Dear Inver Grove Heights Heat Soccer and South Saint Paul Youth Soccer Association (SSPYSA) Members:

We are excited to announce that the IGH Heat Soccer Association Board and the South Saint Paul Youth Soccer Association Board have signed an agreement to merge the two organizations. Beginning with the fall 2021 season, the club will operate under a new name, Dakota Soccer Club. Tryouts for the Dakota Soccer Club’s 2022 summer season will be held in July (see our website for more details).

After much discussion, leadership from both organizations feel that it is in the best interest of both clubs to operate as one. Bringing together these two youth soccer organizations creates multiple new opportunities for all youth players within our soccer community.

Key information for the merged club:

  • The merged club will operate as Dakota Soccer Club, beginning in the fall of 2021.
  • The club will be a part of the Twin Cities Soccer League and will offer teams at most age levels.
  • Westley Dayus will become the Director of Coaching for the boys teams.
  • Jake Smothers will become the Director of Coaching for the girls teams.
  • The SSPYSA in-house soccer program will continue to be administered as South Saint Paul Rec Soccer, an offering of Dakota Soccer Club. The IGH Parks and Rec Soccer program will continue to be administered by IGH Parks and Rec, in partnership with Dakota Soccer Club. We are committed to providing affordable soccer programs in both communities and we are excited about the opportunities to strengthen these offerings in the future.

In the coming weeks, we will be publishing important information via email, social media accounts, and our respective club websites.

Tryouts for the newly formed club will be conducted July 13-14 for the U9-U11 levels and July 25-July 28 for U12+ levels. The team formation schedule is attached to this email. Team formation registration will be online next week.

We appreciate members from both organizations that have provided input throughout the merger process of our two great clubs. We feel prepared to take this next step and are excited about what this new club will provide to our youth soccer players.

Thank you for your support!

Ben Nelson                                                        Gabriel Rojas-Cardona

President                                                            President

South Saint Paul Youth Soccer Association      Inver Grove Heights Heat Soccer Association

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