The Mitchell Soccer Association (MSA) is expanding its youth programming across Mitchell and surrounding communities, recording strong participation numbers during its fall season. Driven by foundational youth leagues and major local events, the non-profit organization is cementing its role as a regional hub for youth sports development.
During the fall Youth Soccer League season, the association successfully engaged 128 young athletes. Participants spanned multiple age groups, ranging from under-four (U4) through under-eight (U8) boys and girls. Association leaders emphasize that these grassroots offerings serve as the primary engine for feeding players into older traveling and high school programs.
Record Turnout at the Cornicopia Soccer Tournament
The momentum of the fall season carried over to the Pepsi-Cola Soccer Complex, where the MSA hosted the third annual Cornicopia Soccer Tournament. The flagship event drew a record-breaking 69 teams from across South Dakota, marking a significant jump from the 52 squads that participated the previous year.
While the Cornicopia tournament served as a high-profile closing event for younger divisions, competitive brackets continued into late October. The Competitive Soccer League-catering to players from under-12 (U12) through under-nineteen (U19) age divisions-officially wrapped up its fall campaign on October 18.
Leadership and Community Partnerships
According to MSA President Scott Mullenmeister, the organization’s expansion goes far beyond simply increasing headcounts on the pitch. The core mission focuses on instilling valuable life lessons, fostering confidence, and building long-lasting friendships.
"We really strive to not just promote the game of soccer, but we're also promoting the things that you gain from participation in youth sports, whether that is confidence, friendships that are made, and there's a lot of character development that occurs in that process," Mullenmeister stated.
A major catalyst for the recent growth of the Youth Soccer League has been a collaborative partnership with Dakota Wesleyan University (DWU). Student-athletes from the DWU men’s and women’s soccer programs have stepped up to help coach younger participants. Association leadership notes that the college players inject vibrant energy into the sessions and provide top-tier mentorship to aspiring young athletes.
Mullenmeister also credited the hard work of the MSA board of directors for successfully managing large-scale tournaments and maintaining day-to-day operations at one of the premier grass soccer complexes in South Dakota.
Looking Ahead to Winter Programming
As the outdoor calendar winds down, the Mitchell Soccer Association is pivoting toward its indoor and winter initiatives to keep athletes active year-round. The upcoming winter session is scheduled to run from November 9 through February 28, covering age groups from U10 through U19.
- U10 Youth Soccer League Academy: $100 registration fee
- U12-U19 Programs: $120 registration fee
- Late Registration Period: October 11-24 (includes a $25 late fee)
With robust community backing, dedicated volunteer coaches, and a thriving partnership with local collegiate athletes, the Mitchell Soccer Association remains well-positioned to foster a lifelong love for the game among South Dakota youth.
