Don Greer CYSA Founder  - 1975

Donald Greer (1925-1996) was truly dedicated to the sport and aspired to influence its growth and organization at all levels. Donald played schoolboy soccer in England and served in the Merchant Navy during World War II.  Don's passion for the sport of soccer originated in England beginning in 1937.  Don participated as a player, coach and manager of the Norton Road School team in Luton, England.

After moving to the United States in 1946, Don became involved with the Olympic Club in San Francisco.  Don played for San Francisco Olympic, Hayward United and Hermania Soccer Club in the San Francisco-Hayward area from 1946 to 1964. Don's won the San Francisco League Championship with Hermania in 1958 and was a finalist in California Soccer Association North Jr. Cup from 1959 to 1961.  Coach and Team Manager with Hermania from 1956-1964. Founded Hayward United U12-U16-U18 teams in 1958 and led U18's to the California State Title in 1965.

Don founded the California Youth Soccer Association (CYSA) in 1968 and served as its Chairman from 1968 to 1975.  Don was inducted into the CYSA's Hall of Fame in 1975.  Greer's vision wasn't limited to the borders of California as he set to make an impact at a national level.  After founding the United States Youth Soccer Association (USYSA) in 1974, Don served as its chairman for the next 10 years.  He served as the United States Soccer Federation vice president from 1972-1984.  During his term of office, player registrations grew from 32,000 in 1974 to 1,153,000 in 1984. Today, CYSA is the largest youth state soccer association with over 214,000 registered players and US Youth Soccer is the largest youth sports organization in the nation with over 3 million registered players annually.

Greer's vision launched the James P. McGuire Cup, the US Youth Soccer Olympic Development Program (US Youth Soccer ODP) and established regional and sub-regional youth programs for member state associations during his tenure.  The "McGuire Cup" is the oldest youth sports trophy in the country and is the foundation of the US Youth Soccer National Championship Series competition.  This competition is the most prestigious youth soccer competition in the United States. The US Youth Soccer ODP continues to be the premier player development and identification program in the nation with such alums as Kristine Lilly, Landon Donovan, Shannon Boxx and Jozy Altidore, to name a few.  An Under 17 Boys National Championship was established in 1991. The Don Greer Cup was named for United States Youth Soccer Association founder, Don Greer.

Greer's dedication and vision continues to be recognized.  In 1985, he was inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame.  In 1992, Greer received the US Youth Soccer Founder's Award and in 1993 the US Youth Soccer Under-17 Boys National Championship was named "The Don Greer Cup" in his honor.

Donald Greer is the charter member of the US Youth Soccer Hall of Fame, established in 2007.  As a charter member, Donald Greer was inducted into the US Youth Soccer Hall of Fame in 2008.