Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer

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2026 State Cup Finals Preview

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For some teams, it’s a chance to defend a title. For others, it’s an opportunity to make club history. This weekend, the 2026 State Cup brings together top teams from across Eastern Pennsylvania for a championship weekend at the WSFS Bank Sportsplex.

From clubs looking to defend last year’s success to teams making long-awaited returns to Cup Finals weekend, the 2026 field brings plenty of storylines to watch.

NCS

The National Championship Series remains the first step toward the US Youth Soccer National Championship Series. This year’s NCS champions will skip the regional stage entirely, earning a direct path to Nationals. The Boys National Championships will take place in Salt Lake City and Provo, Utah, while the Girls National Championships will be held in Murfreesboro and Smyrna, Tennessee from July 13-23, 2026. U12 NCS champions will also have the opportunity to compete in a standalone event in Maryland against other State Cup winners from across the country.

One of the weekend’s must-watch matchups comes in the U16 Girls division, where 1776 United FC 1776 United 10 Girls NL Elite will face Warrington SC 2010G Warrington FC United on May 17 at 3:00 PM. This marks the third NCS final appearance for both teams, with 1776 United looking to capture its third straight title.

FC Europa will be another club to watch across the NCS field, with nine total teams in finals this year after winning two NCS titles in 2025.

Other familiar names are returning to Cup Finals weekend after time away. Fever SC will make its first finals appearance since 2023, with teams competing in both the U13 Boys and U14 Girls divisions. Lititz Youth Soccer Club is also back for the first time since 2021, with Lititz Shock facing Hunter SC Blue Devils in the U18 Boys final on May 17.

From returning champions to first-time finalists, the 2026 State Cup is set for another memorable weekend. For every team taking the field, the goal is the same: finish the run, lift the trophy and leave their mark on Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer.

  • U12 Boys: FC DELCO Pre MLS NEXT Black ’14 vs. Philadelphia Ukrainian Nationals 14B Pre-ECNL 
    • May 16 | 3:00 PM
  • U13 Boys: Mountain Top Youth SA MTFC MAYHEM vs. FC Europa FCE 2013 Boys ECNL RL 
    • May 16 | 8:30 AM
  • U14 Boys: FC Europa FCE 2012 Boys ECNL RL vs. Philadelphia International FC 2012 Boys Elite  
    • May 16 | 10:30 AM
  • U15 Boys: FC Europa FCE 2011 Boys ECNL RL vs. Hulmeville SC Hulmeville SC Demons 2011 NPL (A) 
    • May 16 | 12:30 PM
  • U16 Boys: FC Europa FCE 2010 Boys ECNL RL vs. Philadelphia International FC 2010 Boys Elite 
    • May 16 | 2:30 PM  
  • U17 Boys: FC Europa FCE 2009 Boys ECNL RL vs. Steel United PA 09B Elite 
    • May 17 | 12:00 PM
  • U18/19 Boys: Lancaster FC Lancaster FC ECNL RL B07/08 vs. North Union United SC NUU 07 Cannons 
    • May 17 | 8:00 AM
  • U12 Girls: Penn Fusion Soccer Academy PreECNL 2014 vs. Philadelphia Ukrainian Nationals 14G Pre-ECNL 
    • May 15 | 7:00 PM
  • U13 Girls: Hulmeville SC Mavericks 2013 vs. Vereinigung Erzgebirge SC VE Valkyrie
    • May 17 | 8:00 AM  
  • U14 Girls: FC Europa FCE 2012 Girls ECNL RL vs. Fever SC Fever SC 12G Academy Red 
    • May 17 | 9:30 AM
  • U15 Girls: PA Classics Academy Reading 11F vs. FC Europa FCE 2011 Girls ECNL RL
    • May 17 | 1 PM
  • U16 Girls: 1776 United FC 1776 United 10 Girls NL Elite vs. Warrington SC 2010G Warrington FC United 
    • May 17 | 3:00 PM
  • U17 Girls: Steel United PA Steel United 09G Elite vs. PA Classics PA Classics Academy Reading 09F 
    • May 17 | 11:00 AM
  • U18/19 Girls: Warrington SC 2008G Warrington FC Lightning vs. Lionville SC Lionville ‘08 Blue Warriors 
    • May 17 | 10:00 AM

Presidents Cup

The Presidents Cup gives teams a path beyond the state level, with U13 through U19 champions advancing to the Northeast Presidents Cup and a chance to continue toward the National Presidents Cup.

One of the biggest storylines of the weekend comes in the U19 Girls division, where Carlisle Area Youth Soccer Cannons 07/08G will face Towamencin Youth Assn Towamencin Force on May 17 at 12:00 PM. Carlisle enters the final as the reigning 2025 National Presidents Cup champion, bringing another high-profile moment to its Cup run.

Huntingdon Valley AA also returns to Cup Finals weekend after a record-setting 2025, when the club won four titles across Presidents Cup and Challenge Cup play. This year, HVAA has two teams back in finals.

Several teams are also looking to build on recent Presidents Cup success. Lighthouse SC Force returns for a second straight finals appearance in the U16 Boys division after falling 3-2 to HVAA in last year’s U15 final.

Anthracite FC 2010 Girls also returns to the finals after capturing the 2025 U15 Girls Presidents Cup title with a 4-0 victory over Springfield SC. This year, Anthracite will face Central Susquehanna SC CSSC Phoenix 10 in the U16 Girls final.

  • U12 Boys: FC DELCO Pre MLS NEXT White ’14 vs. Montgomery United SC 2014 Boys APEX Black 
    • May 16 | 12:00 PM
  • U13 Boys: Fever SC FEVER 2013 ACADEMY vs. FC Europa FCE 2013 Boys Elite Black 
    • May 16 | 8:00 AM
  • U14: Radnor SC 2012 Boys Premier vs. Quaker Elite Soccer Club Celtic 
    • May 16 | 12:00 PM
  • U15 Boys: Whitpain Recreation Assoc Whitpain 2011 Black Freedom vs. FC Ballyhoo FC Ballyhoo 11 Boys Black 
    • May 16 | 2:00 PM
  • U16 Boys: FC Ballyhoo FC Ballyhoo 10 Boys Black vs. Lighthouse SC Force 
    • May 16 | 10:00 AM
  • U17 Boys: Coventry SA Hurricanes vs. Philadelphia International FC 2009 Boys Elite  
    • May 16 | 4:00 PM
  • U19 Boys: TBD vs. Vereinigung Erzgebirge SC Rhinelander 
    • May 17 | 1:30 PM
  • U12 Girls: FC Europa FCE 2014 Girls Pre ECNL vs. Philadelphia Ukrainian Nationals 2014G preECNL-RL
    • May 16 | 1:30 PM
  • U13 Girls: 1776 United FC 1776 United FC 13 Girls Regional vs. North Union United SC NUU 13F Strikers 
    • May 16 | 9:00 AM
  • U14 Girls: PA Mutiny Gold Soul 12 vs. Springfield SC Savages 12
    • May 16 | 11:00 AM 
  • U15 Girls: Falls SC FSC Lady Lions 2011 Girls Premier vs. Philadelphia SC Philadelphia SC Surf 11 Coppa Storm Black
    • May 16 | 1:00 PM 
  • U16 Girls: Central Susquehanna SC CSSC Phoenix 10 vs. Anthracite FC 2010 Girls
    • May 16 | 3:00 PM 
  • U17 Girls: Lionville SC Lionville ‘09 Blue Army vs. Lancaster Inferno Lancaster Inferno FC 09
    • May 17 | 11:15 AM 
  • U19 Girls: Carlisle Area Youth Soccer Cannons 07/08G vs. Towamencin Youth Assn Towamencin Force 
    • May 17 |12:00 PM

Challenge Cup

The Challenge Cup continues to showcase teams from across the state, with champions crowned at every age level. For U9 to U11 teams, the tournament features gold, silver and bronze divisions, while U12 through U19 teams compete in a single-level bracket for the Challenge Cup title.

Several clubs enter this year’s finals with momentum from a strong 2025 showing. FC DELCO, which claimed seven titles last year, including five Challenge Cup championships, returns with 12 teams competing in finals across this year’s competitions.

The U13 Boys bracket will feature a first-time Cup Finals appearance for Mountain Top Youth SA MTFC MAYHEM, who will face FC Europa FCE 2013 Boys ECNL RL on May 16 at 8:30 AM.

PA Mutiny will also make just its second-ever Cup Finals appearance, and its first since the 2024 Presidents Cup, when PA Mutiny Gold Soul 12 takes on Springfield SC Savages 12 in the U14 Girls final on May 16 at 11:00 AM.

  • U9 Boys Gold: Keystone FC Pre-Academy 17B (H) vs. FC Europa FCE 2017 Boys Pre ECNL 
    • May 15 | 6:30 PM
  • U9 Boys Silver: Capital Area SA CASA 2017M Premier vs. Council Rock United CRUSA 2017 Raptors
    • May 15 | 7:45 PM 
  • U9 Boys Bronze: Montgomery United SC Chelsea vs. Valley SC Valley Tigers 2017 Blue
    • May 15 | 6:15 PM 
  • U10 Boys Gold: FC DELCO Black Conshy ’16 (B) vs. West-Mont United S.A 2016B Blue
    • May 15 | 6:10 PM
  • U10 Boys Silver: FC DELCO White Conshy ’16 (B) vs. Philadelphia SC Philadelphia SC Surf 16 Azzur
    • May 15 | 7:30 PM 
  • U10 Boys Bronze: Colonial SC Colonial Crushers Red 16 vs. King of Prussia SC Prussians 2016 Boys Blue
    • May 15 | 7:15 PM 
  • U11 Boys Gold: FC DELCO Pre MLS NEXT Black ’15 vs. Montgomery United SC 2015 Boys APEX
    • May 17 | 10:15 AM 
  • U11 Boys Silver: Philadelphia SC Philadelphia SC Surf 15 Black vs. Vereinigung Erzgebirge SC VE 2015 Green
    • May 17 | 11:45 AM 
  • U11 Boys Bronze: Capital Area SA CASA 2015M Premier vs. Haverford SC 2015 Red Devils
    • May 15 | 6:10 PM
  • U12 Boys: FC DELCO Black Dtown ’14 (B) vs. Montgomery United SC 2014 Boys APEX Green
    • May 16 | 9:00 AM 
  • U13 Boys: Rebels Futbol Club 2013 Boys – Orange vs. FC DELCO Black Conshy ’13 (B) 
    • May 16 | 9:15 AM
  • U14 Boys: FC DELCO Black Conshy ’12 (B) vs. Huntingdon Valley AA HVAA 2012B EDP
    • May 16 | 11:15 AM 
  • U15 Boys: Langhorne Neshaminy United SC Langhorne United Dragons vs. Springfield SC Hurricanes 2011
    • May 16 | 1:15 PM 
  • U16 Boys: HEX FC Dominion USYS 10 B II vs. FC Montco Dragons 
    • May 16 | 3:15 PM
  • U17 Boys: ENCO United Soccer Club ENCO ’09 (u17) Boys Red vs. Rebels Futbol Club 2009 Boys 
    • May 17 | 8:15 AM
  • U18 Boys: Lititz Youth Soccer Club Lititz Shock vs. Hunter SC Blue Devils
    • May 17 | 10:15 AM EDT 
  • U19 Boys: West Schuylkill FC West Schuylkill FC Titans vs. Lancaster FC Lancaster FC 2007 Boys Elite 
    • May 15 | 7:00 PM
  • U9 Girls Gold: Philadelphia Ukrainian Nationals 17G Black vs. Springfield SC Springfield Storm 
    • May 15 | 6:10 PM
  • U9 Girls Silver: West-Mont United S.A 2017G Blue vs. Penn Fusion Soccer Academy Reds 2017
    • May 15 | 7:45 PM 
  • U9 Girls Bronze: Philadelphia International FC 2017 Girls Blue (H) vs. Horsham Soccer 2017 Horsham Hurricanes Gold (G)
    • May 15 | 6:15 PM 
  • U10 Girls Gold: Philadelphia Ukrainian Nationals 16G Black vs. Montgomery United SC 2016 Girls APEX Black 12
    • May 15 | 7:30 PM 
  • U10 Girls Silver: Penn Fusion Soccer Academy Reds 2016 vs. Philadelphia Ukrainian Nationals 16G Red
    • May 15 | 6:30 PM 
  • U10 Girls Bronze: Philadelphia International FC 2016 Girls Blue vs. Eagle F.C. Eagle FC 16G Black
    • May 15 | 7:15 PM 
  • U11 Girls Gold: Council Rock United FC Bucks 2015 Red Stars vs. Penn Fusion Soccer Academy PreECNL 2015 (A)
    • May 17 | 8:45 AM
  • U11 Girls Silver: Western Lehigh United SC WLUSC 2015 Girls – Hassan vs. Haverford SC 2015 Her-icanes 
    • May 17 | 1:15 PM
  • U11 Girls Bronze: FC Ballyhoo FC Ballyhoo 15 Girls Black vs. PA Classics Harrisburg (LDSA) PA Classics Hbg 2015 Girls U11 Academy
    • May 15 | 6:10 PM 
  • U12 Girls: North Union United SC NUU 14F Valor vs. Huntingdon Valley AA HVAA 2014G Pre-Aspire
    • May 16 | 10:30 AM 
  • U13 Girls: FC Ballyhoo FC Ballyhoo 13 Girls Black vs. FC DELCO Black Conshy ’13 (G)
    • May 16 | 8:15 AM 
  • U14 Girls: Pennsylvania Soccer Academy PSA 2012 Fury vs. FC DELCO Black Dtown ’12 (G) 
    • May 16 | 10:15 AM
  • U15 Girls: FC DELCO Black Dtown ’11 (G) vs. Lionville SC Lionville ‘11 Pride (A)
    • May 16 | 12:15 PM
  • U16 Girls: Montgomery United SC 2010 Girls APEX vs. Colonial SC Colonial Crusaders Red 10 
    • May 16 | 2:15 PM
  • U17 Girls: Radnor SC 2009 Girls Black (Formerly 2008 Girls Black) vs. FC DELCO Black Conshy ’09 (G)
    •  May 17 | 9:15 AM 
  • U18 Girls: Pennsylvania Soccer Academy PSA 08 Premier vs. Philadelphia SC Philadelphia SC Surf 08/09 Coppa United 
    • May 17 | 12:30 PM
  • U19 Girls: Triboro Soccer Club Strikers_Triboro SC vs. Hunter SC Elite 
    • May 17 | 9:00 AM

Trophies, regional spots and State Cup titles are all on the line this weekend as Eastern Pennsylvania’s top teams battle to finish their season on top. Good luck to everyone competing!

Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer CEO, Chris Branscome, to Speak at “The Economics of the World Cup” Event

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Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer CEO Chris Branscome will be among the featured speakers at The Economics of the World Cup, an upcoming event hosted by the British American Business Council on May 21 in Philadelphia.

Held in anticipation of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the event will bring together leaders from sport, tourism, and the international business community to explore the global economic impact of the world’s largest sporting event.

Branscome will join a panel that includes Meg Kane (FIFA World Cup 26 Philadelphia™), Larry Needle (PHL Sports, Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau), and Andrew Rocks (Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP).

The discussion will examine how the World Cup drives investment, tourism, infrastructure development, and long-term regional growth. With matches set to take place in Philadelphia, the conversation will also highlight the opportunities the tournament presents for the city and surrounding region.

Panelists will draw on insights from past tournaments while looking ahead to 2026, as global attention turns to North America. The event will also provide a networking opportunity for attendees to connect with professionals and decision-makers from across the region.

Pre-registration is required, and space is limited.

Register here: babcphl.com/2026/03/the-economics-of-the-world-cup/

Unified Champions School Day Connects Lehigh Valley Students Through Sport

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Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer partnered with Special Olympics Greater Lehigh Valley Pocono Region for a Unified Champions School Day, bringing together schools from across the Lehigh Valley for a day centered on inclusion and connection through sport.

Participating schools included Emmaus, Whitehall, William Allen, Dieruff, Parkland, Salisbury, and Catasauqua. The event welcomed Unified athletes and Unified partners, creating an environment where students of all abilities could take part alongside one another.

Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer supported the day by leading soccer-based activities, giving participants the opportunity to get involved, work together, and enjoy the game in a fun and inclusive setting.

Unified Champions School Day highlights the role sport can play in building confidence, fostering connections, and creating meaningful experiences for everyone involved.

Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer is proud to support initiatives like this alongside Special Olympics Greater Lehigh Valley Pocono Region and continue creating opportunities for inclusive play.

Rose Tree SC Relaunches TOPSoccer Program This Spring 

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Rose Tree Soccer Club is bringing its TOPSoccer program back this spring, reintroducing an inclusive and community-focused opportunity for athletes with special needs to get involved in the game.  

After several years away, the program returns with three sessions scheduled for May, marking an exciting step in rebuilding and growing TOPSoccer within the club.  

For those involved, the program holds a deeper meaning beyond the field.  

“It’s such a great way to get athletes out there with their friends doing something outside of school and work,” said Brian MacCurtin. “It’s also a great opportunity for players in the community to get involved and experience what TOPSoccer is all about.”  

The spring program is free to attend and will take place on May 9, 16, and 23 from 9:00 to 10:00 AM at Sleighton Park. Registration is required for all participants, and both players and buddies will receive a Rose Tree SC TOPSoccer t-shirt.  

TOPSoccer is designed to provide athletes of all abilities with the chance to learn the game in a fun, supportive, and non-competitive environment. Sessions will focus on basic skills, small-sided games, and activities that promote teamwork, confidence, and independence. 

While the program includes general age groupings, the focus this spring is on creating a flexible experience that meets athletes where they are. Participants can engage in a way that feels comfortable, whether that includes working with a buddy or participating more independently during activities.  

Volunteers play a key role in the TOPSoccer experience, helping create a positive and welcoming environment for all players. Buddies must be at least 12 years old, and volunteers over the age of 14 are required to complete clearances. Please email admin@rosetreesoccer.org if you are over the age of 14 and would like to volunteer.  

Program Details:  
Location: Sleighton Park  
Dates: May 9, 16, and 23 
Time: 9-10 AM 

Register Here: RTSC Spring TOPSoccer Registration 

Sign Up to be a Buddy: Buddy Sign Up 

ODP Pathway Day Brings Players Together at USTC

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ODP Pathway Day took place on April 26 at United Sports Training Center in Downingtown, bringing players from across the state together for a full day of training.

The event featured age group pool sessions, with players training alongside others in their age group in a different environment than their usual team setting. The format created a competitive atmosphere while also giving players the chance to connect with others across the program.

Beyond the training sessions, the day focused on the bigger picture of ODP. Players were introduced to the pathway beyond the state level, including opportunities for regional and national identification.

Older age groups also trained in front of college coaches, adding another layer to the experience.

ODP Pathway Day continues to be a key part of the program, combining development, exposure, and insight into what comes next for players in ODP.

Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Hosts Marketing of Soccer: 2026 and Beyond presented by Bank of America at Independence Visitor Center

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Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer welcomed leaders from across the sports and business community to the Independence Visitor Center in Philadelphia on April 22 for Marketing of Soccer: 2026 and Beyond, presented by Bank of America.

The afternoon brought together professionals from soccer, marketing, and communications to explore how the game is evolving in the lead-up to 2026 and what that means for brands, organizations, and the fan experience.

Headlining the event was keynote speaker Catherine Newman, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer for U.S. Soccer, who shared insight into the Federation’s approach to storytelling, fan engagement, and building momentum ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026.

The panel discussion featured Derek Aframe (EVP, Octagon), Marc Horine (Chief Business Officer & Founding Partner, For Soccer), and Garrett Shea (President, Sports, Sponsorships and Events Consulting, LLC), who offered perspectives on sponsorship trends, the growth of soccer in the United States, and how organizations can better connect with audiences in an increasingly competitive sports landscape.

Throughout the program, speakers emphasized the opportunity surrounding 2026, not just as a moment for the sport, but as a catalyst for long-term growth across communities, businesses, and the broader soccer ecosystem.

Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer would like to thank Bank of America for its support in making Marketing of Soccer: 2026 and Beyond possible.

US Club Soccer and US Youth Soccer Announce National 1 League

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The National 1 League, the competition previously referred to as “NewComp,” has been officially announced as the new top team-based competition across US Club Soccer and US Youth Soccer.

Set to launch in the 2026-27 season, the National 1 League will bring together top teams from both organizations into a single, aligned competition structure.

The league is being introduced to better connect competition across the country and create a more unified approach at the highest level of the youth game. It will feature a structure that allows teams to compete within their regions while remaining part of a broader national competition.

As part of the transition to the National 1 League, both the National Premier Leagues (NPL) and the National League will conclude following the current season. Top-performing teams will have opportunities to advance within the evolving competition structure, including connections to the ECNL Regional League.

The introduction of the National 1 League represents a shift in how top team-based competition is organized across the U.S., aligning leagues and creating a clearer pathway for teams through performance within their respective environments.

Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Joins SoccerFest 2026 to Expand Youth Opportunities

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As excitement builds around the FIFA World Cup 26™ this summer, new opportunities to connect with the game are coming to the Lehigh Valley.

SoccerFest 2026, hosted by ArtsQuest at SteelStacks from June 11 to July 19, will feature an expanded lineup of youth programming designed to engage players of all ages and introduce new families to the sport.

Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer will be part of that effort, helping bring high-quality soccer experiences to the region through clinics, 3v3 tournaments and youth-focused events held alongside World Cup watch parties.

Programming will take place throughout the festival and reflects the continued growth of the game both nationally and within eastern Pennsylvania, where more than 110,000 players participate in Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer programs each year.

Local clubs, including Penn Rising XI, will also play a role in delivering programming, with coaches helping lead clinics and 3v3 tournaments throughout the event.

SoccerFest Youth Programming Includes:

3v3 Youth Tournaments (Ages 9–14)
Saturday, June 13 (Girls)
Sunday, June 14 (Boys)
Registration closes June 1 at noon

Free Adaptive Clinic (Ages 5–14)
Saturday, June 20

Free Youth Clinic (Ages 5–12)
Saturday, June 20

Youth Field Trips (Ages 5–18)
Monday, June 22 & Tuesday, June 23
Includes campus tours, soccer-themed activities and World Cup match viewing

Free Spanish-Language Youth Clinic (Ages 5–14)
Saturday, June 27

Spots are still available for all youth programming, with registration required.

For more information and to register, visit the SoccerFest page on the ArtsQuest website.

Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Part of Lehigh Valley Soccer Festival & Viewing Party This Summer

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The Lehigh Valley Soccer Festival & Viewing Party is coming to SteelStacks from June 11 through July 19 as part of the FIFA World Cup 2026 celebration. The monthlong event will bring fans together for match watch parties, entertainment, and youth-focused programming throughout the summer.

As part of the festival, Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer will be involved in youth programming designed to inspire the next generation of players, including clinics and 3v3 opportunities for young athletes of all abilities. The event highlights the continued growth of soccer in the Lehigh Valley and creates opportunities for players and families to engage with the game in a fun, community-centered environment.

Don’t miss the Lehigh Valley Soccer Festival & Viewing Party at SteelStacks this summer. For more information, click here.