HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE
Looking Forward to 2025
CREDITS
PUBLISHED BY:
Eastern Pennsylvania
Youth Soccer
4070 Butler Pike, Suite 100
Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462
Chris Branscome Chief Executive Officer, Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer
It’s fun to look back and then forward. Ten years go by in a blink. I hope these next five years are as fun
and exciting as I imagine.
Hard to believe, but we’re halfway through the decade. The last 5 years were like no other. Back then, we were heading into the roaring twenties with a full head of steam, the future was bright and very promising. Then, we had a little setback in 2020 and took the spring and summer off. We’ve had a gradual comeback, and things are now back to normal. So much so that we are one of the few state associations in the country that have made a full recovery with all our players back and even looking at a bit of growth. Thanks to all of you who made it happen. Thanks to all of you who love and support our game.
As we head into the second half of the 20’s we’re starting off with another 5 years like no other. This time way more fun and positive. In January, we start with the Indoor cupone of the longest running tournaments throughout the state. In February, we host our Awards Banquet and Annual General Meeting in King of Prussia. It’s a great weekend to recognize many incredible people, teams and their achievements. We roll into Outdoor Cup season and return to the WSFS Sportsplex for the finals. In June, we are proudly hosting the US Youth Soccer Eastern Presidents Cup Finals for the second time in three years at the Proving Grounds. Also starting in June 2025, Eastern Pennsylvania and Philadelphia welcome the best professional soccer clubs in the world as the FIFA Club World Cup comes to Lincoln Financial Field. It will mark the beginning of a stretch of world class soccer being played in America, such as we’ve never seen. The FIFA Club World Cup will be followed by the main event, the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with six games at the Linc, finishing with a round of 16 match up on Independence Day (as we celebrate the country’s 250th no less). Undoubtedly, Philadelphia will remain a destination for top European clubs for their 2027 pre-season, but then in 2028, Los Angeles will host the Olympic Games. Three of the world’s biggest events, soccer or otherwise, will be played in our country and in our backyard. I could only imagine that decades ago.
What this sets us up for is an unbelievable 2030’s! It’s not too early to think of it. Imagine the potential legacy of these incredible events and the opportunity they create. Imagine how many new fans and new players will develop over the next four years. Imagine where you might be in 2030 and the role you can play in growing the game. Imagine your club in 2030. Imagine yourself playing in 2030 or evolving into a coach or a referee.
It’s fun to look back and then forward. Ten years go by in a blink. I hope these next five years are as fun and exciting as I imagine. In the meantime, enjoy the holiday season and the remainder of 2024. Thanks again for a wonderful year and here’s to a great 2025!
Phone: 610-238-9966
Fax: 610-238-9933
E-mail: info@EPYSA.org Website: EPYSA.org
EXECUTIVE BOARD
President - Lennie Brown
First Vice PresidentMelissa Murphy Weber
Second Vice PresidentBill Fuller
Treasurer- Jim Brown
SecretaryBill Ross
At-Large - Jim Christian
At-Large - John Mickle
State Youth Referee
Administrator - Jeff Tener
District 1 CommissionerJeff Tener
District 2 CommissionerRachel Gallegos
District 3 CommissionerTBA
District 4 CommissionerEric McKitish
District 5 CommissionerScott Merritt
District 6 CommissionerPhil Frederick
OFFICE STAFF
Chief Executive Officer –Chris Branscome
Chief Operating Officer –Kelly Connor
Technical Director –Gary Stephenson
Assistant Technical Director –Fernando Carrizo
Assistant Technical Director –Anna-Kate DePaolo
Director of Operations –Leo Kelly
Registration Specialist –Meghan Petroski
Grassroots Soccer Manager –JT Dorsey
Outreach/Grassroots Soccer Specialist –Mallory O’Riordan
State Cup Manager –David Jones
Director of Communications –Morgan Weindel
TOUCHLINE
Editor-in-Chief –Chris Branscome
Editors – Catie Branscome, Morgan Weindel
Photography – Catie Branscome
and printed by
SCORE EXTRA SAVINGS
Get Ready for the U.S. Youth Soccer Eastern Presidents Cup!
THE PRESTIGIOUS EVENT RETURNS TO MONTGOMERY COUNTY!
In case you haven’t heard, we’ve got some exciting news for the local soccer community—the US Youth Soccer Eastern Presidents Cup is returning to Montgomery County in 2025! After the success of the 2023 tournament, we’re thrilled to announce that Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer will once again partner with The Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board (VFTCB) and Valley Forge Sports to bring this prestigious event to our region.
The 2025 Eastern Presidents Cup will take place from June 13-17 at The Proving Grounds in Conshohocken, PA. This fiveday competition will see around 140 teams and over 3,000 players, coaches, and referees from across the eastern United States come together to compete in one of the highest-level events on the youth soccer calendar.
For those who may not be familiar, the Eastern Presidents Cup is part of the US Youth Soccer Presidents Cup, which features top teams from across the country battling it out in regional competitions for a spot at the U.S. Youth Soccer National Presidents Cup. The Eastern event, which is one of four regional tournaments, will be the perfect opportunity for local players to showcase their skills and for fans to enjoy some high-quality soccer right in our backyard.
Teams from 15 different state associations, including Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Virginia will be participating, and the competition will be fierce. The first three days will feature group play, with each team playing one game per day across 16 fields at The Proving Grounds. After the group stage, the top teams will advance to the semi-finals on day four and the finals on day five, with each match sure to be packed with excitement.
The 2023 Eastern Presidents Cup made a huge impact on Montgomery County, bringing in around $5 million in economic benefits. Local businesses, hotels, and restaurants saw a big boost from the 2023 tournament, with about 5,000 room nights booked throughout the event. The 2025 tournament is expected to have an even greater economic impact, benefiting both our region’s economy and the vibrant soccer community here.
For Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer, bringing the Eastern Presidents Cup back to our area is a chance to continue our tradition of hosting world-class soccer events.
As the fifth-largest State Soccer Association in the country, our mission is to grow the game of soccer and provide more opportunities for players at all levels to develop and thrive.
Under the leadership of Chris Branscome, who will chair the local organizing committee alongside partners from VFTCB and Valley Forge Sports, we are committed to delivering an exceptional experience for all involved—players, families, coaches, and fans. With the continued success of our soccer programs, we are confident that the 2025 Eastern Presidents Cup will be another unforgettable event, bringing together the best of soccer and community.
As we gear up for this exciting event, we encourage everyone—whether you’re a player, parent, coach, or fan—to mark your calendars for June 13-17, 2025, and join us at The Proving Grounds to witness some of the best youth soccer teams from across the region. With top-level competition, a fantastic venue, and the beauty of Montgomery County, this is one event you won’t want to miss!
ANNUAL AWARDS BANQUET
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE 2025 CUPS
2025 Indoor Cup
Don’t miss your chance to compete in the 2025 Indoor Cup! Whether your team is looking to sharpen its skills during the off-season or take home the gold, this tournament is your chance to shine.
The 2025 Indoor Cup, which will take place at In The Net Sports Complex in Palmyra, PA, is a series of one-day tournaments that determines state champions from the under-9 to under-19 age groups. With two levels of play in each age group, the Indoor Cup is the best way for teams to challenge themselves against statewide competition between the fall and spring seasons. Each team is guaranteed three games, with the winners in each age group taking home medals. U9, U10, U13-14 and U19 will compete from January 25-26 while U11-U12, U15-17 will compete from February 1-2.
INTERESTED IN JOINING? SCAN THE QR CODE OR VISIT EPYSA. ORG/2025-INDOOR-CUP/
2025 State Cups
The 2025 Eastern Pennsylvania State Cups are fast approaching. Similar to 2024, this year’s competition will feature a three-tiered structure: the National Championship Series (NCS), Presidents Cup, and Challenge Cup, each offering a different level of play beginning on March 22.
Winners from the NCS State Cup and Presidents Cup will have the opportunity to advance to the regional tournaments, while the Challenge Cup teams will compete solely at the state level. The 2025 State Cup Finals will be held at WSFS Bank Sportsplex in Chester, the training home of the Philadelphia Union from May 17-18. Registration is now open, so get ready to join the action.
REGISTER NOW USING THE QR
2025 INDOOR CUP SCHEDULE
U9, U10, U13-14, U19
January 25-26
U11-U12, U15-17
February 1-2
2025 STATE CUP FINALS SCHEDULE
MAY 16-18
U.S. Soccer Launches “Soccer Ecosystem” Review to Further Grow the Game
IN SEPTEMBER 2023, U.S. SOCCER
President Cindy Cone and CEO JT Batson released their strategic vision for soccer in America. With the FIFA Club World Cup in 2025, the FIFA World Cup in 2026, and the Olympics in Los Angeles in 2028 we have a unique, once in a generation opportunity in front of us. This will be the most consequential era in U.S. soccer history.
Throughout much of 2023, U.S. Soccer staff engaged constituents in various discussions and surveys. Their research revealed five key pillars essential to achieving their strategic. These pillars will serve as the foundation for advancing their programs forward:
• Grow the game.
• Foster the best playing environments.
• Develop winning teams.
• Grow the soccer economy to fuel reinvestment.
• Create a world-class organization. The “ecosystem review” was born out of this strategic vision. The ”ecosystem,” in short, is all of the various members that register players and oversee competition within U.S. Soccer, nationally and locally, as well as unaffiliated groups. Wherever and however soccer is played, it’s part of this ecosystem. A phrase often used in these discussions, is “all soccer is soccer.” This review focuses on the two parts of the strategic vision, grow the game and foster the best playing environments. The goal of this review is to empower the ecosystem to make soccer the #1 sport for the next generation.
For the purposes of the review, the ecosystem has been broken into four distinct player groups:
• Recreational (Millions of Participants): Soccer played for the foundational understanding of the game or as a leisure / social activity as the desired experience
• Competitive (Hundreds of Thousands of Participants): Soccer played for more competitive competition and development with an aspiration to reach the next level
• Pre-Professional (10,000+ Participants): Highest level of amateur competition and development with a focus on reaching the professional / national level
• Professional (~4,500 Participants): The top level of soccer – beyond U.S. National team – that meets rigorous standards of competition and development
Each has its own working group made up from selected members of the soccer community. Coaching education, player/talent identification, training environments, aligned calendars, professional development, standards and more are being discussed within each group, relative to their assigned group. Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer’s CEO Chris Branscome is a member of the pre-professional working group serving alongside representatives from MLS, NWSL, USL, US Club Soccer, ECNL and the Girls Academy.
“The process has been enlightening. Engaging and collaborating with these esteemed colleagues from the other organizations shows we have far more similarities than differences. Each is committed to moving our game forward and providing better opportunities for any player at any level,” said Branscome.
“Achieving Cindy and JT’s goals requires better development and support for coaches, players and administrators starting at our level. I believe we do a good job throughout Eastern Pennsylvania, but there’s always room for growth. With Philadelphia being a host city in 2026, we need to take full advantage of this moment and the opportunities it will present to change the trajectory of our sport.”
This review has fostered a collaborative spirit among the various national youth organizations like never before. Although not a part of the formal process, each organization’s representatives have found common ground. Sharing best practices and ideas has been a byproduct of these working groups outside of the scheduled meetings. Further information and recommendations will be made available as the review moves forward throughout 2025.
Branscome added, “The goal for me is to take the information gained from this process and find ways to integrate it in Eastern Pennsylvania and then generate opportunities for all of us to grow the game. We need to make the most of this opportunity to bring new people -players, coaches, referees and administrators and fans- into the sport.
U.S. Soccer President Cindy Cone
FROM DREAMS TO REALITY
Isabella Stankunas’ Experience at the 2024 IFCPF World Cup
For Isabella Stankunas, stepping onto the global stage of the 2024 International Federation of Cerebral Palsy Football (IFCPF) World Cup was a dream come true, though not without its challenges and eye-opening moments. The Eastern Pennsylvania native, now planning to attend West Chester University, shared her journey to Spain, offering a glimpse into the life of a player competing at one of the highest levels of adaptive soccer.
“It was my first World Cup, and it was my first time playing an official match on a 5v5 field,” Stankunas said, recalling the adjustment from the traditional 11v11 setup she’d played on her entire life. “It was a big change for me... running non-stop, figuring out spacing with just three other field players. It was a lot to get used to, but it was good.”
experience was connecting with players from other countries.
“It was nice to see people from other countries and learn about their stories and experiences and how they got to where they are with their country’s CP national teams,” she explained. “On the field, we were competitors, but off the field, we were friendly. We’d talk to each other around the village where we stayed.”
The experience taught Stankunas more than just soccer skills and competing on the field – it also shaped her as a person. Having spent much of the summer and early fall traveling for soccer, including a stint in Ireland, she learned a lot about independence. “Being by myself helped me grow,” she said. “It’s prepared me for college.”
On the field, the competition was fierce, but Stankunas’ favorite memory remains a soccer one: starting in the match against Australia and scoring the team’s only goal. “We lost 3-1, but it was still a really cool moment for me.”
For Isabella, the World Cup was a testament to resilience and determination, not just for herself but for anyone with a disability. “Whether you have a disability or not, you can still play soccer and do day-to-day things.”
For more information visit ussoccer.com/ adaptandthrive and ussoccer.com/ organizationmembers-directory/ disabled-serviceorganizations
The tournament and the trip to Spain was more than just about soccer. For Stankunas, one of the most memorable parts of the Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer is committed to supporting players with disabilities and is here to assist with programming for kids of all abilities. If you are a player with a disability or know someone who is, reach out to us at akdepaolo@epysa.org.
She credits her success to her coaches and her dad, who made sure she was always prepared, even when they were apart. “A big shoutout to my coaching staff that helped me along the away and of course my dad, who made sure I was training when we weren’t together and made sure I was prepared for the World Cup.”
Team USA came into the tournament with high hopes as the reigning World Cup Champions from 2022. Their journey began a month prior with an international trip to train and play friendlies in Ireland. On this trip, the USA returned home with dominant wins over Denmark and Ireland. Their success continued in Spain for the World Cup with a decisive 9-2 win over Ireland. However, the competition intensified when they faced Australia. Stankunas scored the lone goal in their group-stage match, but team USA fell 3-1.
Team USA bounced back with victories over Denmark and Japan, but the final match proved to be too tough. Despite their best efforts, Team USA fell 6-2 in the championship against Australia, finishing as runners-up.
“Australia came more prepared than us,” Stankunas expressed, “and we learned how important it is to always be prepared and ready for whatever comes at us.”
Looking ahead, Stankunas hopes to continue her soccer journey, her vision is on the next CP World Cup in 2026. Until then, it’s a waiting game and anticipating future national team camps and friendlies to stay sharp. For this young athlete, the CP World Cup was just the beginning – a chance to showcase her talent, represent her country and inspire others to pursue their dreams, no matter the obstacles.
NEW YEAR, NEW YOU Coach’s Insight on How Top Athletes Prepare for a New Season
By Anna-Kate DePaolo, Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Assistant Technical Director, Former NCAA Division III Coach, Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, M.S. Sports Psychology
Reflect and Evaluate
What Top Athletes Do: Top players review past performances, noting strengths and areas to improve, such as finishing in high-pressure situations or maintaining game-like endurance.
HOW YOU CAN DO IT TOO:
• Ask coaches for detailed feedback.
• Watch game film to analyze your play.
• Seek constructive input from parents or teammates.
Create Goals & a Plan
What Top Athletes Do: Elite athletes set personalized training goals focusing on fitness, strength, and technical skill development.
HOW YOU CAN DO IT TOO:
• Write down specific, measurable goals.
• Track progress with a journal or app.
• Adjust training as needed based on your performance.
Improve Mindset & Motivation
What Top Athletes Do: Elite players develop mental toughness to stay confident and focused throughout the season.
HOW YOU CAN DO IT TOO:
• Practice breathing exercises or meditation.
• Use visualization to picture success.
• Try positive self-talk before games and practices.
WINTER WARRIORS
INDOOR DRILLS TO KEEP YOU SHARP
Aoutdoor fields become harder to access, it’s the perfect time to focus on indoor training. Winter workouts offer an opportunity to sharpen skills, improve fitness, and stay ready for the next season. These simple exercises can be done with minimal equipment and space, so you can keep training no matter where you are.
From mastering control to boosting agility, winter drills don’t just keep you busy – they help build the foundation for success when the outdoor season starts. With these easy-to-follow drills, you can make the most of your indoor sessions, staying sharp and ready to take on any challenge once the weather warms up. Here’s a list of some simple indoor drills to keep you moving and improving all winter long.
1 2 3
Passing & Receiving
Pass the ball against a wall and control it on the rebound. Focus on using both feet and different types of passes – inside foot, outside foot, etc.
Ball Control
Practice juggling to improve ball control and coordination. Start with small touches, then gradually increase the difficulty.
Dribbling
Set up cones in a zig-zag pattern, and weave through them to improve quick foot movements and balance.
Fitness & Conditioning
4
5
Add lunges to your workout routine to work on leg strength and balance. To improve core strength and arm endurance, add plank to pushup to your workouts, starting in a plank position and then transitioning to a push-up position.
Endurance
Combine multiple exercises like jumping jacks, burpees, and mountain climbers in a circuit to keep players moving and building endurance.
WINTER MAY BE THE time to move indoors, but it doesn’t have to mean stepping away from the game you love. By incorporating these drills into your routine, you can stay connected to soccer, maintain your fitness, and continue building essential skills even in the offseason. These exercises are not only practice but also a fun way to keep your passion for the game alive during the colder months.
When spring comes around and it’s time to hit the field again, you’ll notice the difference that consistent indoor training can make. So, grab a ball, clear some space, and get started on your winter workout journey. Every touch, pass, and exercise brings you one step closer to elevating your game when it matters most.
YOUR GAME, YOUR STORY
There’s a story behind every moment, and we’d love to share yours! Remember to share your photos or videos with us by sending a DM on social media at @EPAYouthSoccer or emailing marketing@epysa.org.
In October, we wear pink
Submitted by: Colonial Soccer Club
#EPAYouthSoccerFam
Submitted by: Lauren Nolan
Photos from Salone FC’s Grow the Game Festival
Submitted by: JT Dorsey, Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Grassroots Manager
#EPAYouthSoccerBFFs
Submitted by: Mallory Phillips
Nether United is one of 18 clubs selected for US Youth Soccer’s In the Game Format Project!
Submitted by: Sam Griggs, Executive Director 1776 United FC + Nether United FC
Youth soccer players from VE Lowinnen and YMS came together during their game to raise awareness for childhood cancer.
Submitted by: Rob Kelly, head coach of the 2010 girls VE Lowinnen
We had a blast at our clinics this week
Submitted by: Mallory O’Riordan, Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Outreach/Grassroots Soccer Specialist
Easterseals provides holistic autism and early intervention services in Southeastern Pennsylvania that are focused on meeting the unique needs of every child and family we serve.
Learn more about our programs at: www.easterseals-sepa.org
Veo Cam 3
Get 200$ off through our partnership through Veo
DECEMBER
QUARTERLY CALENDAR
FEBRUARY
Dec. 8 ODP Training
Dec. 15 ODP Training
Dec. 22-Feb. 16 U.S. Soccer D Course (Host PA Rush) - Doylestown, PA
Dec. 31 Grow the Game Grant Application Deadline
JANUARY
Jan. 1 New Years Day – State Office Closed
Jan. 3-6 ODP Far West Championships (U15-17 Boys & Girls) – Mesa, AZ
Jan. 5-Mar. 3 U.S. Soccer D Course (Host Lewisburg SC) - Milton, PA
Jan. 5 Grassroots In-Person 7v7 Course (Host PASC) - Phoenixville, PA
Jan. 8-12 USYS Coaches Convention Chicago, IL
Jan. 11 Grassroots In-Person 7v7 & 9v9 Courses (Host Windsor Township Rec) - Red Lion, PA
Jan. 18-19 ODP Friendly Play Day – Palmyra, PA
Jan. 25-26 U9, U10, U13-14, U19 Indoor Cup - Palmyra, PA
Feb. 1 Grassroots In-Person 7v7 (Host Southern Lehigh SC)Center Valley, PA
Feb. 1-2 U11-U12, U15-17 Indoor Cup In the Net, Palmyra, PA
Feb. 2 ODP Training
Feb. 7 2025 Annual Awards Banquet
Feb. 8 2025 Annual General Meeting
Feb. 17 Presidents Day – State Office Closed
Feb. 21-23 ODP Virigina Friendlies (U12-14 Teams)
Feb. 27 U.S. Soccer AGM – Atlanta, GA
MARCH
Mar. 1
Grassroots In-Person Courses 9v9 & 11v11 (Host BSYSA) - Newville, PA
Mar. 9 ODP Training
Mar. 15 Grassroots In-Person 9v9 (Host Manheim Township SC)Lancaster, PA
