Virginia Youth Soccer Association welcomes Ray Ford as the organization’s new Director of Events
Fredericksburg, VA (June 14, 2023) Virginia Youth Soccer Association (VYSA) announced today that Ray Ford has accepted the organization’s newly created role of Director of Events. Ray, an experienced tournament director, started in this new role on June 16, 2023 and will be succeeding Anne Thompson, the association’s State and President’s Cup Director for over 32 years. Thompson will remain involved with the organization with her role as Secretary for the Board of Directors and will work alongside Ford in the initial months of this transition.
“We are thrilled to welcome Ray into the organization,” said Don Rawson, VYSA Executive Director. “Ray will work closely with the State Office Staff to oversee the State Cup and Virginia President’s Cup competitions, Virginia Futsal Championships, membership meetings, and the annual awards gala. Additionally, the Director of Events will aid in the logistical support of the Virginia Olympic Development Program Friendlies. I am very confident Ray will be successful in this new role in support of the VYSA member clubs!”
The role of Director of Events was created to absorb the responsibilities of Anne Thompson and oversee the association’s state-wide events, tournaments and meetings. Ray, will be based out of Virginia Youth Soccer Association’s headquarters in Fredericksburg and will travel around the state to engage with membership and work with club leadership. Ray will be attending the US Youth Soccer Eastern Regional Championships in Loudoun County, Virginia, in late June.
Prior to accepting the position of Director of Events for the Virginia Youth Soccer Association, Ford served as the Tournament Soccer Director for Soccer Management Company and as the Executive Director of Player and Coach Development for the Central Virginia United Youth Soccer (CVU).
“I am excited to join the VYSA team as the Director of Events and I look forward to seeing many outstanding teams compete in the US Youth Soccer Regional events over the next few weeks. I am anxious to get started in this new role and work alongside the State Office Staff to provide outstanding events and competitions for the VYSA Membership,” said Raymond Ford.
About Virginia Youth Soccer Association. The Virginia Youth Soccer Association (VYSA) www.vysa.com is a member of the US Soccer Federation and US Youth Soccer representing over 125,000 youth players, coaches and administrators in the Commonwealth of Virginia and DC. VYSA oversees programs including Virginia Futsal, the Olympic Development Program (ODP), the National Championship Series (State Cup), Coaching Education and more.
Learn more about Virginia Youth Soccer Association online at www.vysa.com.