About Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Association
Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Association (EPYSA) is a non-profit organization that aims to promote and develop youth soccer in the eastern region of Pennsylvania. Established in 1972, EPYSA now serves over 130,000 players and supports more than 900 clubs across the region. The organization is affiliated with the United States Youth Soccer Association (USYSA) and adheres to their guidelines and policies.
Competitions
EPYSA offers various leagues and competitions for players of different ages and skill levels. The organization provides opportunities for players to participate in recreational, competitive, and elite leagues, depending on their abilities and interests.
In addition to league play, EPYSA hosts several state-level tournaments throughout the year, such as the Eastern Pennsylvania State Cup, Presidents Cup, and Challenge Cup. These competitions offer teams the chance to compete against the best clubs in the region and showcase their talents.
Player Development
EPYSA places a strong emphasis on player development and offers various programs and resources to support players, coaches, and clubs. The organization provides coaching education courses, player development programs, Olympic Development Program (ODP), and college recruiting services.
The Olympic Development Program (ODP) identifies and develops talented players in the Eastern Pennsylvania region. Through ODP, players have the opportunity to train with top coaches, compete against elite players from other states, and potentially represent the Eastern Pennsylvania region at regional and national ODP events.
Education
EPYSA also offers resources and support for coaches, including coaching education courses, mentorship programs, and access to the latest coaching materials and resources. The organization is committed to promoting a safe environment for players, coaches, and referees. This includes background checks for coaches and volunteers, concussion education and management protocols, and other safety measures.
Notable Clubs
Some of the many notable clubs that are part of the Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Association include:
- Philadelphia Union Academy – The academy is the youth development program of the Philadelphia Union professional soccer team. It is dedicated to producing talented players and has quickly gained a reputation for excellence in player development.
- Lehigh Valley United – Based in Allentown, Lehigh Valley United is a well-established club known for its strong player development programs and competitive teams.
- Penn Fusion Soccer Academy – Located in West Chester, Penn Fusion is a prominent club in the region, with a focus on developing players to compete at the highest levels of youth soccer and potentially progress to the collegiate and professional ranks.
- FC DELCO – A leading club in the region, FC DELCO is based in Conshohocken and has produced numerous college and professional players throughout its history.
- Reading United AC – Based in Reading, Reading United AC is a successful club in the region, known for its strong player development programs and competitive teams.
Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Association plays a crucial role in promoting and developing youth soccer in the eastern Pennsylvania region. Through its leagues, tournaments, and player development programs, EPYSA provides opportunities for young players to grow and excel in the sport.