The LIJSL Academy has announced changes to the Academy East programming starting in 2026.
At the U11-U12 age groups for boys and girls, there will now be USL Youth teams that will train and play out of Mastic under the LIJSL Academy USL Youth program banner. Tryouts for the teams have been set for November.
The U9-U10 age groups for Academy East will continue to operate as they have traditionally, providing players with training sessions followed by a pair of summer tournaments. More information on tryouts for the program will be announced in the future.
This change opens up more opportunities for deserving players in the eastern part of Long Island to compete on the USL Youth level and also alleviates travel distances to training sessions to better serve those players.
“I think that introducing USL Youth play to our Academy East program will give those players an excellent opportunity to play competitive games consistently throughout the summer,” LIJSL Academy Director Ronan Wiseman said.
The Academy East teams had a strong showing last summer, with teams winning titles at both the Seaside Classic in Rhode Island and the LIJSL-hosted Liberty Cup Long Island in Brentwood.
“We’re thrilled to bring USL Youth to Academy East,” LIJSL Academy East Director Andreas Lindberg said. “This is a fantastic step forward for youth soccer players on the East End – giving them access to a national platform, elite competition, and a true pathway to the next level. It’s an exciting time for our community and for the game.”
Tryout information and registration for interested players is below:
November 22 & 23 (Boys Only) @ Dayton Ave School
1 pm – 2:30 pm – BU11
2:30 pm – 4 pm BU12
BU11 players born between
August 1, 2015 – July 31, 2016
BU12 players born between
August 1, 2014 – July 31, 2015
December 6-7 (Girls Only) @ Dayton Ave School
10am – 11:30am – GU11
11:30am – 1pm – GU12
GU11 players born between
August 1, 2015 – July 31, 2016
GU12 players born between
August 1, 2014 – July 31, 2015
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Any further questions about the LIJSL Academy USL Youth program can be sent to LIJSL Academy Administrator EJ Schwarz.
