Erie Youth Soccer Association

What ages and program levels does Erie Youth Soccer Association offer?EYSA registers girls and boys from age 4 through 17, using age as of September 1 of the current season. Younger divisions are co-ed; older brackets split into boys and girls teams, including middle school and high school girls and high school boys with an upper-age cutoff so players turning 18 before September 1 are not eligible in that boys bracket. Players may play up but not down. Many 12U, 14U, middle school/high school girls, and high school boys players may join two age divisions when roster rules allow. A separate four-year-old learn-to-play program at JS Wilson introduces basics with four May practices and eight June–July games.

Where does EYSA train or play?Teams practice and play across Erie County at community and school sites that have included JS Wilson, Harborcreek Community Park, Penn State Behrend turf, Summit, Frontier, McDowell, Walnut Creek, Fairview, McKean, Edinboro/Wainer Park, and other area fields. Assignment depends on age group and geographic area; after rosters are announced, families should follow the schedule and location the coach provides. Weeknight games usually begin after 5:30 p.m., Saturday games often start around 9 a.m., and Sunday games often start around noon, subject to field-specific scheduling.

When is registration and how does the season run?Area directors begin building teams in late March and announce rosters in late April. Families are encouraged to register by about April 1; registering before that date has sometimes entered families in a drawing for free registration. Practices may start May 1 depending on coaches, with shirts and game schedules typically distributed near the end of May. League games run June through July with about twelve games per team and a short Fourth of July break. Notifications flow through SportsEngine. Late registration is only possible if a spot exists in the child’s age group—call +1 814-835-2185 or an area director to ask.

What does registration or the four-year-old program cost?The standalone four-year-old learn-to-play program costs $75 per player and includes a team shirt and a size 3 ball. Fees for other age divisions change by season and appear when families complete the SportsEngine player registration for the active year.

What is EYSA’s philosophy or code of conduct?EYSA is a volunteer organization focused on teaching soccer in a developmental, fun environment without honoring individual or team awards inside the association. Families are asked to support every player’s effort and model sportsmanship. Players learn skills and rules while practicing responsible behavior; coaches, referees, field leadership, parents, and spectators are expected to stay civil, with coaches able to remove players and referees able to warn or eject anyone who will not comply.

Are scholarships or fee help available?Each year the association awards two large scholarships in memory of Rand Garrity—one to a boy and one to a girl over age 16 who meet the application requirements. Families who need fee assistance for the season should ask their area director or call +1 814-835-2185 about the annual player hardship application.

How can families contact the club or register?Use the season’s SportsEngine registration links for players, coaches, volunteers, referees, field generals, or sponsors. General league questions or late-registration openings: +1 814-835-2185. After teams are assigned, start with the area director for your zone. For the four-year-old program only: +1 814-572-4337 or eysaarea1@gmail.com.