Exploring a U.S. Soccer local office in South Carolina — what it means and what comes next 

Dear Members, 

Soccer in South Carolina has been built by our clubs, leagues, coaches, referees, volunteers, and families. We have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with U.S. Soccer to explore becoming a U.S. Soccer local office, connecting those local strengths with national resources to make soccer more accessible, more affordable, and better supported.

Why are we taking this step?

Over the past several months, U.S. Soccer and State Associations have explored how a more connected system could help us accomplish more together. The proposed local office model would combine local expertise and relationships with shared services, national support, and greater opportunities for investment. 

A central goal is to reduce the costs of delivering and playing soccer. Shared systems could reduce administrative costs, better competition coordination could limit unnecessary travel, and partnerships with schools and municipalities could expand affordable access to fields and programs. 

This is also an opportunity to celebrate and build on what makes soccer in South Carolina special: our traditions, successful programs, dedicated people, and community relationships.

What would integration mean?

The proposed path forward is that State Associations would become part of U.S. Soccer. In the words of U.S. Soccer and in practice, that would mean: 

• Local people, nationally supported. Our staff would become U.S. Soccer employees, bringing their local knowledge and relationships with them. 
• Shared resources to reduce costs. Connected systems, services, and expertise would help reduce duplication and administrative demands so more time and resources can support soccer. 
• More support for your organization. Clubs and leagues would have a stronger local partner connected to national coaching, refereeing, player development, and community resources. 
• The Board would evolve into a State Soccer Council. The State Soccer Council and Local Office will enable a unified approach to soccer in South Carolina, reaching beyond our current membership to connect the game from local to national and from amateur to professional. 
• A broader commitment to local soccer. The local office would support soccer across affiliations and work to attract investment, expand affordable opportunities, and celebrate the game throughout our communities. 

The details would be developed through planning with each state and input from members.

What does signing the MOU mean?



The MOU begins detailed evaluation, design, and planning with U.S. Soccer. It allows us to examine the benefits and implications for our members, including services, staffing, finances, and governance. It does not itself complete integration; any transition would require further agreements and necessary approvals.

What does this mean for you?

Our priority is to ensure this work delivers practical benefits for your organizations and the players and families you serve. 

In the coming months, you can expect increased engagement from both South Carolina Youth Soccer and U.S. Soccer to hear your ideas, understand your challenges, and help shape the future model together. Your experience will help define local priorities and the support our soccer community needs.

Will there be immediate changes?

Signing the MOU does not itself change registration, competitions, programs, or existing contacts. We will keep you informed as planning progresses and communicate future changes before they take effect.

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Thank you for everything you do to make soccer thrive in South Carolina. We look forward to building this next chapter together. If you want to provide questions or feedback to U.S. Soccer directly, you can do so via this survey.

In Soccer,

The South Carolina Youth Soccer Team