Blog

Significant changes are coming to the pitch for the 2026–2027 season. Following a new mandate from US Soccer, youth age groups are shifting from a calendar-year (January–December) format to a grade-year alignment (August 1–July 31). While any mandate involving team restructuring can bring a sense of uncertainty, Colorado EDGE is stepping forward with a clear message: Your child’s development remains our north star. In a comprehensive update, Competitive Director Bri Kuester

Change is a natural part of growth, especially in youth sports. As we look ahead to the 2026–2027 season, the Shakopee Soccer Association (SSA) is preparing for a significant shift: the transition to grade-year registration as mandated by US Soccer. While moving away from traditional birth-year mandates can feel like a hurdle in the short term, Associate Director Jon Poppen views it as a major win for the Shakopee community. By aligning soccer rosters with school grade level

Tiger Woods. Serena Williams. Rory McIlroy. Roger Federer. When comparing the worlds of golf and tennis, it is easy to get caught up in the legendary status of the athletes. But beyond the grand slams and green jackets, what do these professionals actually have in common? Elite, undeniable athleticism. If you are trying to decide which of these lifetime sports is better for your personal fitness journey, the answer lies in your specific goals. While both sports offer distinct

The quest for the ultimate cardio workout ignites a never-ending debate: swimming versus running. And more often than not, you’re on one side or the other. But let’s consider this: Swimming and running are fantastic ways to elevate your heart rate, torch calories, and boost overall fitness. However, swimming and running have distinct advantages and considerations; choosing the right cardio course depends on your individual needs and preferences. Let's take a deep dive an

For families looking for a long-term developmental home, finding the right club culture makes all the difference. In this parent spotlight, Andrea Schlidt reflects on her son’s six-year journey with FC Wisconsin , spanning from U13 all the way through U19. Beyond the expected technical growth on the pitch, Andrea highlights the club's unique approach to character building — specifically how older players are encouraged to mentor the next generation through the FC Minis progra

When researching youth soccer clubs, understanding a program's coaching philosophy is just as important as looking at its trophy case. In this coach testimonial, we hear from John Fauser, Director of the Regional Competitive Program (RCP) at FC Wisconsin . Having grown up in the local Milwaukee soccer scene, John brings a unique, long-term perspective on the club's evolution and its exceptionally high standards. John details how FC Wisconsin breaks away from the traditional "

When evaluating a youth soccer club, getting the perspective of a former coach — especially one who now coaches at the collegiate level — provides an incredibly valuable lens. We hear from Teren Schuster, who spent nearly seven years at FC Wisconsin , beginning as a young assistant and eventually working his way up to Youth Director. For Teren, FC Wisconsin was the ultimate launching pad for his career, largely due to the mentorship of the club's leadership and their unwaveri

Finding a youth soccer club that perfectly fits the developmental needs of one child can be a challenge — finding one that works for three is a major victory. In this parent spotlight, we hear from Katie Weiske, who has spent the last five years navigating the youth soccer landscape with her three sons at FC Wisconsin , spanning from the Junior Academy all the way up to the ECNL level. Katie provides an invaluable, behind-the-scenes look at what makes FC Wisconsin unique from

When families are searching for the right youth soccer club, understanding the day-to-day environment and long-term opportunities is crucial. In this player spotlight, we hear from Connor Knapp, a U16 ECNL player who has spent the last three and a half years competing with FC Wisconsin . Connor originally joined the club in search of a highly competitive culture, and he found exactly that. From grinding through an unforgettable eight-game stretch to secure a spot in the U15 p