South Texas Youth Soccer oversees US youth soccer leagues and clubs in the southern portion of Texas.
About South Texas Youth Soccer
South Texas Youth Soccer Association (STYSA) is a non-profit organization that promotes and develops youth soccer in the South Texas region. Established in 1979, the organization has grown significantly over the years and now serves over 100,000 players and 500 clubs. STYSA is affiliated with the United States Youth Soccer Association (USYSA) and follows their guidelines and policies.
Competitions
South Texas Youth Soccer offers various leagues and competitions for players of different ages and skill levels. The organization is divided into Eastern and Western Districts, with each district having its own set of clubs and teams. Players can participate in leagues and tournaments within their respective districts and at the state level.
In addition to league play, STYSA hosts several state-level tournaments throughout the year, such as the South Texas State Cup, the Presidents Cup, and the Directors Cup. These competitions provide an opportunity for teams to compete against the best clubs in the state and showcase their talents.
Player Development
STYSA 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) is designed to identify and develop talented players in the South Texas region. Through ODP, players have the opportunity to train with top coaches, compete against elite players from other states, and potentially represent the South Texas region at regional and national ODP events.
Education
South Texas Youth Soccer also offers resources and support for coaches, including coaching education courses, mentorship programs, and access to the latest coaching materials and resources. STYSA 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 South Texas Youth Soccer include:
- Lonestar Soccer Club – Based in Austin, Lonestar SC is one of the largest and most successful youth soccer clubs in the South Texas region. The club has produced several top-level players and has won numerous state and regional titles.
- San Antonio FC Pro Academy – The academy is the youth development program of the San Antonio FC professional soccer team. It is dedicated to producing talented players and has quickly gained a reputation for excellence in player development.
- Houston Dynamo Youth – Affiliated with the Houston Dynamo professional soccer team, this youth program focuses on developing players to compete at the highest levels of youth soccer and potentially progress to the professional ranks.
- Austin Texans Soccer Club – A well-established youth soccer club in the Austin area, the Austin Texans SC has a strong reputation for player development and has produced several college and professional players.
- McAllen Youth Soccer Association – Based in McAllen, this club is dedicated to providing a positive soccer experience for players of all ages and skill levels in the Rio Grande Valley region.
South Texas Youth Soccer Association plays an essential role in promoting and developing youth soccer in the South Texas region. Through its leagues, tournaments, and player development programs, STYSA provides opportunities for young players to grow and excel in the sport.