TRAIN LIKE THE PROS
Scan the QR Code to browse our training line.
Training Equipment trusted by U.S. Soccer built to develop the next generation of players
The ultimate portable training goal for small-sided games.
COACHING STICKS
Create dynamic drills and work on technical skills with an without the ball.
TRAINING OPPONENT MANNEQUINS (TOMS
Build realistic attacking and defensive scenarios.
EFR-1 REBOUNDER
) Improve first touch and close control.
Welcome to Spring Soccer Season
Welcome to the spring soccer season, one of the best times of the year to play the game. There’s an energy you feel the moment you step back onto the grass after a long, cold winter. For some players, it’s a fresh start. A chance to improve, compete, and most importantly, enjoy the game.
Spring always brings excitement, but this year feels a little different. With the FIFA World Cup less than 100 days away, there’s a buzz building that’s hard to ignore, I know I can’t. Our city is getting ready to welcome the world, and that’s something truly special. For young players, this is more than just watching games on TV. It’s a chance to feel connected to the global game: to grow your understanding, sharpen your skills, and experience soccer in a way you may have never felt before. Take every opportunity to immerse yourself in what’s ahead. The events and opportunities throughout the Eastern Pennsylvania communities will be unmatched.
With our State Cups are underway, that excitement is already showing itself. It’s one of the highlights of our season every year, and we’re all looking forward to an exciting finish with finals coming up in May. These are the moments players remember.
The thrilling times ahead should remind us all why we fell in love with the game in the first place. We’re about to see that joy fill the fields, the sidelines, and the streets right here in our own backyard. And the excitement won’t be limited to Lincoln Financial Field. I hope to see many of you at Lemon Hill for the FIFA Fan Festival, but there will be celebrations and watch parties across the state so everyone can be part of it.
You don’t need to be in Philadelphia to experience the event of a lifetime—this World Cup belongs to all of us. It’s in our backyard. And as I always say, there’s never been a better time to be part of the game.
Quarterly Calendar
April 19 Grassroots In-Person 9v9 (Host Fusion FC) - Etters, PA
April 26 Coach for Community (Host Colonial SC) – Conshohocken, PA
May 8
May 10
May 16
May 15-17
May 30
May 31
June 5-7
Soccer Festival – Lebanon, PA
D License – Ambler, PA
Rec Festival – Reading, PA
Cups Finals – WSFS Sportsplex
Finnegan Spring Festival – Philadelphia, PA
D License – Yardley, PA
Boys East Regional Tournament – Lancaster, PA
June 5-7 ODP Girls East Regional Tournament – Tuckahoe Farm, NJ
June 6 Kensington We Belong Festival – Philadelphia, PA
June 13
In-Person 7v7 (Host Council Rock United Soccer) – Richboro, PA
PUBLISHED BY:
Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer 4070 Butler Pike, Suite 100 Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462
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 - Tim Murphy
At-Large - John Mickle
District 1 CommissionerJeff Tener
District 2 CommissionerRachel Gallegos
District 3 CommissionerGary Blockus
District 4 CommissionerEric McKitish
District 5 CommissionerScott Merritt
District 6 CommissionerChristina Loss
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
Director of Registration Services –Meghan Petroski
Director of Soccer Development –JT Dorsey
Outreach/Grassroots Soccer Specialist –Mallory O’Riordan
Director of Competitions –David Jones
Director of Communications –Morgan Weindel
Director of Marketing & Events –Karly Kaminsky
TOUCHLINE
Editor-in-Chief –Chris Branscome
Editors – Catie Branscome, Morgan Weindel
Photography – Catie Branscome
Designed and printed by A.E. Engine, Inc.
www.ae-engine.com
SCAN
TEAM USA GEAR, SOCCER EQUIPMENT, CLEATS AND MORE FOR THE BIG TOURNAMENT
2026 AWARDS
Award Winners
Administrator of the Year
Irene Dobrin
Dynamo United & Penn Athletics
Volunteer of the Year
Janine & Pete Afflerbach
Harleysville FC
Boys Team of the Year
YMS 10B Premier United
Girls Team of the Year
Carlisle Area Youth Soccer
Cannons 07/08G
Boys Coach of the Year
Charlie Dodds
Lower Merion SC 007
Girls Coach of Year
Adam Freeman
Penn FC Youth 2007 F Black
D’Anjolell Award
Phoenixville Area Soccer Club
Mike Barr Excellence in Coaching Award
Antonio Bayon and Danielle Fagan
Service to Youth Award
Randy Garber and Mike Gorni
Service to Community Award
Carlos Najera
Young Referees of the Year
Taryn Ludwig and Michael Orlando
BANQUET
2026 Good Citizenship Award Winners
Logan Bock
Stephen Buczek
Emily Chi
Tyler Do
Carson Kramer
Kevin Levan
Drew Lucot
Alexa Misiolek
Bryan Nihart
Max Noh
Nathan Perley
Tessa Pirolli
Kaitlin Quinn
Cameron Rolph
Samantha Seager
Tyson Sippel
Bailey Walder
Clara Webb
2026 Grow the Game Grant Recipients
1776 United FC
Abington Community United
Blue Mountain Soccer Club
Carlisle Area Youth Soccer
Iona Soccer Club
Midway Manor Community Association
Pocono Mountain Youth Soccer Club
Pottsville Youth Soccer Association
South Middleton Soccer Association
Tamaqua Area Youth
Tri-Valley Youth Soccer Club
We were one of the first pediatric orthopedic programs in the country — and we’re still recognized as one of the best.
We help young athletes get back into the games they love, with individualized care plans to treat any type of sports-related health issue and meet each child’s specific goals.
Six Convenient Locations Across the Delaware Valley
Nemours Children’s Hospital
1600 Rockland Road Wilmington, DE 19803
Chase Fieldhouse
401 Garasches Lane Wilmington, DE 19801
Deptford
1280 Almonesson Road Deptford, NJ 08096
Glen Mills
101 Applied Bank Boulevard Suite 11
Glen Mills, PA 19342
Broomall
2932 Springfield Road
Broomall, PA 19008
Malvern
30 Worthington Boulevard Malvern, PA 19355 Call
YOUR STATE CUP MOMENTS
We want to see your best State Cup moments! Whether it’s a game-winning goal, a big save, an epic celebration, or your team’s sideline energy, send us your photos and videos from the tournament. Throughout State Cup, we’ll be sharing submissions on social media and hosting contests for categories like Best Goal, Best Celebration, and more. Winners will receive a prize and be featured on our social channels.
Submit your photos and videos to communications@epysa.org and you might see your moment highlighted during State Cup!
World Cup Fast Facts
Get to know the teams playing in Philadelphia!
The world is coming to Philadelphia for the 2026 FIFA World Cup! From historic powerhouses to rising nations, each country brings its own style of play, colors, and traditions to the World Cup stage. Check out this guide to learn more about the countries you’ll see at Lincoln Financial Field.
Côte d’Ivoire
NICKNAME:
Les Éléphants (The Elephants)
COLORS:
Orange, White, and Green
CHANT/CHEER:
Drum-heavy chants and rhythmic singing, often led by supporters with instruments
FUN FACT:
They won the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations on home soil in one of the most dramatic tournament runs ever.
KNOWN FOR:
Physical, fast, and powerful attacking play
LEGEND TO KNOW: Didier Drogba
Ecuador
NICKNAME: La Tri
COLORS:
Yellow, Blue, Red CHANT/CHEER:
“¡Sí se puede!” (“Yes we can!”)
FUN FACT:
One of the youngest squads in international soccer right now
KNOWN FOR: Speed, energy, and high pressing
PLAYER TO KNOW: Enner Valencia
Haiti
NICKNAME: Les Grenadiers (The Grenadiers)
COLORS: Blue, Red
CHANT/CHEER:
Call-and-response style chants with drums
FUN FACT: Their only World Cup appearance was in 1974
KNOWN FOR: Passion, resilience, and pride
PLAYER TO WATCH: Duckens Nazon
Brazil
NICKNAME: Seleção (The Selection)
COLORS: Yellow, Green, Blue
CHANT/CHEER: “Brasil! Brasil! Brasil!” + samba drums
FUN FACT: The only country to play in every World Cup ever.
KNOWN FOR: Skill, creativity, and flair (aka “samba soccer”)
LEGENDS: Pelé, Ronaldo, Ronaldinho
COLORS:
Blue, White, Red CHANT/CHEER:
“Allez Les Bleus!” (“Let’s go Blues!”)
FUN FACT:
Won the World Cup in 2018 and were runners-up in 2022
KNOWN FOR:
Depth, elite talent, and tactical strength
PLAYER TO KNOW: Kylian Mbappé
Red, White (checkered), Blue CHANT/CHEER:
“U boj, u boj!” (traditional chant) FUN FACT:
Finished runner-up in 2018 and third place in 2022
KNOWN FOR:
Technical midfield play and composure PLAYER TO KNOW: Luka Modrić
POSSIBLE OPPONENTS
Iraq
NICKNAME: Lions of Mesopotamia COLORS:
Red, White, Black CHANT/CHEER:
Emotional, unified chants often tied to national pride
FUN FACT: Won the 2007 AFC Asian Cup KNOWN FOR:
Grit and defensive discipline
PLAYER TO WATCH: Zidane Iqbal
NICKNAME:
Bolivia
La Verde (The Green) COLORS:
Green, Red, Yellow CHANT/CHEER:
Traditional chants with drums and horns
(The Blue Family)
COLORS:
Blue, Yellow
CHANT/CHEER:
Drum-led chants with Caribbean rhythm
FUN FACT:
Their program has grown rapidly in the last decade
KNOWN FOR:
Strong Dutch-influenced playing style
PLAYER TO WATCH: Leandro Bacuna
Red, Yellow, Green
CHANT/CHEER:
Drum-based chants + dancing in the stands
FUN FACT:
Reached the World Cup quarterfinals in 2010, the furthest ever for an African team (tied record)
KNOWN FOR:
Athleticism, speed, and attacking play
PLAYER TO WATCH: Mohammed Kudus
FUN FACT:
Their home games are played at one of the highest altitudes in the world KNOWN FOR:
Tough defense and unique playing conditions
PLAYER TO WATCH: Marcelo Martins Moreno
Suriname
NICKNAME: Natio
COLORS:
Red, Green, White
CHANT/CHEER:
European-style chanting mixed with Caribbean energy
FUN FACT:
Many players have connections to the Netherlands and play in European leagues
KNOWN FOR:
Technical skill and growing international presence
PLAYER TO WATCH: Sheraldo Becker
The Of cial Cheese of the Philadelphia Union
The Meals They’ll Ask for Again and Again
A grilled cheese that’s extra melty. Mac and cheese that’s creamy and craveable. The classics, made special. Because when you choose Cooper Sharp, you’re not just making dinner. You’re making their day.
Scan for recipe inspiration
DON’T LET RAIN STOP THE GAME!
Spring soccer season is exciting, but it can also be a little wet! April often brings rainy days, muddy fields, and slippery grass. But that doesn’t mean you have to stop playing! There are plenty of ways to stay active and keep improving your soccer skills—even when the weather is messy.
1
PRACTICE SKILLS INDOORS
If you have a little space inside your house, you can still work on your soccer touches. Try gentle toe taps on the ball, practice juggling, or dribble slowly around a few objects like shoes or cones. Even a few minutes a day can help improve your control.
WATCH AND LEARN
Another fun way to stay involved with soccer is to watch a game or highlights of great players. Pay attention to how they pass, move, and work with their teammates. You might learn something new to try the next time you play.
BUILD YOUR FITNESS
On rainy days you can do simple exercises like jumping jacks, squats, lunges, or quick footwork drills. These activities keep you in shape, so you’re ready when the sun comes back out.
Athlete
Young athletes from our soccer community share their passion, inspirations, and favorite moments from the pitch.
RYAN S. //
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE SOCCER SKILL OR MOVE? Fake robona
AGE: 14
WHAT’S YOUR GO-TO PREGAME SONG? Dtmf because it’s calm
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE POSTGAME SNACK? Banana
WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE A COACH HAS EVER GIVEN YOU? Keep going!
ALENA R.
AGE: 12
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE POSITION TO PLAY AND WHY?
Goalkeeper because I like making big saves and being a leader on my team!
WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE A COACH HAS EVER GIVEN YOU?
The best coach I ever had (Biff Sturla LMSC) believing in me everyday made me grow as a player more in one season than any advice I’ve ever received.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE SOCCER MEMORY SO FAR?
My favorite soccer memory so far was winning the 2025 Presidents Cup Eastern Regionals with my Penn Fusion preECRL team. We grew so much as a team in a year and it was so fun to finish the year as champions together!
JACOB S.
AGE: 10
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE POSITION TO PLAY AND WHY?
My favorite position to play is Center Defensive Mid because you get to be all over the field and still have a chance to score goals and defend goals.
WHAT’S YOUR GO-TO PREGAME SONG?
My pregame song is “Fast Car” covered by Luke Combs. It calms me down before games.
DO YOU HAVE ANY PREGAME SUPERSTITIONS?
I always have to do my secret handshake with my dad and I give my mom a kiss on the cheek.
ELLA O.
AGE: 12
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE SOCCER MEMORY SO FAR?
Making the ODP team and winning our tournament this summer. It was a goal of mine and I loved playing with new teammates and making new friends.
BUILD
YOUR DREAM SOCCER TEAM:
GOALKEEPER: Mary Earps
RIGHT BACK: Cafu
CENTER BACK: Sergio Ramos
CENTER BACK: Van Djik
LEFT BACK: Roberto Carlos
DEFENSIVE MIDFIELDER: Roy Keane
CENTRAL MIDFIELDER: Zidane
CENTRAL MIDFIELDER: Messi
RIGHT WINGER: Messi
STRIKER: Mbappe
LEFT WINGER: Ronaldo
THE NEXT GENERATION
Meet the young officials recognized as this year’s Young Referees of the Year.
For many young soccer players, becoming a referee is another way to stay involved in the game they love. Officiating offers the opportunity to see the game from a different perspective while developing confidence, leadership, and decision-making skills along the way.
Each year, Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer recognizes outstanding young officials through the Young Referee of the Year award. This year’s recipients have already made their mark in the referee community, showing dedication to the game and a willingness to take on the responsibility that comes with officiating. We asked each of them to share a little about their journey and why they continue to step onto the field each weekend.
GENERATION
Taryn Ludwig
CHURCHVILLE
HVAA GA ASPIRE 07/08
Taryn Ludwig has been refereeing for four years, first getting involved as a way to stay connected to the game she loves. What started as an opportunity to earn money while she was too young for most traditional jobs quickly turned into something much more meaningful.
For Taryn, officiating is more than enforcing the laws of the game. She enjoys helping guide matches in a way that allows players to compete and develop in a safe and sportsmanlike environment.
“I love soccer and want to help create a positive environment where players, coaches, and referees can all share that love for the game,” she said.
Along the way, refereeing has helped her build confidence as both a leader and communicator. The role requires constant focus, quick decision-making, and the ability to stay composed under pressure.
“Referees have to constantly read the game, communicate with players and coaches, and make quick decisions while keeping the game fair and safe,” she explained.
Taryn credits much of her growth as an official to the support system around her, including her assignor and mentor Howard Lemonick and her dad, who began refereeing around the same time she did.
“My dad started refereeing around the same time I did, so we learned and grew together,” she said. “We often worked games together and talked through a million different plays and ‘what if’ situations.”
Looking ahead, Taryn hopes to continue refereeing throughout college so she can remain connected to the game.
Why Do I Ref
TARYN
“I ref because I love soccer and want to help create a positive environment where players, coaches, and referees can all share that love for the game.”
Michael Orlando
WARMINSTER
Michael Orlando has been refereeing for two years, inspired to get started by the coaches and mentors who introduced him to officiating.
“I first decided to become a referee because most of my coaches and mentors growing up were referees,” he said. “They all convinced me that it is truly the best job out there.”
Since then, refereeing has allowed Michael to stay connected to the sport he grew up playing while also building relationships within the soccer community. Through officiating, Michael has developed important skills that extend beyond the field, including leadership, patience, and the ability to remain calm in high-pressure situations.
“It takes hard work, careful attention, and patience,” he said. “But it’s also a fun way to stay involved in the sport you grew up playing.”
One of his favorite refereeing experiences so far came when he had the opportunity to officiate matches featuring academy teams from the New York Red Bulls and the Philadelphia Union.
Looking ahead, Michael hopes to continue refereeing throughout college and beyond while continuing to give back to the soccer community.
MICHAEL “I ref simply because I love the game.”
Young referees play an important role in the future of the game. By stepping into officiating at an early age, they help support the soccer community while gaining valuable experiences that extend beyond the field.
As they continue to grow as officials, this year’s Young Referees of the Year represent the passion and commitment that helps keep the game moving forward in Eastern Pennsylvania.
SUPPORTING YOUR PLAYER:
WHAT REALLY MATTERS
Youth soccer is about more than wins and losses. The support players receive off the field plays a major role in their confidence, development, and overall experience. A positive environment from parents can help players enjoy the game, stay motivated, and continue to grow.
1
BEFORE THE GAME
The time leading up to a game sets the tone. Keeping things calm and positive helps players feel prepared without added pressure. Encouragement and reassurance can go a long way in helping players step onto the field with confidence.
2 3 4
DURING THE GAME
From the sideline, the most important role is support. Cheering for effort, teamwork, and positive moments helps create an encouraging atmosphere. Allowing coaches to coach and players to make their own decisions helps players develop independence and confidence during the game.
AFTER THE GAME
Postgame conversations can have a lasting impact. Instead of focusing only on the result, asking players how they felt or what they enjoyed helps keep the experience positive. Giving players space to share their thoughts encourages confidence and reflection.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Development takes time, and every player’s journey is different. Confidence, enjoyment, and growth are all shaped by the environment around them. When players feel supported, they are more likely to stay connected to the game and continue improving. At the end of the day, the experience players have in the game is shaped by the support around them. By keeping the focus on encouragement, enjoyment, and growth, parents play an important role in helping players build confidence and develop a lasting love for soccer.
THE LITTLE THINGS THAT MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE
Great coaching goes beyond formations, game plans, and results. Often, it’s the small, consistent actions that shape a player’s experience and development the most. The way a coach communicates, reacts, and creates an environment can have a lasting impact long after the final whistle.
1
HOW YOU COMMUNICATE
Clear, simple communication goes a long way. Players respond best when instructions are easy to understand and delivered in a way that builds confidence. The tone you use matters just as much as what you’re saying. Positive, constructive feedback helps players stay engaged and open to learning.
2 3 4 5
YOUR BODY LANGUAGE
Players are always watching. Reactions on the sideline, whether it’s after a mistake or a big moment, can influence how players feel and perform. Staying composed, supportive, and confident helps create a steady environment where players can focus on the game.
CREATING THE ENVIRONMENT
A strong team environment balances competitiveness with encouragement. Players should feel challenged, but also supported. When mistakes are treated as part of the learning process, players are more likely to take risks, grow their skills, and develop confidence on the field.
CONSISTENCY IS EVERYTHING
Consistency builds trust. Showing up prepared, setting clear expectations, and providing steady feedback creates a reliable environment for players. When players know what to expect, they can focus on improving and enjoying the game.
THE BIGGER IMPACT
Coaches play a key role in shaping not only how players perform, but how they experience the game . The small moments, conversations, and reactions often leave the biggest impression.
At every level of the game, coaching is about more than just results. It’s about guiding players through challenges, building confidence, and creating an environment where they can grow. When coaches focus on the small details day in and day out, the impact extends far beyond the field.
Create your own World Cup jersey
The World Cup is coming, and every team needs an amazing jersey. Now it’s your turn to design one! Use the blank jersey on this page to create your own World Cup kit. Get creative with colors, patterns, numbers, and logos. When you’re finished, send us your design!
Submit your entry: Email communications@epysa.org or mail it to “Communications” at 4070 Butler Pike Suite 100, Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462.
You’re invited to help Easterseals celebrate 90 years of impact at our Party on the Plaza on Saturday, April 25th
Walk With Me
Register as an invdividual or as a team and then walk along the river or through the Philadelphia Union Stadium
Mission Village
The Party on the Plaza - food, music, family-friendly activities, giveaways, and a chance to meet Phang
Soccer for All
A free soccer clinic for children with disabilities run by Philadelphia Union Youth Coaches with support from Easterseals therapists.
www.easterseals-sepa.org
WORLD CUP PREDICTIONS
Think you can predict the final World Cup standings? Write down your predictions and compare them to the final results this July!
Join Subaru, Philadelphia-area Subaru retailers, and the Philadelphia Union to get more kids in the game.
1 in 2 families involved in sports struggle to afford it. Donate new or gently used soccer gear to help more kids fall in love with the game.
Donate gear and enter for a chance to win* unforgettable experiences:
A trip to the 2026 MLS All-Star Weekend
VIP access to a 2026 Union home match
Travel to a 2026 Union away game
Exclusive visit to the Union broadcast booth
Accepted Gear: Soccer Balls, Cleats, Goalie Gloves, Shin Guards, Socks, Shorts Get involved Now – April 3, 2026
