Pete Johnson - Director of Coaching

Dear HYSA Families,

Thank you all for an incredible spring soccer season! We have lots of exciting news to share since our last newsletter.

We are thrilled to announce that six HYSA Arsenal teams (G2011, G2010, G2008, B2010, B2007, and B2005) have qualified for the 2024 Montana State Cup! These teams earned their spots by competing in the Premier League through the Montana Youth Soccer Association (MYSA). A special shoutout to our 2010 Girls’ team, who have advanced to the next round in the 2024 Far West Presidents Cup in Salt Lake City, UT. Way to go, teams!

Our spring soccer registration numbers were fantastic: 135 for Micro, 540 for HYSL, 110 for Arsenal Academy, and 236 for Arsenal. Thank you to all our players, families, coaches, volunteers, and supporters for making this season so much fun.

This spring, five of our coaches worked towards their USSF D License. The D License is a crucial step in the coaching pathway through US Soccer, following the in-person 7v7, 9v9, and 11v11 courses. There are many opportunities to obtain coaching certifications through the US Soccer Learning Center and other organizations. US Soccer is the pathway MYSA requires our coaches to follow. If you have any questions about coaching education or becoming a coach, please reach out to me.

A special thank you to Arsenal coach Hallee Frandsen, who partnered with Dave Thorvilson (Carroll College Women’s Head Soccer Coach) and Austin Shick (Carroll College Men’s Head Soccer Coach) to guide our high school players through the college recruiting process. Thank you, Coach Hallee and Coach Austin!

Summer camps are in full swing across the community. It’s wonderful to see so many of our players participating in HYSA camps and other local soccer camps. We can’t wait to see all the improvements our players bring back to the pitch.

In July, many of our HYSA soccer players will head to Butte, MT to try out alongside the top players in the state for a chance to join Montana’s Olympic Development Program (ODP). Good luck to all our players attending these events!

Over the past season, I’ve been in discussions with other club directors in the state to explore additional competition and player development opportunities that fit with our Fall and Spring Seasons. We’re excited to announce a partnership with Montana (Bozeman) Surf to play in the Rocky Mountain Junior Premier League. This player-focused collaboration aims to foster positive youth soccer club cooperation in Montana. We’re thrilled to offer our players this opportunity to extend their season and proudly represent HYSA.

Our coaches are also invited to be part of this exciting partnership. I will personally participate in the inaugural season between our clubs to advocate for our players and facilitate smooth cooperation.

I am working on developing new training program for our HYSA players and families for the Fall pre-season.  The program will cater to our U9 – U15 players and all our coaches. It will be run by an outside company and funded through our grassroots fundraising efforts. Thank you to all our families for your hard work and support. We are excited to offer this new opportunity.  Stay tuned for an announcement as the program becomes a reality.

As always, thank you for everything you do for our club as we continue to grow and develop our youth within our community.

With gratitude,

Pete