The 2025 Iowa Soccer Symposium was recently hosted at the MidAmerican Company RecPlex in West Des Moines, bringing together players, parents, coaches, referees and club leaders for an inspiring weekend of education and development. With each day focusing on a different aspect of the game, the event reinforced Iowa Soccer Association’s commitment to growing soccer at every level.
Through expert-led discussions, hands-on workshops and direct engagement with industry leaders, attendees gained valuable insights into talent identification, player development, coach development and methodology, referee education and technical leadership development.
Player Development Day
The 2025 Iowa Soccer Symposium opened with Player Development Day, which was a deep dive into talent identification and player pathways. Supported by representatives from FC Cincinnati of Major League Soccer and US Youth Soccer, the day provided players and parents with an inside look at the Olympic Development Program (ODP) and additional growth opportunities available for aspiring athletes.
“This year’s symposium weekend transcended typical learning, becoming a celebration of the entire youth soccer community,” said Damien Corrieri, Player Development Director at Iowa Soccer Association. “Parents, players, coaches and referees all shared unique experiences, focused on deepening knowledge and igniting passion for the game. One highlight was witnessing our players and parents engage directly with MLS and US Youth Soccer staff, exploring the value of ODP and fostering open dialogue about our collective role in player development.”
The unique access to professionals at the highest levels during Player Development Day helped to provide families and players with a clearer path forward in their soccer journeys.
Coach Development Day
The second day of the Iowa Soccer Symposium focused on coaching education and club technical leadership development. Designed for club, high school and college coaches, as well as referees, club leaders and administrators, sessions covered modern coaching methodologies, player development strategies and best practices for leaders.
“The Iowa Soccer Symposium was a holistic learning experience that positively impacted players, coaches, parents, referees and club leaders. From modern coaching methodologies to insightful discussions on player and coach development, referee education and parent engagement, the symposium provided high-quality, evidence-based learning for every stakeholder in the game,” said Gareth Smith, Chief Technical Officer at Iowa Soccer Association. “The lineup of top-class presenters challenged perspectives, sparked discussion and reinforced the importance of our soccer community collaborating to grow the game at all levels. More than just an event, it is a catalyst for progress, fostering a culture of continuous learning and development across all levels of the soccer community. A huge thank you to everyone who contributed to making this a powerful and inspiring experience!”
With expert guidance and thought-provoking discussions, participants left Coach Development Day with new tools and strategies to implement in their programs.
Referee Development Day
The Iowa Soccer Symposium concluded with Referee Development Day, which was dedicated to the enhancement of officiating skills, game management and professional development. Sessions focused on technical training and communication, as well as strengthening the relationship between referees and the broader Iowa soccer community. The event provided both classroom instruction and on-field training, led by experienced mentors, instructors and Referee Coaches.
“The focus was not solely on individual skill but on cultivating a culture where we grow together with our clubs, united as an essential part of the Iowa soccer community,” said Hidajet Tica, Referee & Sportsmanship Director at Iowa Soccer Association, underscoring the importance of a unified approach to officiating.
The collaborative mindset that was shared at the Iowa Soccer Symposium ensures that referees continue to develop alongside the game, fostering a stronger and more cohesive soccer environment across Iowa.
Looking Ahead
With each day of the 2025 Iowa Soccer Symposium offering unique learning opportunities, the event successfully united players, parents, coaches, referees and leaders in a shared mission to grow the game in Iowa.
“The Iowa Soccer Symposium has grown into a three-day event that is critical to the advancement of soccer in our state,” said Dan Cataldi, Chief Executive Officer at Iowa Soccer Association. “Beyond just Iowa Soccer members, stakeholders from various organizations come together for a weekend to focus on improving the sport in Iowa. This event will continue to expand and be the foundation for the growth and development of soccer in Iowa as we bring together those engaged in the game for a celebration of learning and developing. We are already planning for 2026 and know that the success we have had sets a high bar, but one we are confident we will surpass.”
As Iowa Soccer Association continues to invest in education and development, the momentum from this event will carry forward into future initiatives, training programs and resources designed to support the next generation of soccer players, coaches and referees. Stay connected with Iowa Soccer Association for updates on upcoming opportunities to learn, grow and contribute to the sport’s continued success across the state!
