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FIFA World Cup 26™ Ticket Sales Open Today 

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The wait is over. Starting today, fans can take their first step toward experiencing the biggest FIFA World Cup™ yet, as the Visa Presale Draw Officially opens on Wednesday, September 10 at 11:00 A.M.  

How to Apply 
Fans must register with FIFA ID at FIFA.com/tickets to enter the draw. Once registered, qualifying Visa cardholders can log in and submit their entry during the presale period. The draw is open from Wednesday, September 10 at 11:00 A.M. E.T. until Friday, September 19 at 11:00 A.M. E.T. 

Thanks to FIFA’s Official Payment Technology Partner, Visa, fans will enjoy a secure and seamless checkout process. The Visa Presale Draw is subject to official rules on FIFA.com, and entrants must be 18 or older. No purchase is necessary to enter.  

Ticket Details 

  • Group-stage tickets start at just $60 
  • Tickets for all 104 will be made available in this phase, along with team-specific and venue-specific packages 

After the draw closes, succesful applicants will be randomly selected and notified by email beginning September 29. Each winner will receive a purchase window starting October 1. Please note: a successful entry does not guarantee ticket availability during the assigned time slot.  

Upcoming Phases 
Additional opportunities to purchase tickets are coming: 

  • Phase 2 (October 2025): Early Ticket Draw 
  • Phase 3 (After Final Draw): Random Selection Draw 
  • Closer to the Tournament: First-come, first-serve sales on any remaining inventory 

FIFA will also launch an official resale platform later this year to protect fans form invalid or unauthorized resales.  

Join Us for the Special Olympics PA Inclusion Cup Tournament! 

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The Special Olympics Pennsylvania Greater Lehigh Valley Pocono Region is excited to host the Inclusion Cup Soccer Tournament on Sunday, September 7th, at St. Luke’s Sports Center.  

This community event celebrates the power of sports, inclusion, and teamwork — and we need YOUR help to make it a success! 

The Special Olympics Pennsylvania is looking for volunteers of all ages to come out and support this event!  

  • Community Service Hours: Students can earn volunteer hours for school. 
  • Age Requirement: Volunteers under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. 
  • Ways to Help: Assist with event setup, cheer on athletes, run skills activities, or referee games. 

Special Olympics Community Soccer Tournament Volunteers 

Below is the link to sign up to referee at this event. 

2025 Greater Lehigh Valley Pocono Region – Soccer Officials Interest Form 

Event Details 

  • Opening Ceremony: 8:30 AM 
  • Competition Format: 
  • 5v5 games in the upper rink 
  • 7v7 games in the Fieldhouse 
  • Individual skills challenges outdoors (weather permitting) 

This is a day filled with energy, inclusion, and community spirit — and it wouldn’t be possible without the support of volunteers like you. 

For questions, please contact: lcsopa.soccer1@gmail.com  

Let’s make this year’s Inclusion Cup Tournament an unforgettable celebration of community, competition, and inclusion! 

20 Players from Eastern Pennsylvania Named to ODP East Regional Teams 

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Twenty players from Eastern Pennsylvania have been named to the Olympic Development Program East Regional Teams. 

ODP, established by US Youth Soccer, identifies and nurtures high-potential athletes through accelerated development pathways. Through rigorous training and competition, ODP provides exposure to higher levels of play, including regional and national identification.  

Players selected to the East Regional Teams will represent Eastern Pennsylvania and compete against teams from the Midwest, South, and West regions at the ODP Interregional Tournament in Orlando, Florida in January 2026. Girls will compete January 16-19 while the boys will compete January 22-26. At this event, they will be evaluated for potential inclusion on the ODP National Select Teams.  

ODP Boys East Region Selections from Eastern Pennsylvania:  
– 2009 Boys: Oscar Gasga 
– 2010 Boys: Zayan Yasir 
– 2012 Older: Rockford Martin 
– 2012 Younger: Iker Lucas-Avila 
– 2013 Older: Hunter Kruk 

ODP Girls East Region Selections from Eastern Pennsylvania: 
– 2008 Girls: Sophia Arvelo  
– 2009 Girls: Sydney Miller and Vivian Salerno 
– 2011 Girls: Francesca Fiore and Samantha Boyer and Brookelynn Bundy 
– 2012 Older: Brynn Slade 
– 2012 Younger: Juliana Bastidas and Brooke Evans 
– 2013 Older: Hadley Riggs and Piper Mascio 
– 2013 Younger: Alena Ritacco, Clara Knauss, Charlotte Hawkins, Emmi Boran 

To view the full boy’s roster, click here. To view the full girl’s roster, click here. 

Congratulations to all the players and their clubs on this outstanding achievement! 

For more information about Eastern Pennsylvania’s ODP programs, click here.  

West Chester United Wins National Amateur Cup

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West Chester United was crowned champions of the USASA National Amateur Cup Championship after defeating RWB Adria 4-3 in extra time. This win secured a spot in the 2026 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup, West Chester United’s seventh tournament qualification.

The United States Adult Soccer Association Cup is the national final for amateur soccer teams and the highest award that can be won in the USASA. West Chester United was announced as a club on January 18, 2017, as a part of the National Premier Soccer League. In 2020 West Chester United joined the USL league two in the Mid Atlantic Division. After beating Sin City FC in the Semifinals 3-2 West Chester United advanced to the USASA National Amateur Cup.

West Chester United’s Josh Luchini, a former member of the Lehigh University Men’s Soccer team, scored first in the 11th minute. RWB answered with a goal from Victor Manon in the 34th minute to tie the game at one. Ten minutes later, Manon scored his second goal of the night to put RWB up 2-1 at halftime.

Two minutes into the second half, Jack Jasinski gave West Chester United their second goal to tie the game at two. In the 75th  minute West Chester United took the lead with a goal from Giuliano Whitchurch.

West Chester United had a 3-2 lead going into the five additional minutes of stoppage time. Manon scored his third goal of the game with just seconds left to tie the game 3-3.

Moments away from penalty kicks West Chester United defender Joseph McDaid, who played for FC Delco, scored a header on a cross from Dylan Lacey in the 120th minute to win their first National Amateur Cup championship.

West Chester head coach Blaise Santangelo said that the National Amateur Cup is something “we’ve been chasing since 2018.” Santangelo considers the Fritz Marth Cup National Amateur Cup the “‘Holy Grail’ of amateur soccer trophies.”  

Santangelo is proud that he and his team can bring such an important amateur trophy back to a city with such a rich soccer history and cement themselves as a part of it.

Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Unveils New 2026 Logo

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Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer is proud to unveil a new logo for the 2026 season, celebrating a historic moment for soccer and the region. The special edition mark commemorates the United States’ 250th anniversary, the global spotlight of the FIFA World Cup coming to Philadelphia, and the continued growth of youth soccer in our region. 

Rooted in history and purpose, the new design blends iconic elements of Pennsylvania and Philadelphia’s legacy with modern symbols of the global game. Each detail in the logo carries meaning: 

  • The Liberty Bell anchors the design as a nod to Philadelphia and the city’s role in the nation’s founding.  
  • The Keystone shape honors Pennsylvania’s identity as the Keystone State and Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer’s legacy since 1972.  
  • The bold lightning bolt crack represents both Ben Franklin’s famous kite and key experiment and the electric energy surrounding Philadelphia’s World Cup host city status.  
  • The number 26, styled in homage to the official 2026 FIFA World Cup logo, sits prominently at the center, marking the year the world’s game comes to our backyard.  
  • The red, white and blue stripes reflect the spirit of the National Semiquincentennial celebrations.  
  • A classic soccer ball and our traditional wordmark ground the design in our organization’s roots while looking ahead to the future.  

This commemorative logo will be featured throughout the 2026 season across Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer programming, events, and gear, as we honor the past, celebrate the present, and inspire the future.  

Camp 2025: Thank You!

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A Summer to Remember: 2025 Resident Soccer Camp with Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer

As the final whistle blows and the last pair of cleats are packed away, we reflect on an unforgettable week at our EPYS 2025 Summer Resident Soccer Camp. From sun-up drills, yoga classes to sun-down scrimmages, the energy, enthusiasm, and camaraderie that filled the fields left a lasting impression on everyone involved.

Our dedicated staff coaches and counselors poured their hearts into every session, bringing not just skill and instruction, but also mentorship, laughter, and support to the campers. Their passion for the game and commitment to youth development made this week an inspiring journey for players of all levels.

Campers not only improved their technical abilities and tactical awareness, but they also forged friendships, built confidence, and embraced the spirit of teamwork that defines soccer at its best. Whether it was intense morning practices, evening games under the lights, or bonding over meals, every moment contributed to an incredible experience.

To all the players, families, coaches, and supporters—THANK YOU for making the 2025 camp such a success. Your enthusiasm and love for the game are what keep us coming back year after year.

We’re already counting down the days to 2026 summer camp, and we can’t wait to welcome both returning players and new faces to next summer’s adventure. Be sure to keep an eye out for early registrationopening in late November/December—spots fill fast, and we want to see YOU on the field again!

Until then, keep training, keep growing, and keep the passion alive.

Thank you,

Fernando Carrizo
Camp Director

Chris Branscome Elected Commissioner on U.S. Soccer Youth Council 

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We are proud to share that our CEO, Chris Branscome, has been elected to serve as Commissioner of the U.S. Soccer Youth Council. This national leadership role represents a significant opportunity to help guide the vision and priorities for youth soccer across the country.  

As Commissioner, Chris will work closely with U.S. Soccer and member organizations to strengthen programs, support player development, and advocate for the needs of the youth soccer community at every level.  

We congratulate Chris on this achievement and look forward to the positive impact he will make in shaping the future of youth soccer in the United States.  

USWNT Returns to Subaru Park this Fall

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The U.S. Women’s National Team is heading back to Chester! On October 23, Subaru Park will once again host one of the most decorated teams in the world as the USWNT returns for an exciting fall matchup.

Presale access begins Thursday, July 31 at 10 A.M. and runs through Friday, August 1 at 8 A.M. with code P2LOCA.

Tickets go on sale to the public at 10 A.M. on August 1.

Get the Presale Tickets Here.

Get Tickets Here (August 1 at 10 A.M.)

Don’t miss your chance to see the stars of the U.S. Women’s National Team live in action this October at Subaru Park.

Rothman Orthopaedics’ Injury Prevention Tips for Youth Soccer Athletes 

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Authors: Dr. Benjamin Rogers, MD and Dr. Stephen Stache, MD 

Introduction 

Rothman Orthopedics is proud to serve as the Official Orthopedic Partner for Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer. With soccer season quickly approaching, we are here to offer guidance for both injury prevention and treatment. Soccer is a high intensity, contact sport that carries a risk of acute and chronic injury. Commonly occurring soccer injuries range from simple muscle strains and contusions to complex ligament or tendon tears and ruptures, as well as to concussions. Given the nature of the sport, injuries of the lower extremity including the Hip, Knee, Foot and Ankle tend to be more frequently reported. Staying active, healthy, and on the field are important components of long-term athletic development, psychosocial wellbeing, and love of the game. Our Sports Medicine team at Rothman Orthopedics is determined to help make that possible.  

Common Causes of Injury 

For the adolescent athlete, there are several risk factors unique to this athletic population that are worth considering for injury prevention. Some common causes of injury to consider in youth soccer include: 

  • Inadequate warm-up or cool-down routines 
  • Poor flexibility and lack of strength/conditioning  
  • Overuse and lack of rest  
  • Improper technique and ill-fitting equipment 
  • Playing through pain or fatigue 

Injury Prevention 

It is the primary goal of our Sports Medicine team at Rothman Orthopedics to assist in injury prevention and to keep our athletes on the field. There are a multitude of standardized injury prevention programs that are validated for elite youth soccer athletes. Here are some general tips to consider for injury prevention, which also may in turn optimize performance: 

  • Prioritize proper warm-up and cool-down by utilizing dynamic stretching programming before and after training sessions and competitive play  
  • Focus on strength and conditioning with a special emphasis on progressive core stabilization, plyometrics, and neuromuscular training  
  • Promote sound technique and form with aid from teammates, coaches, and parents  
  • Use the right equipment and ensure appropriate fitting attire/footwear  
  • Don’t skip rest and recovery, or train beyond your limits 
  • Prioritize proper hydration and nutrition  

When to See a Professional 

At Rothman Orthopedics, we specialize in the treatment of both acute and chronic injuries. Although we recognize the desire of our athletes to stay on the pitch, it is important to communicate with coaches and parents if you are dealing with an injury that is compromising performance. We encourage seeking evaluation at one of our practice locations for any new injuries that limit your ability to play, or any lingering injuries that seem to be getting worse. Identifying injuries quickly helps our team coordinate individualized rehabilitation plans to get our athletes back on the field as soon as possible. For traumatic head or bone injuries, we always recommend seeking care at your nearest emergency department.  

Conclusion  

In summary, it is important to be mindful of the factors that contribute to injury risk, the techniques of injury prevention, and to recognize when it is time to seek professional evaluation. Players should speak up to parents and/or coaches if they are dealing with an injury that is affecting their play. For members of the Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer community who wish to make an appointment with a member of our Sports Medicine team, you can use our Fast Scheduler Program to get quick access to expert care. Or, for situations where you need answers to orthopedic questions use RothmanNow to get free, 24/7/365 virtual after-hours access to orthopedic specialists.