Franklin County 4-H brought home the trophy – and bragging rights – for Tennessee in March 2025 when they won the first-ever National 4-H Soccer Cup in Washington, D.C. The soccer competition was part of a five-day event called “Ignite by 4-H” hosted by the National 4-H Council. The interactive summit was designed to help teens “find their spark” through inspiring speakers, hands-on workshops, off-site experiences, career exploration and networking with peers.

“National 4-H Council in D.C. hosts ‘Ignite by 4-H’ every year with tracks like STEM and healthy living,” says Hunter Isbell, an extension agent for 4-H  youth development in Franklin County. “As organizers assessed the needs of young people, they saw a need to include sports and decided to incorporate soccer into 4-H.”

See more: National Winners in 2024

The inaugural National 4-H Soccer Cup invited each state to send one soccer team of high school-age 4-H’ers. Because several of Franklin County’s female 4-H’ers already played soccer for their schools, Isbell extended the offer to them. Eleven female 4-H members from Franklin County traveled to D.C. in March to compete on behalf of Tennessee.

“We were lucky to have donors who support Franklin County 4-H who paid for the entire trip for our girls on the team, including plane tickets, hotel, jerseys and transportation in D.C.,” Isbell says. “For some of the girls, it was their first time on a plane. I served as coach for the week, and it was exciting to see how these girls prepared and how this opportunity was life-changing for them.”

Several Division I coaches from around the country attended the Soccer Cup to watch and share what they were looking for in recruitment for teens interested in playing soccer at the collegiate level.

“The event featured workshops on sports integrity, coaching and other topics – not just athletics,” Isbell says. “It connected the game of soccer with real-world learning, which is what 4-H does so well. Representing Tennessee and then winning was unforgettable.”

Champion Chat

Osiris Rodriguez, a Franklin County 12th grader who played on the team, says the experience helped her grow as a leader, athlete and teammate.

“Through this experience, I gained valuable lessons in leadership, sportsmanship and career pathways in sports,” Rodriguez says. “It also helped open doors for my future. I’m proud to say I signed to play at a Division I soccer school afterward. I’m grateful to be part of a team that shows what it means to be Beyond Ready.”

See more: Tennessee 4-H Offers New Projects

Teammate Calli Alonso, a 10th grader, says playing in the Soccer Cup showed her 4-H is about more than just projects; it’s about people, passion and purpose.

“This experience helped strengthen my growth mindset, build positive relationships and embrace challenges on and off the field,” Alonso explains. “Soccer has always been my spark, and through 4-H, I’ve learned how to set goals, work hard and thrive as a leader. We didn’t just win – we grew together.”

Each of the girls on the team received a medal, and together they received a trophy that is displayed at the Franklin County Extension Office. At the National 4-H Headquarters in D.C., Tennessee will be the first winning state name engraved on the National 4-H Soccer Cup trophy.

“4-H and sports are both about development,” Isbell says. “In sports, you train your body and mind, and in 4-H, you build character and confidence. When you combine those, youth thrive.”

Trophies Headed Home

“Having Tennessee be the first winner is really special,” Isbell says. “After the fact, this equipped each of the kids with confidence, skills and values. And those are not just things you use in sports – they prepare them for life.”

While in our nation’s capital, the girls were able to do some sightseeing, including touring the White House and the U.S. Capitol.

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“It was a great opportunity provided by 4-H,” Isbell says. “When youth are surrounded by caring adults and engaging experiences, they really grow in confidence and grow into contributing adults. In 4-H, we talk about how 4-H’ers have their spark, or what motivates them to grow. For these young people, soccer is that spark, so we took that interest and connected it to deeper goals like teamwork, healthy living and service to others.”