BOISE, Idaho (June 30, 2023) – More than 200 teams competed June 23-29 at the Far West Regional Championships in Boise, Idaho. Games were played at the Simplot Sports Complex with a trip to this summer’s National Championships on the line.
Utah — one of 14 State Associations that make up USYS’ West Region — saw six teams crowned champions this week. Idaho (2), Oregon (2), Alaska (1), Cal-North (1), Hawaii (1), and Nevada (1) all had regional championship-winning teams, too.
Michael Montgomery, head coach of Alaska Rush 2006 Girls (AK), talked about the importance of making each moment count when the team is together because of the time they can practice outdoors being limited.
“It is huge on the girls because we train indoors seven months out of the year and three months outdoors,” he added. “The other three months, they are with their high school teams.”
Montgomery shared three things that he tells his team when discussing preparation for Nationals with them.
“Number one, outwork the other team. Number two, pass with possession and number three, enjoy the game.”
Jose Dydasco, a second head coach, echoed many of the same sentiments that Montgomery did. Dydasco coaches FC Hawaii 09G Red (HI), making the Regional Championships and a trip to Boise a big change of scenery for his team.
“Playing in Hawaii, you kind of play the same teams over and over and over,” Dydasco said. “So a new game like this, a new team, a new style, always presents a challenge for our girls.”
Look back at the Far West Regional Championship Winners…
Girls
| Age Group | Champions | Finalists |
|---|---|---|
| 13U | Utah Surf 10 JR (UT) | Elevation FC 10G Summit Elite (CO) |
| 14U | FC Hawaii 09G Red (HI) | Colorado United – 2009G White (CO) |
| 15U | League 30 FC Shock – G08 JM – DC (UT) | Portland City United SC 08G Red 1 (OR) |
| 16U | Idaho Rush Soccer Club 07 Elite 64 (ID) | Utah Surf Utah Surf 07 BH (UT) (AQ) |
| 17U | Alaska Rush 2006 Girls (AK) | La Roca FC A Bravo 2006 Girls (UT) |
| 18U | Utah Avalanche 05 Elite 64 (UT) | La Roca FC A. Ovalle 05G (UT) |
| 19U | Idaho Rush Soccer Club 04/05 Elite 64 (ID) | Utah County Soccer Club FC Leonas (UT) |
*13-19U Champions will advance to the National Championships.
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About the US Youth Soccer National Championship Series
The US Youth Soccer (USYS) National Championship Series provides more than 10,000 teams from USYS’s 54 State Associations the opportunity to showcase their abilities against the best in the nation, while emphasizing teamwork, discipline, and fair play. The yearlong competition begins with over 185,000 players in the USYS State Championships. State champions, along with selected representatives from the USYS National League Conferences, advance to compete in one of four USYS Regional Championships. In each gender age group, the four USYS Regional Champions, along with 12 qualifiers from USYS National League P.R.O. in the 14U-19U age groups, compete for the ultimate crown at the USYS National Championships. Overall, the USYS National Championship Series provides the nation’s top collegiate coaches with the premier stage to identify and scout the most coveted players in the country. For more information, visit https://www.usyouthsoccer.org/national-championship-series/.
About the United States Youth Soccer Association (US Youth Soccer)
US Youth Soccer, the largest youth sport organization in the country, is on a mission to provide world-class support, resources, and leadership, helping every member fulfill their goals on and off the field of play. US Youth Soccer registers nearly 2.5 million players annually. Through its programming, resources and leadership, US Youth Soccer is advancing the game for its 54 Member State Associations, 10,000 clubs and leagues and nearly 1 million administrators, coaches, and volunteers. US Youth Soccer connects families and communities to the power of sports and its shared love of soccer. US Youth Soccer provides a path for every player, offering programs that provide a fun, safe and healthy environment for players at every level of the game.
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