U.S. Soccer’s 2025 Annual General Meeting takes place this weekend in Atlanta. Representatives from the sport’s various levels convene to address governance, strategic planning, budgets, bylaws, etc. AGMs of late have also included unique clashes on the field. Guest writer Tom Moore, the President of the California Soccer Association-North, provides an insider’s view on those games.


It was early in the afternoon of February 16, 2019, in Scottsdale, Arizona.  The business part of the National Council meeting at the U.S. Soccer AGM had just concluded and we were on to the “Good of the Game” announcements.

The Adult Commissioners had recently given us the privilege of challenging the Athletes’ Council to a friendly match. We told the Athletes that if they weren’t afraid to play us, we would “take it outside.”  Not being the sort of players to run from a challenge, the Athletes agreed. And there was a mini-soccer field right outside on the hotel grounds.

At the time, we were pretty confident of a win. We were sure that our age and wisdom would prevail over the Athletes Council players’ youth and inexperience.  Sadly, our confidence was misplaced. The Athletes’ Council players were more disciplined, craftier and younger than we anticipated. 

We lost, 25-5.

SUBSCRIBE TO KEEP READING

Celebrate Soccer America’s 55th anniversary with 55% off.

USE PROMO CODE: SOCCER55 AT CHECKOUT

Unlock full access to our coverage and newsletters — including Soccer America Daily, Soccer on TV, and 2026 World Cup coverage, for less than half price.

Already have an account? Sign in here.

CHECK OUT MORE STORIES

Not ready to subscribe? Sign up here for our free newsletter.

Already have an account? Sign in here.