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USYS National Championships Come to a Close in Orlando

The 2024 US Youth Soccer National Championships have officially come to a conclusion, with the week-long event wrapping up after champions were crowned in the 13U to 19U age groups at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, Florida.

The New York State West Youth Soccer Association had a pair of teams participating in the USYS National Championships. Representing the region were two teams from Western New York Flash, with their 2009 Girls (15U) and 2010 Girls (14U) reaching the national competition. Unfortunately, the two New York West representatives saw their tournament run come to an end following group play.

The USYS National Championships Presented by New York Life are the final stage of the USYS National Championships, which begin at the state level before progressing to the regional and then national stages. The event is a culmination of a year-long series of competitions, providing approximately 185,000 players on 10,000 teams from US Youth Soccer’s 54 State Associations with the opportunity to showcase their soccer skills against the best competition in the nation.

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!

National Championships Update from US Youth Soccer

An Open Letter from US Youth Soccer CEO Skip Gilbert:

Greetings from Frisco, Texas – the home of US Youth Soccer.

This year marks US Youth Soccer’s 50th anniversary. As proud as we are of our legacy, the start of 2024 also marked the beginnings of meaningful change. Earlier this spring, we began an earnest, in-depth evaluation of our National Championships, presented by New York Life.

We achieved a significant degree of consensus – near unanimity – among our 54-member State Associations with our plans to reimagine our signature championship.

We are thrilled to implement these exciting changes that will, undoubtedly, deliver on goals that centered around the vision to create the best youth sport event in the country. Universal agreement established that the ideal competitive format impacted these core areas:

1.  Player Experience/True Competitive Balance

2.  Lower Costs/Financial & Travel Sensitivity

3.  Central Location/Dynamic Facilities

Looking ahead, our goal is for USYS to host a competitively balanced championship event for the 2025-26 season, featuring teams from each of the 54 State Associations that will qualify directly from their State Cup competitions into three divisions. Our National League will also have a direct pathway into this incredible program which will come together at a single site to play for national titles.

Our revamped National Championships will create even more opportunities for lifelong memories for players and their families, coaches, and referees. More than 10,000 teams historically enter our National Championship Series, and we expect even more to be drawn to the format in the years to come.

On behalf of USYS Board Chair Todd Lockhart, our Board of Directors, Chief Soccer Officer Tom Condone, and the entire USYS staff, we thank the working group who helped facilitate these key changes (and will continue to lead the redesign).

  • Louis Mateus, US Youth Soccer Board of Directors, Member at Large
  • Jonathan Berzins, Arizona Youth Soccer Association, Chief Executive Officer
  • Chris Branscome, Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Association, Chief Executive Officer
  • Jennifer Davis, South Texas Youth Soccer, Executive Director
  • Dave Guthrie, Indiana Soccer, Executive Director
  • Gordon Henderson, Ohio Soccer Association, Chief Executive Officer
  • Hans Hobson, Tennessee State Soccer Association, Chief Executive Officer
  • Melissa Zielinski, Wisconsin Youth Soccer Association, Executive Director 

With our Golden Anniversary Championships later this month in Orlando, we cannot wait to crown another set of champions. In addition, we are bullish to begin our second 50 years with a reimagined National Championship to be played against the backdrop of the 2026 World Cup in the U.S.

Stay tuned for updates as we use this momentum to finalize planning to debut the nation’s best youth sports event, capping the 2025-26 soccer season!

Thanks for your continued support of our great game,

Skip

USYS Eastern Regional Championships Come to A Close in West Virginia

The US Youth Soccer Eastern Regional Championships came to a close today in West Virginia. The New York State West Youth Soccer Association was well represented throughout the tournament, with SDA 2009B (15U Boys) and SDA 2008B (16U Boys) both punching their tickets to the final round of play on Tuesday.

SDA 2009B (15U Boys) had an incredible run at the Eastern Regional Championships, advancing to the knockout stage after earning six points (2-1 record) and an 8-1 goal differential in group play. The New York West representative booked their reservation in the final by recording a clean sheet over FC Frederick 09B (MD) in the semifinals, 1-0. SDA 2009B then battled BVB International Academy Pittsburgh 09 Boys Premier (PAW) in a hard-fought final on Tuesday, but they fell to the Pennsylvania West side by the slimmest of margins, 1-0.

Also playing in the finals on Tuesday was SDA 2008B (16U Boys), who earned their spot in the championship match by defeating Chelsea Piers Juventus (CT) in the semifinals, 3-1. SDA 2008B opened play at the Eastern Regional Championships by winning their first-round bracket, going undefeated in group play and outscoring the opposition, 7-1. In the championship match for their age group, they paired up with Torpedoes BU16 Red (NJ), but they unfortunately fell to the New Jersey representative on Tuesday.

Winners at the USYS Eastern Regional Championships move onto the USYS National Championships in July at the Disney Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, Florida. 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!

Two New York West Teams Reach Eastern Regional Finals

The knockout stages have officially commenced at the US Youth Soccer Eastern Regional Championships, with a pair of New York State West Youth Soccer Association teams advancing to the finals of the tournament. New York West teams that are in pursuit of an Eastern Regional Championship include SDA 2009B (15U Boys) and SDA 2008B (16U Boys).

SDA 2009B (15U Boys) booked their reservation in the final for their age group by blanking FC Frederick 09B (MD) in the semifinal on Monday, 1-0. SDA 2009B arrived at the elimination rounds after earning six points (2-1 record) and an 8-1 goal differential in group play. Their championship match on Tuesday finds them facing BVB International Academy Pittsburgh 09 Boys Premier (PAW) with an opportunity to raise the 15U Boys Trophy on the line.

Also playing in the finals on Tuesday are their clubmates in the 16U Boys Division, SDA 2008B, who punched their ticket to the championship match by defeating Chelsea Piers Juventus (CT) in the semifinals, 3-1. SDA 2008B opened play at the Eastern Regional Championships by winning their first-round bracket, going undefeated in group play and outscoring the opposition, 7-1. Next up is a meeting with Torpedoes BU16 Red (NJ) in the 16U Boys Final, where the two teams will battle for the regional championship in their age group.

USYS Eastern Regional Championships – Finals on Tuesday

15U Boys: SDA 2009B vs. BVB International Academy Pittsburgh 09 Boys Premier (PAW) at 8:00 AM

16U Boys: SDA 2008B vs. Torpedoes BU16 Red (NJ) at 12:00 PM

New York West teams that advanced to the elimination rounds of the USYS Eastern Regional Championships but unfortunately saw their run come to a close are SDA 2007B (17U Boys) and FC Dynamo ROC B2007 (17U Boys).

Winners at the USYS Eastern Regional Championships will move onto the USYS National Championships in July at the Disney Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, Florida. 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!

Four NY West Teams Advance at USYS Eastern Regional Championships

Group play has concluded at the US Youth Soccer Eastern Regional Championships, with four New York State West Youth Soccer Association teams moving onto the next stage of the competition. New York West teams that punched their tickets to the elimination rounds include SDA 2009B (15U Boys), SDA 2008B (16U Boys), SDA 2007B (17U Boys) and FC Dynamo ROC B2007 (17U Boys).

SDA 2009B (15U Boys) booked their reservation in the semifinals on Monday after earning six points (2-1 record) and an 8-1 goal differential in group play. Joining them will be their clubmates in the 16U Boys Division, as SDA 2008B won their group by going undefeated and outscoring their opposition, 7-1. The 17U Boys Quarterfinals will also feature another of their club representatives, as SDA 2007B was able to finish on top of their table in group play with seven points (2-0-1 record) and a 7-5 edge in goals. Also punching their ticket to the 17U Boys Quarterfinals is FC Dynamo ROC B2007, who advanced on seven points (2-0-1 record) and a 7-3 goal differential.

USYS Eastern Regional Championships

15U Boys: SDA 2009B vs. FC Frederick 09B (MD) – Monday

16U Boys: SDA 2008B vs. Chelsea Piers Juventus (CT) – Monday

17U Boys: SDA 2007B vs. Ironbound SC 2007 NAL RAIDERS (NJ) – Sunday

17U Boys: FC Dynamo ROC B2007 vs. WVFC 2007 Boys Black (WV) – Sunday

Also wrapping up group play on Monday will be Syracuse Rush 06G, who are playing in the 18U Girls Division.

New York West teams that advanced to the USYS Eastern Regional Championships but unfortunately saw their run end after group play include SDA 12G (12U Girls), RNYFC 2012 Girls (12U Girls), CNY Coliseum 2011 Girls (13U Girls), Empire Buffalo Stallions Girls 2011 (13U Girls), BC United 09G (15U Girls), WNY Flash Rochester U16G Elite 64 (16U Girls), WNY Flash Rochester U17G Elite 64 (17U Girls), Clarence Inferno GU17 Black (17U Girls), RNYFC 2012 Boys (12U Boys), Upstate Elite 2012 (12U Boys), Upstate Elite 2011 (13U Boys), Amherst Rangers 2010 (14U Boys), BC United Premier 2006B (18U Boys) and Cobras FC B05 DiMaggio (19U Boys).

Winners at the USYS Eastern Regional Championships will move onto the USYS National Championships in July at the Disney Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, Florida. 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 West Crowns State Cup Champions

The New York State West Youth Soccer Association officially crowned its State Cup champions at the SUNY Cortland Stadium Complex, closing out an incredibly competitive spring season across the region. After lifting the trophy for their respective age groups, New York West State Cup champions now have the opportunity to play in the US Youth Soccer (USYS) Eastern Regional Championships later this month in Charleston and Barboursville, West Virginia.

“The New York West State Cup was a successful weekend with top-notch facilities provided by SUNY Cortland and the Cortland Regional Sports Council,” said Pam Whitcomb, New York State West Operations Manager. “Every team gave it their all on the field, with multiple matches needing overtime to be decided. We saw many examples of competitiveness and sportsmanship throughout the matches. Watching teams celebrate their success by raising the State Cup after their Finals was a great way to end the weekend. Best of luck to all teams taking the next step and participating in the Eastern Regionals. We are proud to have them representing New York West at the next level of the National Championship Series.”

New York West State Cup Champions:

12U Boys – RNY FC 2012 Boys

12U Girls – SDA 12 Girls

13U Boys – Upstate Elite 2011

13U Girls – CNY Coliseum 2011 Girls

14U Boys – Amherst Rangers

14U Girls – CNY Coliseum 2010 Girls

15U Boys – SDA 2009 Boys

15U Girls – WNY Flash Rochester U15G Elite 64

16U Boys – SDA 2008 Boys

16U Girls – WNY Flash Rochester U16G Elite 64

17U Boys – SDA 2007 Boys

17U Girls – WNY Flash Rochester U17G Elite 64

18U Boys – BC United Premier 2006B

18U Girls – Syracuse Rush 06G

19U Boys – Cobras FC B05 DiMaggio

19U Girls – SDA 05G

As mentioned, New York West State Cup Champions are now eligible for the USYS Eastern Regional Championships in West Virginia, which get started on June 27th. Regional winners at the 13U age group and above will then move onto the USYS National Championships in 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!

New York West Crowning State Cup Champions This Weekend

The Final Four is now set for the New York State West Youth Soccer Association Spring State Cup, with semifinals taking place this Saturday for 12U-19U boys and girls teams at the SUNY Cortland Stadium Complex in Cortland, New York. Following the conclusion of the tournament semifinals, champions will be crowned in each of the 12U-19U age divisions when the finals are hosted on Sunday.

View the Complete Weekend Schedule

“The New York West State Cup competition started with 124 teams, and after 157 playdown games over the last three months, 61 teams have advanced to the Final Four this weekend,” said Pam Whitcomb, New York State West Operations Manager. “We look forward to an exciting event and the opportunity to reward the teams for all of their hard work throughout the competition. Best of luck to all teams competing!”

New York West State Cup Champions at the 12U level and above will be eligible for the US Youth Soccer (USYS) Eastern Regional Championships this June in Charleston and Barboursville, West 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.

“We want to thank the Cortland Regional Sports Council and their volunteers for helping make this tournament one of the finest State Championship weekends in the East Region,” said Peter Lautensack, New York West State Cup Chair. “Each team here has competed in a competitive play-in round against the best players and teams in New York State West to reach the Final Four. We remind the teams to play hard, play fair, respect the laws of the game, and be proud of your accomplishments, no matter what happens.”

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!

Devon McFadden Joins NY State West Youth Soccer As Executive Director

The New York State West Youth Soccer Association is proud to welcome Devon McFadden to its staff, with McFadden officially stepping into the role of Executive Director for the state association. McFadden was specifically targeted by the New York State West Executive Director Search Committee due to her distinct characteristics and unique skill set, making her the ideal candidate for the position.

“I am very excited for this new role and to work for NYSW,” said McFadden. “I always knew I wanted to pursue a career in sports in some capacity, and this position is a great opportunity to make a difference. The NYSW team has been very supportive and helpful in the transition process, and just from our initial interactions it was made clear to me their passion for what they do. I think this will be a great opportunity to serve a wider demographic, and also dive into the amazing world of soccer.”

McFadden arrives at New York State West with a wealth of experience in both athletics and the non-profit space. Sports have always held a prominent position in her life, growing up playing soccer and tennis in addition to being a competitive swimmer. That dedication eventually led her to swimming at the Division 1 level in college at Saint Bonaventure University, where she became a multiple team record-holder and a collegiate All-American.

After studying sociology and communications at Saint Bonaventure University, McFadden followed her desire to work in sports at Juniata College in Huntingdon, Pennsylvania. She served as head coach of both the men’s and women’s swim team at Juniata College while also working as the aquatic director for three years. After raising the ranks of both teams in their respective conference standings, McFadden made the move back to Western New York and accepted a role as the Director of Urban Sport for the YMCA of Greater Rochester. Over the next two years, she worked diligently to obtain grant funding and build multiple sport programs within the city of Rochester.  

“We are excited to have Devon onboard,” said Hugh Goodridge, President of the New York State West Youth Soccer Association. “She brings to us a fresh perspective and unwavering dedication. With her blend of determination and creativity, she is well positioned to steer the Association towards a future filled with prosperity and success. We are all looking forward to the journey.”

Over the past 10 years, McFadden has dedicated her professional career to sports development and engaging in the nonprofit world. With her unique background as a highly successful athlete who has thorough experience in both the sports and non-profit spaces, McFadden spoke about how those experiences have prepared her for this new role as New York State West Executive Director.

“I believe any past experiences I have had, whether athletic or career, will always add valuable skill sets for the future. Having this unique background will absolutely assist with my new role as NYSW Executive Director, and I am so grateful for all my past experience,” she stated. “However, I do believe it ultimately comes down to hard work and also having passion for what you do. I care a lot about building sport programs and athletic opportunities for youth because I know how much it has greatly enhanced my life. I really love what I do, and I hope to lead NYSW in a good direction for all the clubs, teams, players, coaches and referees.”

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!

NYW Youth Soccer And Lancaster-Depew SC Launch TOPSoccer Program

The New York State West Youth Soccer Association (NYSWYSA) and Lancaster-Depew Soccer Club have teamed-up to launch a TOPSoccer Program in the Buffalo Area, with weekly sessions officially getting underway earlier this month.

TOPSoccer (The Outreach Program for Soccer) is a recreational sports program for children with intellectual, emotional and physical disabilities. Developed by US Youth Soccer, TOPSoccer provides an opportunity for those with diverse abilities to play the game in a structured environment that is safe, fun, supportive and inclusive.

“I grew up playing for the Lancaster Depew Soccer Club, and when I first brought TOPSoccer back to Buffalo, I knew Lancaster would be a great source of players and volunteers,” said Vanessa Uhteg, NYSWYSA TOPSoccer Instructor. “The launch of this program has shown me just that. The volunteers were engaged and ready to encourage our players while making them laugh and smile. At TOPSoccer, volunteers, coaches, players and parents all seem to have a similar experience: we smile and laugh the whole hour-long practice! We are excited to expand TOPSoccer to all the wonderful soccer communities in Buffalo and create wider sports and social opportunities for players with disabilities.”

Lancaster-Depew SC TOPSoccer officially kicked off its spring season on the morning of Saturday, April 13th, and the program is running for seven consecutive weeks. The opening session began with a group warmup that even included a specialty Spiderman stretch that was created by one of the players. Next up was a series of games such as Sharks and Minnows, Soccer Freeze Tag and Red Light, Green Light.

“When Lancaster-Depew Soccer Club was approached by NYSW Youth Soccer to bring back TOPSoccer in the area, it was an immediate yes. We knew we wanted to be as involved as we could be,” said Brian Anderson, Lancaster-Depew SC Board Member. “We were able to set-up seven sessions for the spring utilizing our turf field at Westwood Park in Lancaster, New York. After session one, to see all the smiles on the kids’ faces was such a great feeling, knowing that we could bring this opportunity to our area!”

This past weekend, training at Lancaster-Depew SC TOPSoccer progressed onto passing and shooting drills to help players develop their skills. At the conclusion of each session, Coach Vanessa and Coach Brian also connect with parents and volunteers to discuss ways to make the program even more valuable for its participants.

Any clubs or organizations that are interested in starting a TOPSoccer Program are encouraged to contact our state association office by emailing topsoccer@nyswysa.org or by calling 607-962-9923 (extension 3). NYSWYSA provides support to member clubs and works in collaboration with them to help establish, sustain and grow their TOPSoccer Programs.

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!