Strategic Plan and Working Groups

WIG # 1

SPONSORSHIP & PARTNERSHIP NETWORK

Progress

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WIG # 2

BEST PRACTICES FRAMEWORK

Progress

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WIG # 3

IMPROVE ACCESS TO PLAYING OPPORTUNITIES

Progress

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WIG # 4

REVAMP USASA OPERATING MODEL

Progress

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WIG # 5

BALANCE NATIONAL EVENTS & LOCAL SUPPORT

Progress

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02/26 Full WIG Report

WIG #1 : DEVELOP A PARTNER AND SPONSORSHIP NETWORK

Goal: Establish a strong sponsor program and partnership network to enhance funding opportunities and community support across the USASA landscape.

WHERE WE STARTED

Sub-WIG #1: Build Strategic Sponsorship Programs

Develop sponsorship programs aligned with USASA’s mission and strategic goals, offering tailored packages for corporate, community, and nonprofit partners
Ensure sponsorship benefits are equitably distributed across the membership ecosystem to foster growth in underserved areas

Sub-WIG #2: Expand Partnerships with External Stakeholders

Foster relationships with youth soccer and other athletics organizations to gain access to fields and support soccer infrastructure development
Collaborate with US Soccer and other governing bodies on initiatives such as referee and coach development
Create adult player pipelines through collaborative efforts with youth organizations, other athletic associations, and potential partners in the adult athlete sphere of influence

Sub-WIG #3: Increase Marketing and Communication Efforts

Work closely with members to leverage member data for personalized communication and marketing efforts
Implement targeted marketing strategies to raise awareness of USASA’s offerings and engage communities more effectively

Our sponsorship agency has already set up meetings with potential sponsors and one proposal is currently being negotiated.

CURRENTLY FOCUSED ON: SUB-WIG #1

KEY RESULTS

WIG # 2 : BEST PRACTICES FRAMEWORK

Goal: Foster deeper member engagement by creating a standardized framework of best practices and ensuring continuous feedback loops for improvement.

WHERE WE STARTED

Sub-WIG #1: Create and Implement a Best Practices Framework

Develop and distribute a set of best practices for governance, event management, marketing, and member services to be adopted and implemented
Establish performance metrics for our members to ensure adherence to best practices and improve consistency

Sub-WIG #2: Introduce a Formal Feedback System

Create a structured feedback system that captures input from members on a regular basis, ensuring their voices are integrated into USASA’s strategic decisions
Implement member surveys, town halls, and digital feedback platforms to monitor member satisfaction and track trends

Sub-WIG #3: Revitalize the AGM Platform

Use the AGM platform to drive innovation in services, programs, and formats, leveraging in-person member presence and participation in a collaborative and fun environment

This WIG requires a significant timeframe and foundational work. The member polling required more time than expected in order to have a complete picture of the members’ priorities for areas of training and education. This is nearly complete and the Key Results should be back on track for completion this year.

CURRENTLY FOCUSED ON: SUB-WIG #1

KEY RESULTS

WIG # 3 : IMPROVE ACCESS TO PLAYING OPPORTUNITIES

Goal: Improve member value by expanding access to soccer playing opportunities.

WHERE WE STARTED

Sub-WIG #1: Identify and Expand Soccer Playing Opportunities

Create a comprehensive map of existing and potential soccer-playing opportunities at all levels
Establish partnerships with cities, school districts, youth clubs, government agencies, and private organizations to improve field access and funding for improvements such as lighting and maintenance
Support new initiatives to support member growth and access

Sub-WIG #2: Bridge Gaps in Member Access

Address barriers for players, coaches, referees, and other stakeholders
Develop a subscription value model offering exclusive benefits to enhance member engagement

Sub-WIG #3: Support Member Growth and Participation

Promote soccer as a fitness and social activity through clinics, workout sessions, and small-sided competitions
Partner with local and national organizations to create community-based leagues and events

CURRENTLY FOCUSED ON: SUB-WIG #1

KEY RESULTS

WIG # 4 : REVAMP USASA OPERATING MODEL

Goal: Transform USASA into a modern member services organization that is responsive, transparent, and efficient in delivering value to its members.

WHERE WE STARTED

Sub-WIG #1: Realign Roles and Responsibilities

Clarify and streamline roles & responsibilities within USASA’s membership to reduce overlap and improve decision-making
Transition the National Board of Directors to a more strategic and advisory role

Sub-WIG #2: Implement a Modern Feedback and Governance Structure

Establish regular, structured communication channels between the board, staff, and members to ensure transparency, inclusivity, and responsiveness to member feedback
Redesign the Annual General Meeting to focus on member engagement, feedback, and strategic alignment

Sub-WIG #3: Succession and Leadership Development

Develop a comprehensive leadership development and succession plan, including role charters, term limits, and volunteer training to enhance engagement and accountability

This Working Group has met its current objectives ahead of schedule. Their recommendations have been presented to the NBOD which will consider these structural changes at its Spring retreat. The group may have some additional related work following the NBOD’s discussions. This Working Group is now moving on the determine its next objective and the related Key Results.

CURRENTLY FOCUSED ON: SUB-WIG #1

KEY RESULTS

WIG # 5 : BALANCE NATIONAL EVENTS & LOCAL SUPPORT

Goal: Ensure USASA’s resources and attention are allocated equitably between national tournaments and grassroots soccer, delivering support for all levels of play.

WHERE WE STARTED

Sub-WIG #1: Evaluate Resource Allocation

Review and ensure the allocation of resources between national tournaments and other member services are equitably distributed
Develop new inclusive programs that cater to our membership, ensuring equitable opportunities for players regardless of level

Sub-WIG #2: Foster Grassroots Growth

Engage with our member organizations to strenghten grassroots participation
Expand development opportunities, including coaching clinics and refereeing workshops, to enhance the quality of play at all levels

Sub-WIG #3: Encourage Participation Across All Levels

Create a framework that encourages broad participation while maintaining competitive opportunities regardless of player level

This WIG arose from membership’s desire to move the National Amateur Cup administration and planning from the national office to a planning committee. That has been accomplished. Because of the choice to prioritize the other four WIGs, the other items in WIG 5 are currently being worked into WIG #3 where appropriate and other work of the national office. The Working Group will continue to meet to provide direction os developing a useable database of member leagues to support WIG #3.