Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer

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2025 State Cup Results: Day 1

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The 2025 State Cup got off to a thrilling start on May 16 at the WSFS Bank Sportsplex, with competitive matchups across the Challenge Cup divisions.

Check out Friday’s scores below!

May 16, 2025 Scores:
U9 Boys – Gold: FC DELCO Black Conshy ’16 (B) 4-2 Vereinigung Erzgebirge SC VE Union 2016
U9 Boys Silver: Upper Dublin SC Wolves Black 2016 3-2 Montgomery United SC 2016 Boys APEX
U9 Boys Bronze: King of Prussia SC Prussians 2016 Boys Blue 2-1 Vereinigung Erzgebirge SC 2016 VE Dragon
U9 Girls – Gold: Philadelphia Ukrainian Nationals 16G Black 1-0 FC Europa FCE 2016 Girls Acela
U9 Girls – Silver: FC DELCO Black Conshy ’16 (G) 3-0 West-Mont United S.A. 2016G Blue
U9 Girls – Bronze: Fairmount Soccer Association 2016 Girls Falcons 2-1 FC Montco 2016 G Navy
U10 Boys – Gold: FC DELCO Black Conshy ’15 (B) 4-2 Lower Merion SC Flash Navy
U10 Boys Silver: Huntingdon Valley AA HVAA Fury 2015 5-2 Capital Area SA CASA 2015M Premier
U10 Boys – Bronze: Phoenixville Area SC U10 Boys 2015 Black 4-0 Huntingdon Valley AA HVAA Fire 2015
U10 Girls – Gold: Philadelphia Ukrainian Nationals 15G Black 4-3 FC Europa FCE 2015 Girls Acela
U10 Girls – Silver: Haverford SC 2015 Her-icanes 4-3 Huntingdon Valley AA HVAA Stars 2015
U10 Girls – Bronze:Upper Dublin SC Magic Black ’15 2-2 (6-5) Lower Merion SC Bling Red
U19 Boys: United Philly Soccer 2006/7 Boys Premier 2-0 Haverford SC HSC Vortex

2025 State Cup Preview: Familiar Faces Return for State Cup Glory 

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This weekend the 2025 State Cup returns to the WSFS Bank Sportsplex as clubs and players aim to build on last year’s success… or write a new chapter entirely. With competition spanning the NCS, Presidents Cup, and Challenge Cup, teams will battle for a chance to etch their names into Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer history. 

Challenge Cup 

An open competition that draws teams from across the state, the Challenge Cup crowns champions at every age level. For players in the U9 to U11 brackets, the tournament features gold, silver, and bronze divisions. From U12 through U19, competition is held in a single level, creating a clear path to claim the title of Challenge Cup champion.  

The 2025 Challenge Cup field is packed with familiar names and returning champions ready to defend their titles. Among them is Huntingdon Valley AA HVAA Fury 2015, back in the U10 Boys Silver division after winning last year’s U9 Boys Silver title. FC DELCO Black Conshy ‘15 (B) also returns as the reigning U9 Boys Gold Champion, now facing Lower Merion SC Flash Navy in what promises to be a competitive U10 Boys’ Gold matchup. On the girls’ side, Lower Merion SC Bling Red, last year’s U9 Girls Bronze champion, is back in action, this time taking on Upper Dublin SC Magic Black ‘15, another returning team from last year.  

Other returning contenders include Philadelphia Ukrainian Nationals 14B Black, who took home the U10 Boys Gold crown in 2024 and now look to repeat in the U11 division, and West-Mont United S.A. 2013G Blue, returning as the defending U11 Girls Silver champion.  

One of the must-watch matchups of the weekend comes in the U15 Boys division, where FC DELCO Black Dtown ‘10 (B) will take on FC DELCO Black Conshy ‘10 (B) in an all-DELCO showdown.  

Presidents Cup 

The Presidents Cup is a statewide championship that feeds into the US Youth Soccer Presidents Cup National Event, offering top-performing teams a path to regional and even the national stage. With winners from U13 through U19 age groups advancing to the Eastern Presidents Cup, which Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer will host at the Proving Grounds in Conshohocken and Plymouth Whitemarsh High School from June 13-17, regional champions will earn the opportunity to compete in the prestigious National Presidents Cup.  

One team looking to build on its 2024 success is Vereinigung Erzgebirge SC VE Mountaineers, who return as the reigning U17 Boys champions. This year, they’ll compete against Berks United FC 2007 Boys U18 FC Dortmund for a chance at a back-to-back title.  

For the first time is over ten years, Carlisle Area Youth Soccer Cannons 07/08G and Super Nova FC ’09G will compete in the Presidents Cup. Carlisle Area Youth Soccer will compete in the U18 girls division against FC Ballyhoo 07 Girls Black while Super Nova FC will compete in the U16 girls division against Keystone FC Premier 09G. Lighthouse SC Force will face Huntingdon Valley AA HVAA Stingers 2010 in the U15 boys final, Lighthouse SC’s first appearance in the Presidents Cup since 2017.  

NCS 

The National Championship Series (NCS) is the first leg of the prestigious US Youth Soccer National Championship Series. State Cup champions will earn a place in the US Youth Soccer Eastern Regionals Championships, which will take place in Loudoun County, Virigina from June 28-July 3, with the ultimate goal of advancing to the US Youth Soccer National Championship in Orlando, Florida.  

Several familiar names are returning to the NCS bracket this year, bringing unfinished business and high expectations. HEX FC Dominion USYS 11G is back and looking to bring home the gold in the U14 girls division. Also returning is Penn FC Youth 2008 F Black who won the U16 girls division in 2024.  

A must-see game this weekend is in the U15 girls division where 1776 United FC 1776 United 10 Girls Elite NL will face Warrington SC 2010G Warrington FC United in a rematch from the 2024 final. 1776 United FC took home the gold last year, defeating Warrington 2-1. 

The 2025 State Cup weekend is set to deliver nonstop excitement, whether it’s young teams making their first appearance in the Challenge Cup or clubs chasing a national run in the Presidents Cup and NCS. The WSFS Bank Sportsplex will be the heart of youth soccer in Eastern Pennsylvania this weekend. Let the games begin! 

SEPA Soccer Hall of Fame Celebrates 2025 Inductees and Award Winners 

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This past Saturday, the Southeastern Pennsylvania Soccer Hall of Fame held its annual banquet, honoring the 2025 Hall of Fame inductees and recognizing standout contributors from across the region’s soccer community. The event brought together players, coaches, referees, and leaders to celebrate excellence in the game.

The 2025 Hall of Fame class includes 11 distinguished individuals from various levels and roles within soccer:

  • Bridgette Alexander
  • Bobby Andrews
  • Johnson Bowie
  • Amber Brooks
  • Tom Carlin
  • Ed Decker
  • Dennis Drumm
  • John Lavelle
  • Tom McDonald
  • Kevin McNally
  • Jim Wilkinson

In addition to the inductees, several annual awards were presented to recognize standout performances and contributions across all areas of the game:

2025 Award Winners

  • Tom Paton Award – Female Player of the Year: Kylie Maxwell, Ukrainian Nationals
  • Bill Peterman Award – Male Player of the Year: Finn Murray, LaSalle HS
  • Charlotte Moran Award – Coach of the Year (Female Team): Brigid Sullivan Kelley
  • John (Jukey) Nanoski Award – Coach of the Year (Male Team): Joe Caruolo
  • Ned Potts Award – Club of the Year: Ukrainian Nationals
  • Harry Rodgers Award – Referee of the Year: Tim Shaw and Shawn Schneider
  • Nick Cinquanto Award – Young Referee of the Year: Drew Boligitz
  • Paul Stilley/Little Club Administrator of the Year: Michelle Ganley, Bridesburg Cougars
  • Chick Fallon Award – Service to Soccer: Tom Keenan

This year’s banquet also featured a special tribute to referees. All active and retired referees in attendance were recognized for their dedication to the game.

Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer congratulates all of this year’s honorees and thanks them for their continued contributions to the sport and our soccer community.

Allentown Unveils New Mini-Pitch at Jordan Meadows Park

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A brand-new mini-pitch is bringing the game of soccer to the heart of Allentown. On Tuesday, city officials, community leaders, and members of Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer gathered at Jordan Meadows Park to celebrate the official opening of Allentown’s first-ever mini-pitch.

The 60-by-120-foot space, located at the intersection of American Parkway and Gordon Street, transforms a former roller hockey rink into a multi-use court designed primarily for soccer.

While the project was led by the city, Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer was proud to be in attendance to celebrate this moment for the Allentown Soccer community. The new mini-pitch is expected to provide access to more than 5,500 local youth, many within walking distance, and will host free clinics, pickup play, and community events.

This is more than a soccer space, it’s a hub for connection, development, and fun. We’re excited to see how this mini-pitch will support local players, strengthen neighborhoods, and grow the love of the game for years to come.

Philadelphia Soccer 2026 Invests $2 Million in Youth Soccer Across Pennsylvania, with Long-Term Support for Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Through World Cup 2026™ Legacy Program 

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Philadelphia Soccer 2026, the Host Committee for FIFA World Cup 26™ in Philadelphia, has announced a $2 million investment in youth soccer across the City of Philadelphia as part of a new partnership with the U.S. Soccer Foundation. This partnership will launch 26 soccer-related legacy projects leading up to and following the 2026 tournament, focused on creating more equitable access to the sport. 

As part of this legacy initiative, Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer will receive long-term support through a dedicated endowment. This 10-year fund will help expand local programming and continue using the game as a tool for social impact on and off the field. 

“Hosting the World Cup is a tremendous opportunity, but the true impact will come from what’s left behind,” said Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer CEO Chris Branscome. “This partnership allows us to expand programming, improve access, and support the game at the local level. We’re proud to be part of a broader effort that will benefit communities across the state long after the final match.” 

These projects will include building new mini-pitches in underserved communities, expanding the Foundation’s Soccer for Success and Coach-Mentor Training programs, and providing more kids with safe spaces and quality coaching. 

This announcement highlights the shared commitment between Philadelphia Soccer 2026, the U.S. Soccer Foundation, and organizations like Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer to use the excitement of the World Cup as an opportunity for long-term growth. 

Organizations interested in becoming part of this legacy work can complete a Legacy Inquiry Form through Philadelphia Soccer 2026. 

Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Hosts Business Seminar 

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Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer hosted its Business Seminar on Friday at the Alloy in King of Prussia. Club leaders, administrators, and soccer professionals gathered for a day of learning, networking, and discussions on key topics shaping the success and sustainability of youth soccer organizations.

The seminar featured 11 expert speakers covering a range of topics, including insurance basics, nonprofit accounting, marketing strategies, legal considerations, and more. Attendees gained valuable insights, engaged in discussions, and connected with industry professionals specializing in youth sports organizations.

Speakers included:

  • Jon Scheuren & Rachel Dailey, Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board
  • Mike Holland, VillaNova Insurance Partners
  • Marcy DeLorenzo-Rosci & Donna Stilwell, Brinker Simpson & Co.
  • Beth Devine, Philadelphia Youth Sports Collaborative
  • Darren Sudman, Unless Impact Consultants & Simon’s Heart
  • Fran Burns, Connelly Foundation
  • Seanna Crosley, Philadelphia Soccer 2026
  • Garrett Shea, Sports Sponsorship & Events Consulting, LLC
  • John Kramer, Dick’s Sporting Goods

For those who couldn’t attend or want to revisit key takeaways, video from the event will be available soon on our YouTube channel. Subscribe and stay tuned for updates.

Four Former Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Members Set to Represent U.S. in Concacaf Nations League

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Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer is proud to celebrate the former members selected for the U.S. Men’s National Team ahead of the 2025 Concacaf Nations League Finals. Head coach Mauricio Pochettino has named a 23-player roster, with the U.S. set to take on Panama in the semifinal on March 20 at 7 p.m. ET at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. The match will air live on Paramount and Univision.

Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer will be well represented on the international stage, as Christian Pulisic, Mark McKenzie, Zack Steffen, and Auston Trusty all earned a spot on the squad. Developing their skills at PA Classics, Philadelphia Union Academy, FC DELCO, and Nether United, these players continue Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer’s tradition of producing top-level talent.

Pulisic, a Hershey native, rose through PA Classics before launching a professional career that has made him one of the USMNT’s most dynamic attackers. Now with 76 caps and 32 goals, he remains a key leader for the team.

McKenzie, a Philadelphia Union Academy product, has proven himself as a strong defensive presence. The Bear, Del. native has earned 17 caps, solidifying his role in the backline.

Steffen, from Coatesville, developed at West Chester United and FC DELCO before becoming one of the country’s top goalkeepers. With 30 caps, he brings experience and composure in goal.

Trusty, a Media native, got his start with Nether United and the Eastern Pennsylvania Olympic Development Program before advancing to the Philadelphia Union Academy. He now has 4 caps and continues to showcase his defensive versatility.

The USMNT will begin camp on March 16, setting their sights on a fourth consecutive Nations League title. Best of luck to Christian, Mark, Zack, Auston, and the entire U.S. team!

DETAILED ROSTER BY POSITION (Club/Country; Caps/Goals)

GOALKEEPERS (3): Patrick Schulte (Columbus Crew; 3/0), Zack Steffen (Colorado Rapids; 30/0), Matt Turner (Crystal Palace/ENG; 49/0)

DEFENDERS (8): Cameron Carter-Vickers (Celtic/SCO; 18/0), Marlon Fossey (Standard Liege/BEL; 1/0), Mark McKenzie (Toulouse/FRA; 17/0), Tim Ream (Charlotte FC; 67/1), Chris Richards (Crystal Palace/ENG; 23/1), Antonee Robinson (Fulham/ENG; 50/4), Joe Scally (Borussia Mönchengladbach/GER; 19/0), Auston Trusty (Celtic/SCO; 4/0)

MIDFIELDERS (6): Tyler Adams (Bournemouth/ENG; 42/2), Johnny Cardoso (Real Betis/ESP; 18/0), Diego Luna (Real Salt Lake; 3/0), Weston McKennie (Juventus/ITA; 58/11), Gio Reyna (Borussia Dortmund/GER; 31/8), Tanner Tessmann (Olympique Lyon/FRA; 6/0)

FORWARDS (6): Patrick Agyemang (Charlotte FC; 2/2), Yunus Musah (AC Milan/ITA; 45/1), Christian Pulisic (AC Milan/ITA; 76/32), Josh Sargent (Norwich City/ENG; 27/5), Timothy Weah (Juventus/ITA; 42/7), Brian White (Vancouver Whitecaps/CAN; 3/1)

Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Announces Partnership with Sport Lines

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Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer is excited to announce its official partnership with Sport Lines, a leading provider of athletic field lining services. This collaboration makes it easier for coaches and program directors to access professional field lining services, simplifying field maintenance and ensuring game-ready fields for players throughout Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer.

As a leader in athletic field lining services, Sport Lines has built a reputation for delivering exceptional service to programs of all levels with cutting-edge precision. Committed to enhancing athletic experiences, Sport Lines is the top choice for sports programs, schools, townships and tournaments, ensuring every field is crisp, accurate, and ready for play. Utilizing state-of-the-art GPS technology, the company ensures swift, accurate and visually stunning field markings across various sports.

“Our expertise comes from years of experience in youth and collegiate athletics,” said Sport Lines Directors Dennis Mann and Alex Sinkovich. “Every field we line is treated as if it were for our own team. Our goal is to take the hassle of field lining off the shoulders of coaches and directors so they can focus on their players’ success.”

Sport Lines sets itself apart through its precision and understanding of the unique needs of each program, offering services ranging from initial field linings to seasonal maintenance, tailored to the diverse requirements of schools, sports clubs and tournament organizers. With this partnership, Sport Lines looks forward to continuing to provide high-quality field lining to the Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer community.

To see how Sport Lines can transform your program, and the exclusive discount Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer members will receive, call (732) 400-4845 or visit sportlinesllc.com.

US Youth Soccer, US Club Soccer, and AYSO Returning to Seasonal-Year Age Group Formation in 2026

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FRISCO, Texas (March 5, 2025) – US Youth Soccer (USYS), US Club Soccer, and American Youth
Soccer Organization (AYSO), today announced that they have agreed to adopt the seasonal year age
group formation cycle for its players starting with each’s 2026-27 season. USYS Board Chair Tina
Rincon, U.S. Club Soccer CEO Mike Cullina, and AYSO National President Doug Ryan made the
announcement.


The cycle, which will run from September 1 to August 31, represents the opportunity for more players
in the each’s system to play club-based soccer with their classmates.
Rincon, Cullina, and Ryan offer the following statement:


“The three organizations coming together to put our nation’s youth soccer players first is a
positive move. Soccer, regardless of the level of competition, is meant to be fun – and it is more
fun when players can play with their friends and classmates. This decision is the right move for
the millions playing in each of our respective systems and we are thrilled to establish this
standard and find common ground.”


The decision stems from a U.S. Soccer Federation policy put in place late in 2024 empowering
member organizations to be the decision-maker on the registration choices for leagues and
competitions that they sanction and/or run.


Rincon, who also serves as the US Soccer Youth Council Chair, detailed the following on behalf of
the council:


“We are excited that the three largest member organizations have aligned to make a decision that
will bring the youth soccer landscape together, rather than further fracturing it. We received input
from a variety of sources that helped us reach this decision and meet our goal of increasing
participation in our sport. We look forward to continuing to work with other member organizations to
make the best choices for youth soccer players and continue collaborating with clubs and leagues
to ensure a smooth transition next year.”


The three organizations’ registration parameters will not change for next season (2025-26) and will
affect rostering beginning in August 2026.


Aligning with the school-year calendar is a return to a policy in place prior to a 2016 U.S. Soccer
decision to move to birth-year registration (January 1 –December 31). The change was made in effort
to align with international soccer standards.


Youth players born before September 1 will have the opportunity to play up with older age groups in
accordance with their club’s governance.


U.S. Soccer performed an assessment of available data (e.g., 2020 U.S. Census & National Center
for Education Statistics) and qualitative feedback and determined that September 1 represents most
school districts’ calendars (~68%) across the country.

About US Youth Soccer
US Youth Soccer, the largest youth sport organization in the country, is on a mission to provide worldclass support, resources, and leadership, helping every member fulfill their goals on and off the field
of play. US Youth Soccer registers 2.68 million players annually. Through its programming, resources
and leadership, US Youth Soccer is advancing the game for its 54 Member State Associations, 10,000
clubs and leagues and one million administrators, coaches, and volunteers. US Youth Soccer
connects families and communities to the power of sports and its shared love of soccer. US Youth
Soccer provides a path for every player, coach and referee offering programs that provide a fun, safe
and healthy environment at every level of the game.

About US Club Soccer
A National Association member of the U.S. Soccer Federation, US Club Soccer fosters the growth
and development of soccer clubs in order to create the best possible development environment for
players of all ages.


Anchored by Players First and its pillars of Club Development, Coaching Development, Player
Development, Referee Development, Parent Engagement & Education and Player Health & Safety,
US Club Soccer offers registration, league- and cup-based competition platforms, player
identification and a variety of other programming, resources and services.


US Club Soccer is sponsored by Nike, DICK’S Sporting Goods and Gatorade.


About AYSO
American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) is a national nonprofit organization committed to
delivering quality youth soccer programs in a fun, family-friendly environment. AYSO is rooted in Six
Philosophies: Everyone Plays®, Balanced Teams, Open Registration, Positive Coaching, Good
Sportsmanship, and Player Development. Now celebrating its 60th year since inception in 1964,
AYSO programs span over 640 communities across the United States.


As a member organization of the U.S. Soccer Federation, all AYSO programs, including AYSO PLAY!,
conform to U.S. Soccer standards for safety and player development curricula. Learn more about
AYSO at www.ayso.org.