Long Island Junior Soccer League (LIJSL)
As one of the largest youth soccer leagues in the United States, the Long Island Junior Soccer League (LIJSL) is an excellent option for young soccer players on Long Island, New York. With over 100 member clubs, 5,000+ volunteers, and more than 50,000 registered player-families, the LIJSL fosters growth and development of youth through the sport of soccer
Established in 1966, the LIJSL is a non-profit, educational organization, and its mission is to foster the growth and development of youth soccer players on Long Island. The league offers a variety of programs, including travel soccer, intramural soccer, and the LIJSL Academy program.
The LIJSL Academy program has recently been expanded to make it easier for players to train, and it is now divided into East and West. The program is designed to provide young soccer players with advanced training and development opportunities to help them reach their full potential.
The LIJSL has grown from eight clubs at its inception to over 100 member clubs, making it one of the largest youth soccer leagues in the United States. Its commitment to the growth and development of youth through the sport of soccer has helped it become a leading organization in the soccer community
Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA)
In addition to the LIJSL, there are several other youth soccer league options on Long Island, including the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA).
The Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) is the official youth soccer association of the United States Soccer Federation and the United States Youth Soccer. ENYYSA is a 501c(3) public benefit corporation that is nearing 100,000 members and has over 25,000 volunteers. One of the leagues affiliated with ENYYSA is the Long Island Junior Soccer League (LIJSL).
ENYYSA also highlights the Long Island Soccer Football League (LISFL), which kicked off play in 1948 and has a long history of soccer in the area. In its early days, LISFL had many men players who were born in foreign countries. Now, the league has evolved to include players of all ages and backgrounds.
Overall, ENYYSA and its affiliated leagues, including LIJSL, play an essential role in promoting youth soccer and providing opportunities for young players to develop their skills and love for the sport on Long Island.
The ENYYSA ODP Soccer Program
The Olympic Development Program (ODP) is a program offered by US Youth Soccer to identify and develop elite soccer players at the state, regional, and national levels. The program is available on Long Island through the ENYYSA.
ENYYSA offers ODP tryouts on an annual basis during the fall season, where players are selected based on their technique, tactical ability, fitness/athleticism, and attitude . Selected players have the opportunity to participate in ODP National Select Team Rosters, game videos, and video download instructions, which are provided by US Youth Soccer to support the development of elite players .