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: Western, Central and Eastern, 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.”
Watch the League Overview
Register Where You Play and State Cup Eligibility
Important Dates
Team registration is open now and closes November 15. Late registration runs November 15 to 30 for an extra $50.
- October 7, 2026: Team registration opens
- November 15, 2026: Team registration closes
- November 15 to 30, 2026: Late registration ($50)
- December 15, 2026: Team acceptance and placements announced
- January 5, 2027: Open scheduling begins
- February 15, 2027: Open scheduling closes
- February 24, 2027: Scheduling ends. All games must be scheduled.
- March 1, 2027: Regular season begins
- April or May 2027: EXL Soccer Festival and divisional crossover play (dates and location TBD)
- June 30, 2027: Regular season ends
- July 2027: EXL Final Four (dates and 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.
- October 26th, 2026 – Webinar Recording (League Overview video)
League Policy and Procedures
Charter and Governance
Register Your Team: Registration Closes November 15, 2026
Contact
Contact our League Administrator at exlcomm@nyswysa.org.