Jamestown Soccer Stars Shine at U.S. Youth Nationals in Tampa!

Fargo, North Dakota, USA - This summer, a trio of soccer players from Jamestown, North Dakota, is heading to sunny Tampa, Florida, to make waves at the 2025 U.S. Youth Soccer National Presidents Cup. Briella Martin, Hadley Jackson, and Layla Becker are not just your average players; they represent the Dakota Fusion Futbol Club (DFFC), a beacon of local soccer talent and opportunity in North Dakota.

DFFC is North Dakota’s first locally owned semi-professional soccer club. Founded by Amanda and Sajid Ghauri in February 2016, the club was established to provide young athletes with pathways to compete at higher levels, recognizing the abundant talent in Fargo yet noting the scarcity of resources available for budding soccer stars. The club’s mission emphasizes inclusivity and aims to inspire youth through soccer, ensuring a positive experience in a safe environment while preparing talented players for the competitive scene. DFFC has grown significantly, competing in leagues like the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) since 2017 and the Women’s Premier Soccer League (WPSL) since 2018, all while cementing its role in the community by hosting home games at Jim Gotta Stadium.

Local Stars Shine Bright at Nationals

Martin joins DFFC’s U17 team after being encouraged by a teammate’s family to join last June. In her own words, qualifying for the Nationals is a significant accomplishment, especially considering the rocky start in the regional games. Meanwhile, Becker and Jackson, who play for the U15 team, bring their experience to the table. Jackson began guest playing with the club last summer and officially signed this spring, while Becker, a Second-Team All-State player, became a full member just last summer after two years of guest play.

This year’s Nationals will feature the U17 team facing off against contenders from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, while the U15 squad gears up to compete against teams from Connecticut, Tennessee, and Indiana. Each age team’s anticipation is palpable, as both squads won their regional brackets and semifinal matches to claim their spots in this prestigious tournament. The tournament itself is structured into two brackets of four teams, with the top two from each group moving on to the semifinals. The championship showdown is set for Tuesday, following the semifinals on Monday.

Preparing for the Heat of Competition

As the tournament approaches, players are not just focusing on the game; they’re dialing in on practice, nutrition, and hydration strategies—an essential plan to beat Florida’s sweltering summer heat. But it’s not just physical preparation; the mental game is critical too. Familiarizing themselves with competition strategies and analyzing opponents’ play styles will be vital when they step onto the field.

It’s an exciting time for youth soccer in America, which has seen considerable evolution over the past decade. Various organizations like US Youth Soccer (USYS), United States Sports Specialty Association (USSSA), and U.S. Club Soccer dominate the youth soccer landscape. This ever-changing environment means players need to adopt a competitive mindset early on. As players like Martin, Becker, and Jackson rise through the ranks of youth soccer, they exemplify the spirit of DFFC, navigating the complexities of club soccer while making their mark on the national stage.

The journey for these young athletes is a testament to their dedication and skill, but it also showcases the efforts of DFFC to uplift local talent. With their eyes set on championships in Tampa, it’s clear that the future looks bright for these Blue Jay soccer stars.

For more on this incredible team and their journey, check out Jamestown Sun, learn about Dakota Fusion Futbol Club at Youth Soccer Sports, and dive deeper into the landscape of youth soccer in the U.S. at Soccer Novo.