The schedule has been completed, and New Jersey Youth Soccer is now set to begin competition in its Fall State Cups. Across the three tournament tiers, which feature single elimination play for 11U-14U teams in the fall, participation will exceed 600 teams for the first time in NJYS Fall State Cups history.
The high mark ushers in a fourth consecutive year of seasonal growth in the state association’s championship tournaments. Since the pause-in-play that occurred in 2020 due to COVID-19, the competitions have continued to expand while cementing roots as the most prestigious pathway in New Jersey to state, regional and national championships.
“The NJ Youth Soccer State Cups program continues to expand access and opportunity at every competitive level for tens-of-thousands of players across the state,” said Ryan Foley, NJYS Manager of Operations and tournament supervisor. “The continued growth of these competitions is a testament to the soccer talent and sport development in New Jersey.”
Competition preparation involves a host of stakeholders. The NJYS State Cups Advisory Board, which includes Board Members, League and Club representatives, was actively involved in strategic planning. NJYS State Office staff, including Nicole Petras (NJYS Events Coordinator) and Ryan Foley (NJYS Manager, Operations), worked diligently to coordinate with team applicants and complete their registrations.
The National Championship Series is the country’s most prestigious national youth soccer tournament, providing winners from each state the opportunity to showcase their soccer skills against the best competition in the nation while emphasizing teamwork, discipline and fair play. The winners of the NJYS National Championship Series (12U teams and above) will advance to the 2024 US Youth Soccer Eastern Regional Championships.
The Presidents Cup provides a progressive, competitive environment to teams that might not otherwise get the opportunity to participate in a series of unique experiences highlighting competition, camaraderie, and community. The winners of the NJYS Presidents Cup (12U teams and above) will advance to the 2024 US Youth Soccer Eastern Presidents Cup hosted in Charleston, West Virginia.
The Challenge Cup is the NJYS State Cup competition designed to create a challenging and enjoyable event for teams outside of the National Championship Series and Presidents Cup.
Throughout the fall competition, NJ Youth Soccer will provide highlights and recaps of key moments. For more information regarding the 2023-24 NJYS State Cups, click here.
To find out more information about New Jersey Youth Soccer or to contact us directly, please email [email protected]. Also make sure to follow us on social media: @NJYouthSoccer