The LIJSL Academy claimed the first national title for the program at the 2025 Electrolit USL Youth Finals. The U15 Girls went unbeaten in Tampa, Fla., to take home silverware.
“Winning a national title is an achievement every player and coach hopes to experience at some point in their career,” Coach Salma Tarik said. “Our goal was to make history by accomplishing something that had never been done before, becoming national champions! This required belief, commitment, and trust in one another – belief that this team could go all the way.
“Achieving a national championship is something only a small percentage of teams will ever experience, and we are truly blessed to call ourselves national champions. This success was a complete team effort, with all 15 players contributing to reaching the highest level possible. This is a moment we will cherish forever and never forget.”
Over the course of the Finals from December 11-15 at the Tournament Sportsplex of Tampa Bay, the girls won three games with one draw en route to being crowned champions.
“I think it’s a wonderful achievement by the players and coach, and having witnessed the games first hand they were well-deserved winners,” LIJSL Academy Director Ronan Wiseman said. “They overcame some very tough opponents with a roster that was smaller than their competition and came out on top.”
LIJSL Academy’s Ava Manfredi also earned Most Valuable Player honors for the U15 Girls bracket.
Two other LIJSL Academy teams competed at this year’s USL Youth Finals as well in the U12 Boys bracket, but they were unable to advance through the group stage.
The LIJSL Academy recently held tryouts, but interested players can stay tuned for future opportunities to join the program.