United States Soccer Federation -  www.ussoccer.com

The United States Soccer Federation (USSF) is the National governing body of the sport of soccer in the United States. U. S. Soccer is directly linked to FIFA and has exclusive governing power over most domestic soccer matters.  Programs under its umbrella include the administration and marketing of the U.S, national teams (men’s, women’s, Olympic and youth). The USSF is also responsible for development of players, coaches and referees.

USSF is a member the international governing body of soccer known as FIFA (Federation Internationale de Football Association) or International Federation of Association Football.  FIFA is responsible for the organization and for soccer’s major international tournaments such as the FIFA World Cup.  FIFA has created six confederations which oversee the game in different continents and regions of the world.  National federations, not the continental federations, are members of FIFA.  However, national federations, such as USSF, must claim membership to both FIFA and the confederation in which their nation is geographically resident for their teams to qualify for entry to FIFA’s competitions.  USSF belongs to CONCACAF– Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football.  The other  five confederations are:  AFC – Asian Football Confederation in Asia and Australia; CAF-Confederation Africaine de Football in Africa; CONMEBOL - Confederación Sudamericana de Fútbol in South America; OFC - Oceania Football Confederation in Oceania; and UEFA - Union Européenne de Football Association in Europe.

Note: By virtue of your son or daughter playing the game of soccer, they are in essence a member of USSF. No matter if they are playing within US Youth Soccer or AYSO.