Last weekend, selected LIJSL teams began their journey to the Richmond Virginia area, and USYS League Championship Playoffs.
Serving as an additional pathway to the USYS Regionals, USYS League Championship is an exclusive competition for U13 – U19 LIJSL registered teams. Participating teams play upwards of six (6) matches (with potential local playoff) in group stage format with the group winner advancing to the USYS League Championship Playoffs on Saturday, May 22nd and Sunday, May 23rd at the River City Sportsplex in Midlothian, Virginia.
“We are excited for our teams to participate in this new program offered by U.S. Youth Soccer,” stated LIJSL Technical Director Ronan Wiseman. “The journey to Regionals is a difficult process that can be disrupted by a simple mistake or one poor performance, this program gives teams an extra opportunity to qualify for Regionals” he added.
At the League Championship Playoffs, LIJSL teams will be facing off against some of the strongest competition on the East Coast, with opposition coming from the Club Champions League (Virginia/West Virginia/Md.), Club Champions League New England (Mass.), and the National Capital Soccer League (Md./D.C.).
“Massapequa SC is pleased to participate in the USYS League Championship competition,” said Paul Bigilin, Massapequa SC Director of Coaching. “The club rostering and flexible scheduling allows us to better manage a condensed spring season, while affording a broader range of players within our club the opportunity to participate in a pathway to the USYS Regionals that ordinarily would not have been offered to them,” Bigilin added.
League Championship provides participating teams with scheduling flexibility, nominal costs, and limited travel along with a competitive balance in level of play.
“Smithtown Slammers are excited to have an opportunity to gain an additional pathway to USYS Regional and National Championships. Our club has had great success in the USYS competitions and we are looking forward to competing with the very best youth teams in the Northeast region” Tommy Lips, Smithtown Slammers Director of Coaching.
As teams continue to battle it out on the pitch, they are eyeing USYS League Championship playoffs which begin on Saturday, May 1st.
“Participating in USYS League Championship which is provided exclusively to LIJSL member clubs, is a great opportunity for us to compete on a different level of soccer. It gives us avenues which will provide our players with a challenging and healthy environment. Getting an additional chance to compete on a Regional level is a very attractive opportunity for us,” Manfred Kapper, Merrick PAL Director of Coaching.
For more information on USYS League Championship:
Please contact LIJSL Technical Director, Ronan Wiseman