About
The Excelsior League of New York (EXL) is the competitive state-level league for the members of the New York State West Youth Soccer Association and beyond. The EXL will extend across the state from Buffalo in the West to Albany in the East. The proposed league will be split geographically into three divisions: NorthEast – Central – Western, making it a true State-Wide Soccer League.
What’s in a name? New York’s official nickname is the “Empire State,” its motto is “Excelsior,” which is Latin for “Ever Upward.” This is depicted in the New York State coat of arms found within the New York State flag. One visual element of the coat of arms is the sun rising over the horizon, which is reflected in our league logo. The Excelsior League represents a league that is “rising up” – and fittingly ties itself to the Excelsior meaning of “Ever Upward.”
Important Dates
- October 8th, 2026 – Team Registration Begins
- November 15th, 2026 – Team Registration Closes
- November 15th – November 30th, 2026 – Late Registration ($50.00)
- December 15th, 2026 – Team Acceptance and Placements Announced
- January 5, 2026 – Open Scheduling Begins
- February 15, 2026 – Open Scheduling Closes
- February 24th, 2027 – End of scheduling process – all games must be scheduled
- March 1st, 2027 – Start of Regular Season
- April/May 2027 – EXL Soccer Festival and Divisional Crossover Play – Exact Dates & Location TBD
- June 30th, 2027 – End of Regular Season
- July 2027: EXL Final Four – Dates & Locations TBD
League Information
LEADERSHIP The EXL will be governed by the board of New York State West Youth Soccer Association, operating under the authority and guidance of US Soccer and USYS. The operational management of the league will be made up of a league commissioner, a league committee made up of regional representatives and NYSWYSA staff members. The EXL represents just one of many positive changes happening within NYSWYSA and deliberate direction coming from US Soccer. NYSWYSA is proud to lead with advancing youth soccer in the region with the launch of the EXL, improving the ODP model, showcasing The State Cup and providing more coaching education opportunities to serve the youth soccer coaching community. The EXL is the product of SERVICE to the youth soccer community of New York State. MORE LEAGUE INFORMATION.
League Policy and Procedures
Coming Soon.
Register for the Spring/Summer League – Registration Open on Oct. 7th, 2026
Contact
Contact our League Administrator at exlcomm@nyswysa.org.