MSSA Online - Information about the MSSA

Information About the Maryland State Soccer Association

The Maryland State Soccer Association is a volunteer organization founded in 1927. As the governing body of amateur soccer in the state of Maryland, the MSSA mission is to promote and foster soccer in the state. The MSSA, its leagues, clubs and teams are members of the United States Soccer Federation (USSF) and the United States Adult Soccer Association (USASA). The USSF is a member of both the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) and the U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC). The bottom line is that we provide opportunities for adults to continue playing the game they love. There is no reason to quit after your adolescent years. That is why our motto is Still Getting Our Kicks.

MSSA teams are eligible to enter sanctioned tournaments and national cups under the auspices of the USSF and the USASA. Cups give member clubs the opportunity to compete for state, regional and national titles. The national competitions for men and women are the Open Cup (open to professional teams and players), the Amateur Cup, the Over-30 Cup, the Under-23 Cup, the Under-20 Cup and the Veteran's Cup. State champions advance to regional play and regional champions advance to the national championship.

In addition to national competitions, the MSSA sponsors its own state competitions. The MSSA runs three cups for its members: the Rowland Cup, the men’s open championship; the Stewart Cup, the men’s amateur championship; and the Hagan Cup, the women's championship. We also hold the Champion’s Cup, which assembles the champions of the various league competitions for a special tournament. The MSSA also tries to holds special tournament for its members during the summer, such as 7-aside tournaments.

Referees play an integral part of the MSSA. With the responsibility of the oversight and development of referees statewide, the MSSA, through its Referee Committee, holds training, clinics and assessments for beginning and experienced referees. Our goal is to get the best-qualified, experienced and knowledgeable referees to officiate our games.