pipeline across the state.
ODP Takes Iowa Soccer to the World Stage
The Iowa Olympic Development Program (ODP) had one of its most memorable cycles to date, taking players through a complete development pathway and, for some, all the way to an international stage.
The 2025/26 cycle opened with multiple sessions and matches held across the state before players were selected to move into the Development Phase. From there, Iowa ODP competitors traveled to the Far West ODP Championship in Arizona, the ODP Interregional Event in Memphis, and a select group even made a trip to Manchester, England, in March. The Performance Phase followed with final training sessions and competition at the Subregional Event in St. Louis, before 150 players were selected to attend the USYS ODP Midwest Summer ID Event in Rockford, Illinois.
Perhaps the most extraordinary chapter of the ODP year, however, unfolded overseas. Iowa Soccer Association supported an unforgettable trip to Kosovo, with players from Iowa ODP traveling as part of a delegation based in the capital city of Pristina. The experience extended far beyond the game, as the delegation met with local and national government officials and the President of the Football Association of Kosovo, competed against several professional academy teams while traveling across the country, toured local monuments, and learned about the history of Kosovo.
It was a powerful reminder of what soccer can open up through connections, cultures, and experiences that extend well beyond the pitch.
With the 2025/26 cycle now complete, Iowa ODP has already opened the door to its next season. The Discovery Phase of the new ODP cycle is officially underway, welcoming all Iowa players to explore an additional pathway to grow their game. Organized by birth year, Iowa ODP identifies and trains elite youth soccer players, providing high-level instruction, competitive events, and a direct talent-identification pathway to regional and national teams. Tryouts were held in August, and the program is designed to run alongside a player’s regular club participation throughout the year, with training scheduled at multiple facilities across the state.
Development Camp Raises the Bar at Grinnell College
Summer in Iowa would not be complete without the Iowa Soccer Boys & Girls Development Camps, and the 2026 edition at Grinnell College more than lived up to its reputation.
Over eight action-packed days, more than 350 players representing clubs from across Iowa (and beyond the state’s borders) gathered for a week-plus of learning, competition, friendship, and fun. To ensure the highest level of instruction, ODP National Staff from across the country joined local coaches on the training ground, elevating the player experience while providing targeted professional development opportunities for Iowa Soccer Association’s own staff.
The camp’s approach, however, goes beyond what happens on the pitch. Over those eight days, the program is built to develop not just better players, but outstanding young people, investing in character just as much as craft.
Referee Academies Spotlight the Future of Officiating
Iowa Soccer Association’s commitment to referee development extended well beyond match days this past summer. In July, Boys and Girls Referee Academies at Grinnell College brought together an enthusiastic group of young officials for several days of learning, development, and connection.
Throughout the academy, participants worked on their skills, built confidence, and deepened their understanding of the game, all while learning alongside fellow referees who share their passion for officiating. The energy and commitment on display offered an encouraging glimpse at the future of refereeing across the state.
Looking Ahead
Behind the scenes, Iowa Soccer Association is also preparing for a more streamlined future off the field. The organization is transitioning from STACK Sports to PlayMetrics, simplifying administrative processes for club administrators, registrars, and treasurers across the state. Streamlined fees, more predictable budgeting, and a new all-inclusive ISL State League team fee will reduce manual work and eliminate postseason billing surprises, making it easier than ever for clubs to focus on what matters most: playing the game.
Coming off a World Cup summer that captured the attention of fans across the globe, the soccer landscape continues to grow and evolve. For Iowa Soccer Association, the momentum built over the past season is only a foundation for what ultimately comes next.
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!
