U.S. Soccer Federation announces updates from quarterly meeting

CHICAGO – The U.S. Soccer Board of Directors conducted its quarterly meeting on Friday, which was highlighted by presentations on U.S. Soccer’s COVID-19 Relief Fund program for Members, an update on the plans for the 2021 Annual General Meeting in late February and an update on the approach to past and future senior National Team camps during the COVID-19 pandemic.

COVID-19 Relief Funds for Members

Due to the dire impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the world of sports at all levels, U.S. Soccer will dedicate funds earmarked for this year’s Innovate to Grow Fund to U.S. Soccer members in need through an application process.

The Innovate to Grow funds were originally slated to be awarded to members through a competitive grant process in Fall of 2020. Given that the United States and our soccer community are still in the throes of the pandemic, the funds have now been diverted to COVID-19 relief.

All U.S. Soccer members in good standing, except for professional leagues, are eligible to apply for funds. U.S. Soccer will provide a range from $7,500 to a maximum of $15,000 per member depending on the organization’s size and revenue loss due to COVID-19.

Funds can be used for instructor fees or other expenses to support the execution of coaching or referee licensing courses, COVID-19-related procurement, COVID-19 prevention supplies or office operating expenses. The funds cannot be used for salaries or benefits, including temporary and part-time workers or for travel expenses, events, tournaments or any public gatherings.

For more information on the COVID-19 Relief Fund program, please click here.

2021 AGM Update

The Board was informed that in order to ensure the safety of all members and adhere to CDC/WHO guidelines, it was recommended that the 2021 Annual General Meeting be fully virtual, instead of a hybrid meeting as discussed in the September meeting. The Board approved moving to fully virtual to protect the health and safety of all participants.

It was also shared that Lumi Global will be facilitating the virtual National Council Meeting. Lumi is an expert in real-time audience engagement software with the necessary technology that meets the election requirements needed for the National Council Meeting, and has worked with the NCAA, IOC, World Athletics (formerly IAAF) and The Commonwealth Games.

The Board also approved the Credentials Committee to utilize the 2019 registration numbers for the Youth and Adult Council vote weighting for the 2021 National Council Meeting.

Registration for the AGM opens on Monday, Dec. 14. Click here for more information on the 2021 AGM.

Below are other topics that were discussed or determined by the Board in the public and executive sessions:

• U.S. Women’s National Team General Manager Kate Markgraf and Men’s National Team General Manager Brian McBride provided information on the senior National Team camps and matches in November, specifically noting the immense work done by Federation staff to ensure the health and safety of its players, staff and fans by following the health practices outlined by the CDC and the U.S. Soccer Return to Play protocols.
• The Board voted to approve the recommendation that the 2021 Concacaf Champions League slot that would have gone to the 2020 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup winner be awarded to the 2019 Open Cup winner, Atlanta United FC. The decision was required as the 2020 U.S. Open Cup was not played this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
• The Board approved the FY’22 Budget, which will now be presented during the 2021 National Council Meeting and voted on for approval by the National Council.

The next scheduled Board of Directors meeting will be Feb. 26, 2021, during U.S. Soccer’s AGM.