History

Soccer in Newfoundland began in the mid 1990's by a parent who hung a soccer flag at the entrance to Carlton Drake Memorial Park. The flag caught the attention of some interested parents. These parents came together with their vision and desire, and in 1999 WYSL was born. It has grown from the 40 kids who originally showed up on Saturday mornings 15 years ago, to the 300+ players we are privileged to have participating in our programs. We look forward to seeing your family in the fall for another great season!

WYSL is run by volunteers.  In order to have a successful season we need your help!

League Structure

• Girls who sign up can choose to play Girls ONLY and/or COED (BOGO if the player signs up for both - email for special coupon code).
• This year, we will participate in NEPSAY's Recreational "Travel" 12U Girls ONLY League.
• This girls only league will be played during the week against other female-only teams from our NEPSAY recreational travel partners.
• The program was piloted last season with great success, and we are looking forward to being able to offer this great opportunity during our 2024 season.
• Games are tentatively scheduled for Thursdays evenings in North Pocono at Covington Park, locations may (or may not) change/vary.
• Coaches schedule the location/time/days of weekly practices.
• It is structured to play 9V9.

Our 4U division is about exposing children to soccer and the basic skills needed to get started! The children are introduced to soccer skills like kicking and dribbling in a fun and nurturing environment. Best of all, they find out that soccer is something they can do! It will feature our academy program offering skills and scrimmages. Teams are accompanied by parent volunteer coaches through a series of stations composed of drills and games related to skill development. One station will be designated for a scrimmage. The season closes with our annual Olympics.

Our 6U division is about exposing children to soccer as a game, without the pressure to win. This division builds on the 4U experience as players continue to be introduced to soccer skills, all while learning the basics of the game. Players will be assigned a team with two volunteer coaches. Coaches schedule one team practice per week. The season will close with our annual Olympics.

Our 8U and 10U divisions continue to advance our players skills and knowledge of soccer through the support and leadership of volunteer coaches (two per team). Practice for these divisions may begin mid-August. Practice days, times and frequency are determined by the coach. The season closes with a Tournament played over TWO a Saturday and Sunday.

Our 12U division is a part of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Soccer Association for Youth's (NEPSAY) recreational travel. WYSL participates with approx. 13 other leagues in 8 weeks of soccer that aim to continue to advance our young athletes for the next level of play. 12U is currently structured as standard 11v11 play, but it could be restructured to support 9v9 this upcoming season. Practice for 12U may begin early-to-mid August and the first game is expected to kick off August 24th (games will be away due to GDS Fair). The 12U season will end with the Commissioner's Cup, which is usually played the last weekend in October or the first weekend in November - all 12U teams play in the tournament and could play both Saturday and Sunday.

In order to be able to organize teams in a timely manner, we will need coaches. The online registration form will provide an opportunity for coaches to sign up. If you are able to coach a team, we highly encourage you to do so! It is important to understand that if we do not have enough coaches it will impact the league’s ability to form a 2024 season. Want to coach, but unsure of what it takes? WYSL vows to support all coaches, new and experienced. We have THE BEST Coaching Coordinator (Coach Bonagura) in Northeast PA as well as tons of resources to help you along the way! Coaches will be required to submit clearances as per state and federal laws. PA Clearances are good for 5 years and the Concussion Certificate and Safe Sport Certificate both have to be renewed on an annual basis.

The role of volunteers cannot be overstated! We are in need of committed adults who are willing to give what it takes to keep WYSL running at its best! This season, we will be reinstating a non-volunteer fee of $25 per family. We understand that coaching may not be possible for everyone, but there are several other ways to contribute. We kindly request that you consider taking on one of our many volunteer roles during the registration process. 

Registration pays for:

• Jersey, shorts, socks for each player
• SAY club dues (liability insurance)
• NEPSAY dues
• Referees
• Paint for field lines
• Equipment replacement
• Trophies and Medals
• No refunds after registration closes.