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Binghamton TOPSoccer Kicking Off Fall Season on September 7th

New York State West Youth Soccer Association (NYSWYSA) is excited to announce the fall season of Binghamton TOPSoccer, which will officially kick off on Sunday, September 7th. The program will run on Sundays at 11:00 AM through November 23rd, with sessions held at both the Binghamton University Turf Field and 434 Sportsplex.

“NYSWYSA is a proud supporter of Binghamton University TOPSoccer,” said Dean Foti, NYSWYSA Technical Director. “In 2019, this one-of-a-kind program was organized by college students who were previously involved with TOPSoccer programs as youth players in their hometown soccer clubs. Today, this university sponsored club is directed, organized and staffed by BU students. This unique coaching staff injects energy, enthusiasm and fellowship into each session. Come experience the joy of ‘sharing the beautiful game’ through Binghamton University TOPSoccer.”

Program Details:

  • Locations: Binghamton University Turf Field (next to East Gym) and 434 Sportsplex in Vestal, New York
  • Site Coordinator: Isabella Vento (Email)
  • Registration Fee: $35
  • Registration: Click Here

Sessions Details (All Sessions from 11 AM to Noon):

  • September 7 – BU Turf Field
  • September 14 – BU Turf Field
  • September 28 – BU Turf Field
  • October 5 – BU Turf Field
  • October 12 – BU Turf Field
  • October 19 – BU Turf Field
  • October 26 – BU Turf Field
  • November 2 – 434 Sportsplex (Indoor Facility)
  • November 9 – 434 Sportsplex (Indoor Facility)
  • November 16 – 434 Sportsplex (Indoor Facility)
  • November 23 – 434 Sportsplex (Indoor Facility)

TOPSoccer (The Outreach Program for Soccer) is a nationally recognized program developed by US Youth Soccer to give young athletes with disabilities the opportunity to play soccer in a safe and supportive setting. Designed to meet the needs of individuals with diverse abilities, TOPSoccer provides modified training sessions and gameplay that encourage learning, teamwork and most importantly, having fun.

The program is structured to provide an environment where every participant can grow, build confidence and enjoy the sport alongside trained volunteers and buddies who are there to support their experience.

For all of the latest news and information from the New York State West Youth Soccer Association, make sure to follow us on social media!

New York West ODP Tryouts Set for 2025–26 Season

In youth soccer, every player looks for that next step. They seek the chance to test themselves, to measure up against the best and to open the door to new opportunities. For ambitious athletes across Western New York, that step begins this fall with New York State West Youth Soccer Association’s 2025–26 Olympic Development Program (ODP) tryouts.

A Proven Pathway

The Olympic Development Program is more than just another training or playing opportunity. It is a nationally recognized pathway where players are evaluated, challenged and guided toward higher levels of the game. From state-level pools to regional showcases and even national team selection, ODP provides a stage for athletes to showcase their skills, compete with the best and gain exposure to elite coaches and scouts.

“The ODP program is designed to be a supplement to what players do with their club and school teams,” confirmed Dean Foti, NYSWYSA Technical Director. “Playing with and against other good players from around the state, along with exposure to high level coaching, will fast track every player’s development. Growth takes place naturally when players are placed in a competitive environment and slowly nudged outside their comfort zone. ODP tryouts are the first step along the pathway to becoming a more confident and more seasoned player.”

Who Can Participate?

  • 12U–14U Players (2012, 2013, 2014 Birth Years): District tryouts will take place on Sunday, September 28th in Buffalo, Binghamton and Syracuse, and on Saturday, October 4th in Rochester. Selected players will advance to a call-back tryout on Sunday, October 5th in Rochester, where final indoor pools will be chosen.
  • 15U–17U Players (2009, 2010, 2011 Birth Years): Tryouts will be held in Rochester on the weekends of December 13–14 (Boys) and December 20–21 (Girls).

Why Try Out?

For players serious about their development, ODP offers what club soccer alone cannot always provide, and that is direct exposure to nationally licensed coaches, the chance to compete against top talent from across the state and a clear pathway to regional and national identification. ODP is where ambition meets opportunity, and where players begin to discover how far they can go.

Registration Details

Full information, including site locations and session times, is available on the NYSWYSA ODP Tryouts Page. Spots are limited, so early registration is encouraged.

The Legacy of ODP

Established in 1977, the Olympic Development Program has served as the nation’s original pathway for identifying future national team talent. Under the umbrella of US Youth Soccer and the United States Soccer Federation, ODP helps players progress from local to national stages, gaining valuable exposure to collegiate scouts, high-level coaches and professional development resources along the way.

The mission of New York West ODP is threefold. The program aims to provide top-level training to elite players, support coaching development and identify talent for state, regional and national pools. From the early days of Pre-ODP to the high-stakes environment of regional showcases, every phase is built with purpose.

For all of the latest news and information from the New York State West Youth Soccer Association, make sure to follow us on social media!

The NYW Academy: Training that Transforms Players

In today’s youth soccer landscape, there is no shortage of games, but that can create problems when it comes to player development. With weekend tournaments and constant competition taking center stage, meaningful training opportunities are often left behind. To tackle this issue, New York State West Youth Soccer Association (NYSWYSA) created The Academy to bring development back to the forefront.

“Today’s youth soccer landscape is saturated with games, games and more games,” said Dean Foti, NYSWYSA Technical Director. “At a time when proper ‘training to game ratios’ are out of whack and essential learning opportunities are being squeezed out of player development protocols, the NYW Academy training regimen serves to balance that ratio and provide the opportunity to develop fundamentally sound players.”

A Strategic Approach to Player Development

The NYW Academy is a six-session training program focused on developing confident, technically sound and tactically aware players. Led by NYSWYSA’s nationally certified coaching staff, the program emphasizes ball skills and decision-making in a positive, high-quality learning environment. The Academy offers tools and coaching that emphasize player development, without the pressure of constant competition.

Who Can Participate?

The Academy is open to boys and girls born in 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016. Originally developed for Olympic Development Program (ODP) players, The Academy opened its doors in 2015 to all eligible players across the region. No ODP affiliation is required, and the only requirement is a commitment to learning and a desire to grow.

When and Where?

Sessions take place on Sunday afternoons across six dates this fall: September 7, 14, 21 and October 12, 19, 26. To make the program more accessible, four convenient locations are available throughout Western New York, each led by a highly respected member of NYSWYSA’s coaching and ODP staff.

In Buffalo, sessions will be held at the Ken Dev Soccer Complex, directed by Dave Kreger, who serves as a Lead Educator for the NYSWYSA Coaching Education and ODP staff. Elmira’s sessions will take place at Eldridge Park under the guidance of Zach Sarno, a dedicated ODP coach with vast player development experience. Rochester participants will train at Veteran’s Memorial Park in Penfield, with NYW ODP coach Jim Gentile leading instruction. Finally, Syracuse sessions will be hosted at the CNY Family Sports Centre, led by Dean Foti, NYSWYSA’s Technical Director and Director of NYW ODP.

Registration Details

The standard fee for the Academy is $250, but an early bird rate of $225 is available for players who register by August 31. Spots are limited, and this program fills quickly every year. Take advantage of early bird pricing and secure your child’s spot today! Register now.

The NYW Academy is where growth happens. Give your child the chance to train with top-level coaches, build confidence with the ball and become a more assertive playmaker on the field.

For all of the latest news and information from the New York State West Youth Soccer Association, make sure to follow us on social media!

NYSWYSA Welcomes Flo Egan and Timothy Elliott to Leadership Team

New York State West Youth Soccer Association (NYSWYSA) is proud to welcome two new leaders to our team, each bringing valuable experience and a shared commitment to advancing the game of soccer across Western New York. Flo Egan steps into the role of Interim Executive Director at NYSWYSA, while Timothy Elliott joins the staff as our new Operations Manager.

A Visionary at the Helm: Flo Egan Named Interim Executive Director

With a decorated resume in soccer leadership and a passion for community-building, Flo Egan brings both experience and vision to her role as NYSWYSA Interim Executive Director. Most recently, she served as the National Championships Program Manager-East for US Youth Soccer, where she oversaw major regional tournaments and logistics. Her background also includes a successful tenure as Executive Director of the Maryland State Youth Soccer Association, where she led program development and strengthened organizational operations.

“I am honored to take on the role of Interim Executive Director at NYSWYSA. I look forward to working with the community to further our mission of promoting and developing youth soccer in Western New York,” Flo shared. “Youth soccer has always been a passion of mine, and I am excited to bring my experience and dedication to NYSWYSA. Together, we can create a positive and inclusive environment for all our players.”

Flo holds a B.A. in Religious Studies from Georgian Court University and has contributed her time and expertise to several key volunteer roles, including positions on the New Jersey Youth Soccer Board of Directors and the U.S. Soccer Federation Appeals Committee.

“We are thrilled to welcome Flo Egan as our Interim Executive Director,” said Hugh Goodridge, NYSWYSA President. “Flo’s extensive experience and unwavering dedication to youth soccer make her the perfect fit for this role. We are confident that under her leadership, NYSWYSA will continue to thrive and grow.”

Strengthening the Core: Timothy Elliott Joins as Operations Manager

Also joining the NYSWYSA staff is Timothy Elliott, who takes on the role of Operations Manager. A seasoned professional with a background in business strategy, operations and youth soccer development, Timothy brings a dynamic blend of skills to the organization. Prior to this role, Timothy worked at Charter Communications / Time Warner Cable as a Senior Process Analyst for Enterprise Customer Operations. His career has been defined by his ability to lead cross-functional teams, streamline processes and enhance organizational efficiency.

“Joining NYSWYSA as the Operations Manager is a tremendous opportunity. I am eager to contribute to the growth and success of youth soccer in our region,” Timothy stated. “I am passionate about soccer and youth development, and I am excited to bring my skills and experience to NYSWYSA. I look forward to working with the team to enhance our programs and operations.”

Outside the corporate world, Timothy is a familiar name in Central New York’s soccer community as the founder of Power Step Goalkeeping. His commitment to player development and grassroots programming is deeply aligned with values of NYSWYSA.

“Timothy Elliott brings a wealth of knowledge and a passion for soccer that will greatly benefit our organization,” said Hugh Goodridge, NYSWYSA President. “His expertise in business operations and his commitment to youth development make him an excellent addition to our team.”

Dedicated to Our Youth Soccer Community

NYSWYSA remains steadfast in our mission to support, develop and inspire the youth soccer community. With Flo and Timothy contributing their leadership and expertise, NYSWYSA is well-positioned to deepen our impact and continue delivering meaningful value to players, coaches and families across the region.

For all of the latest news and information from the New York State West Youth Soccer Association, make sure to follow us on social media!

Pair of NY State West Teams Reach Eastern Regional Finals

New York State West Youth Soccer Association (NYSWYSA) enjoyed a strong showing at the US Youth Soccer Eastern Regional Championships in Virginia, with two New York State West teams reaching the final round of the tournament. Competing in the 12U Girls Championship Match was WNY Flash 13G Red Binghamton, with Upstate Elite 2011 also representing NYSWYSA in the 14U Boys Final.

WNY Flash 13G Red Binghamton (12U Girls) won all three matches in group play, topping their bracket with nine points and an 11-2 goal differential. Next came a semifinal clash with Penn Fusion SA National Elite 2013 (Eastern Pennsylvania), where WNY Flash recorded a clean sheet in a hard-fought 1-0 victory. Awaiting them in the final was Baltimore Celtic SC Old Line FC Girls 13 Black (Maryland), and the two sides battled in a spirited, back-and-forth contest. Unfortunately, WNY Flash came up just short in their quest for the 12U Girls Trophy, falling on a razor-thin 2-1 decision and finishing as tournament finalists.

Upstate Elite 2011 (14U Boys) also went unbeaten in group play, winning all three of their opening-round matches and posting a 7-1 goal differential. By topping their division, Upstate Elite advanced to the semifinals, where they edged SCS United Beadling 2011 (Pennsylvania West) by a 2-1 scoreline. In the final, they squared off with SAC Boys 2011 Pre-Academy (Maryland), a tough opponent who ultimately prevailed. Upstate Elite concluded their impressive tournament run as 14U Boys Finalists.

Pair of NY State West Teams Reach Eastern Regional Finals

The USYS National Championships Presented by New York Life is the country’s most prestigious national youth soccer tournament. The competition provides winners from each state with the opportunity to showcase their soccer skills against the best competition in the nation while emphasizing teamwork, discipline and fair play.

For all of the latest news and information from the New York State West Youth Soccer Association, make sure to follow us on social media!

New York State West Crowns State Cup Champions

New York State West Youth Soccer Association (NYSWYSA) crowned its State Cup champions this past weekend at the SUNY Cortland Stadium Complex in Cortland, New York. Winners were decided in the 12U-19U boys and girls divisions, and those champions now advance to the US Youth Soccer Eastern Regional Championships later this month in Loudoun County, Virginia.

New York State West State Cup Champions

  • 12U Boys: NY Rush Select 13B
  • 12U Girls: WNY FLASH 13G Red Binghamton
  • 13U Boys: Pittsford Mustangs Boys 2012 Blue
  • 13U Girls: NY Rush Select 12G
  • 14U Boys: Upstate Elite 2011
  • 14U Girls: Pittsford Mustangs Girls 2011 Blue
  • 15U Boys: SDA 2010B
  • 15U Girls: WNY FLASH 10G Red Binghamton
  • 16U Boys: NY Rush Binghamton 2009B
  • 16U Girls: RNYFC 2009 Girls
  • 17U Boys: SDA 2008B
  • 17U Girls: NY Rush Select 08G
  • 18U Boys: FC Dynamo ROC B2007
  • 19U Boys: WNY FLASH 06/07B Red Binghamton
  • 19U Girls: NY Rush Select 06/07G

“New York State West Youth Soccer Association would like to thank this year’s State Cup winners!” said Devon McFadden, NYSWYSA Executive Director. “A huge congratulations to all the championship teams, and thank you for all your hard work throughout the 2025 season. We would like to send a special thank you to all the clubs and teams that participated in this event and played a part in this great competition. We are excited for all our championship teams to represent NYSW at Regionals in Loudoun, VA. See you there!”

After lifting the trophy for their respective age groups, New York State West State Cup Champions are now eligible for the US Youth Soccer (USYS) Eastern Regional Championships later this month in Loudoun County, Virginia. Regional winners at the 13U age group and higher then move onto the USYS National Championships in July at the Disney Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, Florida.

New York State West State Cup is part of the USYS National Championships Presented by New York Life, which is the country’s most prestigious national youth soccer tournament. The competition provides winners from each state with the opportunity to showcase their soccer skills against the best competition in the nation while emphasizing teamwork, discipline and fair play.

For all of the latest news and information from the New York State West Youth Soccer Association, make sure to follow us on social media!

New York State West Crowning State Cup Champions this Weekend

The Final Four is now set for the New York State West Youth Soccer Association (NYSWYSA) State Cup this weekend, with 12U-19U boys and girls teams competing at the SUNY Cortland Stadium Complex in Cortland, New York. Once the tournament semifinals are completed, champions will be crowned in each of the 12U-19U age divisions when the finals are hosted on Sunday.

View the Complete Weekend Schedule

“New York State West Youth Soccer Association is thrilled to host the 2025 State Cup and welcome all the 12U–19U boys and girls teams to the SUNY Cortland Stadium Complex this weekend,” said Devon McFadden, NYSWYSA Executive Director. “Semifinal action kicks off Friday, with champions to be crowned on Sunday in each age division. We’re especially excited to see so many new teams and players joining the competition this year—your energy and passion is what makes this event truly special. We cannot wait to congratulate the teams moving on to the Eastern Regionals this coming June. Let’s make it a weekend to remember!”

After lifting the trophy for their respective age groups, New York West State Cup Champions will become eligible for the US Youth Soccer (USYS) Eastern Regional Championships next month in Loudoun County, Virginia. Regional winners at the 13U age group and higher then move onto the USYS National Championships this July at the Disney Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, Florida.

New York West State Cup is part of the USYS National Championships Presented by New York Life, which is the country’s most prestigious national youth soccer tournament. The competition provides winners from each state with the opportunity to showcase their soccer skills against the best competition in the nation while emphasizing teamwork, discipline and fair play.

For all of the latest news and information from the New York State West Youth Soccer Association, make sure to follow us on social media!

Building Pathways: A Spring Update from New York West ODP

With the spring season in full stride, the New York State West Youth Soccer Association’s Olympic Development Program (ODP) is continuing to shape talent, build connections and lay the groundwork for the region’s next generation of elite players. From an energetic play day for 11U prospects to regional showcases for emerging and established ODP teams, the last few months have reflected the core mission of ODP to identify, develop and prepare top-tier youth players for the next level.

“As we now begin to compete with other state associations, our players begin to gain a better perspective as to where they stand against the backdrop of other players throughout the Northeast,” said Dean Foti, NYSWYSA Technical Director. “That perspective will be a confidence builder to some, and it will also serve notice to all, that there are higher levels that can be achieved. Both are critical elements that will provide the motivation that aspiring players need to push themselves to the next level.”

A First Taste of ODP: 11U Pre-ODP Play Day

On May 4th, Lakefront SC in Webster played host to the New York West 11U Pre-ODP Play Day, the culminating program event after a winter of indoor training for the youngest aspiring ODP athletes. Players from across the region came together for games in a 9v9 round-robin format, experiencing the excitement of competition in a setting that emphasized development, exposure and fun.

The 11U Pre-ODP Program is designed as an entry point into the broader ODP pipeline, providing players with age-appropriate, high-level training opportunities while helping coaches identify potential for future ODP inclusion. This stage stands as a crucial first step in a long journey, one that begins with skill-building and ends with the prospect of wearing an ODP East Region jersey (and potentially an ODP National Select Team kit).

Building Pathways: A Spring Update from New York West ODP

Talent on Display: Northeast Sub-Regional Tournament in Colonie, New York

New York West ODP teams recently traveled to Colonie, New York, to compete in the Northeast ODP Sub-Regional Tournament. The event brought together state-level ODP teams from Eastern New York, New Jersey, and the New England region (Massachusetts, Connecticut, Vermont, Maine), creating a dynamic and competitive environment under the eyes of East Region ODP Coaching Staff.

This event marked the beginning of the formal player identification process for the East Region ODP Camp, where top performers will be evaluated for regional roster spots. The Colonie showcase not only provided players with the chance to compete at a high level, but it also gave them their first taste of being scouted for advancement beyond the state level while also gaining exposure to college coaches.

Eyes on June: Outdoor Training and the Road to Regionals

Since April, New York West ODP teams have transitioned from indoor training to weekly outdoor sessions, preparing for the East Region ODP Tournament scheduled for June 6-9. Boys teams will travel to Tuckahoe Turf Farms in Hammonton, New Jersey, while girls teams will compete at PA Classics Park in Manheim, Pennsylvania. The tournament will feature elite competition between the 15 state associations that comprise the East Region and will be played on natural grass fields renowned as among the best in the Northeast.

For many players, this event is a defining moment where years of preparation meets opportunity. Regional coaches will be watching closely, as top performers from the tournament will earn invites to the prestigious East Region ODP Camp. From there, a select few will move on to compete in Inter-Regional events, battling other regional teams from across the country in hopes of earning a place on the US Youth Soccer ODP National Select Team roster.

A Legacy of Opportunity

Established in 1977, the Olympic Development Program has served as the nation’s original pathway for identifying future national team talent. Under the umbrella of US Youth Soccer and the United States Soccer Federation, ODP helps players progress from local to national stages, gaining valuable exposure to collegiate scouts, high-level coaches and professional development resources along the way.

The mission of New York West ODP is threefold. The program aims to provide top-level training to elite players, support coaching development and identify talent for state, regional and national pools. From the early days of Pre-ODP to the high-stakes environment of regional showcases, every phase is built with purpose.

For all of the latest news and information from the New York State West Youth Soccer Association, make sure to follow us on social media!

Rochester TOPSoccer Kicks Off New Season on May 6th

New York State West Youth Soccer Association has officially announced the spring/summer schedule for its Rochester TOPSoccer Program, with sessions kicking off at the RNY FC Indoor Soccer Complex on Tuesday, May 6th. The program will run on Tuesdays at 4:00 PM for eight consecutive weeks, with the final training set for June 24th.

“We are excited to once again partner with RNY FC to bring TOPSoccer opportunities to the Rochester area,” said Dean Foti, Technical Director of New York State West Youth Soccer Association. “We are grateful for RNY FC’s unwavering commitment to TOPSoccer and for providing lead instructor Cameron Steer and all the TOPSoccer players in the area with a terrific home for this popular US Youth Soccer program.”

Program Details:

Sessions Details:

  • Session 1: Tuesday, May 6 at 4:00 PM 
  • Session 2: Tuesday, May 13 at 4:00 PM 
  • Session 3: Tuesday, May 20 at 4:00 PM 
  • Session 4: Tuesday, May 27 at 4:00 PM 
  • Session 5: Tuesday, June 3 at 4:00 PM 
  • Session 6: Tuesday, June 10 at 4:00 PM 
  • Session 7: Tuesday, June17 at 4:00 PM
  • Session 8: Tuesday, June 24 at 4:00 PM 

TOPSoccer (The Outreach Program for Soccer) is a nationally recognized program developed by US Youth Soccer to give young athletes with disabilities the opportunity to play soccer in a safe and supportive setting. Designed to meet the needs of individuals with diverse abilities, TOPSoccer provides modified training sessions and gameplay that encourage learning, teamwork and most importantly, having fun.

The program is structured to provide an environment where every participant can grow, build confidence and enjoy the sport alongside trained volunteers and buddies who are there to support their experience.

For all of the latest news and information from the New York State West Youth Soccer Association, make sure to follow us on social media!

New York State West to Host Free TOPSoccer Jamboree on March 29th

New York State West Youth Soccer Association is looking to bring the joy of soccer to athletes of all abilities with its upcoming TOPSoccer Jamboree on Saturday, March 29th. Hosted at the Lakefront Indoor Soccer Complex in Webster, New York, this event aims to provide an opportunity for athletes with intellectual, emotional and physical disabilities to experience the game in a fun, inclusive and structured environment.

Event Details:

Sessions Details:

  • Session 1: 4:00 PM to 5:15 PM for Players 13 and Under
  • Session 2: 5:30 PM to 6:45 PM for Players 14 and Up

This free event is open to all interested participants, but pre-registration is required. Registering allows organizers to gather basic information, understand any unique needs of individual participants and ensure the proper number of TOPSoccer Buddies are available to provide dedicated support.

“This is a great way to introduce your child to the game of soccer, meet our staff and learn more about the TOPSoccer program in Rochester,” said Dean Foti, Technical Director of New York State West Youth Soccer Association. “Bring a friend and come join us at this fun event!”

What is TOPSoccer?

TOPSoccer (The Outreach Program for Soccer) is a nationally recognized program developed by US Youth Soccer to give young athletes with disabilities the opportunity to play soccer in a safe and supportive setting. Designed to meet the needs of individuals with diverse abilities, TOPSoccer provides modified training sessions and gameplay that encourage learning, teamwork and most importantly, having fun.

The program is structured to provide an environment where every participant can grow, build confidence and enjoy the sport alongside trained volunteers and buddies who are there to support their experience.

A Celebration of Inclusion

The NYW TOPSoccer Jamboree is more than just a soccer event, it is a celebration of inclusion, opportunity and community. New York State West remains committed to ensuring that every child, regardless of ability, has the chance to participate and experience the excitement of soccer. Whether you are a returning player or new to the program, March 29th promises to be a day of fun, friendship and soccer for all. Interested in joining us? Register today and be part of this incredible event!

For all of the latest news and information from the New York State West Youth Soccer Association, make sure to follow us on social media!