Attention parents!  A few quick updates for this weekend.

Due to circumstances beyond our control, Turf 1 practices have been cancelled on Saturday between 10:00 am - 2:30 pm as well as on Sunday between 8:00 am - 1:00 pm.

There will also be no goalie training this weekend.

We apologize for any inconvenience.

Please share with your fellow teammates.

2024 SYSC outdoor registration is now open.
U5 - U8 is $200
U9 - U13+ is $350

Click on the link or log into your SportsEngine account.

Don't have one? It is very easy to sign up.

https://saultyouthsoccer.sportngin.com/register/form/210848376

Time is running out to register for Soo United. You have until Sunday April 14th at 11:59 pm to sign up. You are required to register as per Ontario Soccer guidelines. Tryout times and dates will be posted after our numbers meeting at the end of the month. We are growing and growing. Join us!

#saultyouthsoccer #soccerpractice #saultstemarie

Please log on to and follow our "new" social media pages as well.
Share with your friends. This is the best way to keep up with all soccer related stories from the Sault Youth Soccer Club.

https://www.facebook.com/saultyouthsoccerclub/

https://www.instagram.com/saultyouthsoccerclub/

All are welcome to attend SYSC's Annual General Meeting which is scheduled for April 15th at 7:30 pm, at the NCC (classroom).

We encourage all SYSC members, which include all volunteer coaches and managers in the recreational, pre-competitive and competitive programs to join us.

Position up for election is:

Director of Media/Sponsorship - 2 years

Nominations are now closed. All nominees must be present at the AGM to accept or deny their nomination. If the nominee is unable to attend, a written letter must be submitted to SYSC President detailing that they accept the nomination.

Please start following us on our new social sites.

https://www.facebook.com/saultyouthsoccerclub/

https://www.instagram.com/saultyouthsoccerclub/

Congratulations to Julia Mazzuca who has committed to the Algoma Thunderbirds women's soccer program for the 2024 season. Julia is a graduate of the Soo United program. She will be joining some of her Soo United teammates this fall.

Way to represent Julia!

#saultyouthsoccer #AlgomaUniversity #soccerplayer

Congratulations Talia!

OSHAWA, Ont. – The Ontario Tech Ridgebacks are adding depth in net with the addition of to their 2024 recruiting class.

The Sault Ste. Marie native made her mark at Sault City United, where she established herself as a starter in 2018. She would go on to win the 2022 team MVP, was the tournament MVP of the Barrie Spiritfest Tournament and went undefeated in the USA Cup Championship in 2023.

From 2022 until 2024, Hopkin also started in net for Korah Collegiate & Vocational School, where she was also named team captain and appeared in OFSAA 2022. She also holds the school record for most saves in a game with 22.

"Talia's an athletic and ambitious goalkeeper with a determined mindset and intrinsic drive to learn and excel," said Women's Soccer Head Coach Audra Sherman. " Talia's a great addition to our roster, and we are excited to see her challenge herself and others in our environment."

When Hopkin arrives on campus, she'll be enrolling in the Kinesiology program at Ontario Tech.

The SYSC Soccer Club is looking to fill the position of Technical Director. The SYSC Technical Director is responsible for providing both technical and administrative support for the club’s technical programming, including coach development and education, player development and evaluations, tryouts, team training, academies advanced training programs, team formations, clinics, and camps for all SYSC teams. The SYSC Technical Director will act as the chief spokesperson for SYSC on technical development matters, including external liaisons with governing bodies. The SYSC Technical Director will report directly to the SYSC Board. 

Send resumes to SYSC.Media.Sponsorships@gmail.com

For more information, please see the list of duties below.

As we get ready to open up the 2024 registration, we are reaching out with our partnership packages. Consider sponsoring a team for as little as $175 (U7 & U8) or $275 (U9 and up).
New this season, you can purchase advertising on nets. Early bird pricing is $399. You will have thousands of eyes for 90 days at Strathclair Fields. Plus, we will have you listed on our website and do an individual special social media post thanking you. Join a great team!

Contact Sam at SYSC.Media.Sponsorships@gmail.com for more information.

If you are looking to reach the Sault Youth Soccer Club via email, please use SYSC.Office@gmail.com or via phone at 705-759-8840.

Office Manager             

Dawn Kippax                705-759-8840   

SYSC.Manager@gmail.com

SYSC BOARD OF DIRECTORS

President                               

Steve Mazzucca                   SYSC.President@gmail.com

Vice President                   

Joe Carbone                          SYSC.VicePresident@gmail.com

Treasurer                         

John Trevisan                        SYSC.Treasurer1@gmail.com

Director of Youth               

Sara Giroux                             SYSC.Youth@gmail.com

Director of Grassroots      

Heidi Kelly                               SYSC.Grassroots@gmail.com

Director of Coaching    

Kristin Mooney                     SYSC.Coaching@gmail.com

Director of Equipment     

Joe Valente                             SYSC.Equipment@gmail.com

Director of Media and Sponsorships       

Sam Cistaro                            SYSC.Media.Sponsorships@gmail.com

Thank you to all who have followed and liked us on social media.
Spread the word - let's keep growing together. Our social media posts are the best place to get quick, up to date information. Want to become a sponsor in 2024?

Please reach out to sysc.media.sponsorships@gmail.com

We have team, league and field sponsorships available for this upcoming year. Join the best team in town!

#saultyouthsoccer #saultstemarie #Sponsorship

SYSC is excited to announce the partnership with Algoma University and remains committed to enhancing development and pathway opportunities in Sault Ste. Marie. To further advance this commitment, starting in September 2024, SYSC will be offering a bursary program in sum of $7500 dollars per year for 5 years to all SYSC players recruited to play soccer at Algoma University or Sault College. SYSC players who graduate from the program will be eligible for a one-time $1500 bursary. Eligibility will be available for up to 5 SYSC players per year. SYSC is currently in the process of finalizing the details of the bursary program. Stay tuned for further updates. #algomauniversity #algomathunderbirds #SaultCollege #saultcollegeathletics #saultyouthsoccer

Get ready for some exciting Soo City United soccer right here in Sault Ste. Marie. Several of our competitive age teams have entered the Western Region Soccer League (WRSL). Teams from Guelph, Kitchener, Sarnia, Windsor and London will all be travelling right here to play games at Tom Tipton Field. This is a great step in promoting our players and playing quality competition on a weekly basis. Come out to support your home team!

For more details, check out: https://wrsl.ca/

Sault Youth Soccer Club is excited to welcome and introduce Dawn Kippax as the club’s new office manager. Dawn comes to us from Barrie, Ontario and is already making a positive impression on us and soccer parents in our community.

“I am beyond excited to dive into this summer's outdoor season, see where we can improve, and commit to consistently helping our community. I look forward to working with parents and players ahead of, and leading into, our season."

Dawn takes over from Shirley Robertson, who was in the role and is enjoying her retirement.

Sault Youth Soccer gives approximately 1600 players the opportunity to play the game they love in a variety of streams. We offer outdoor house league during the summer months, a pre-competitive stream through Junior United and a competitive stream through Soo City United.

As we head into the outdoor season, parents can still sign up their children by going to our website – www.saultyouthsoccer.com and follow the registration instructions.

“Throughout my time at SYSC, I hope to drive the organization towards a more user-friendly system when it comes to registration, more opportunities for our soccer families, and better soccer seasons than ever before.”

We are a committee of volunteers that are always looking for coaches, managers, referees, and sponsors. Want to be a part of the Sault Youth team? Call or email Dawn and let her know how you can help. SYSC.Manager@gmail.com

For all up to date information and posts, follow us on our new socials.

https://www.facebook.com/saultyouthsoccerclub/

https://www.instagram.com/saultyouthsoccerclub/

Welcome Dawn and we look forward to seeing everyone at the fields this summer.

"So you want to become a referee?” We want you!

2024 Entry-Level and Small-Sided Match Official Clinics are now open for registration. These clinics will continue to be offered in a hybrid format (online theory & in-person practical session).

All the information for clubs and for potential referees can be found at https://www.ontariosoccer.net/referee-clinics
and https://www.ontariosoccer.net/recruitment for further information on what to expect as a new Match Official.

Practical sessions in Sault Ste. Marie are booked for May 11th.

#saultyouthsoccer #soccerreferee #saultstemarie

Please migrate over to our new socials for all the up to date regarding local soccer.

https://www.facebook.com/saultyouthsoccerclub/

https://www.instagram.com/saultyouthsoccerclub/

SYSC is committed to ensuring that all players will be given the best possible opportunity for development and continue to focus on Long Term Player Development as outlined by Ontario Soccer. To be in line with other clubs in the province, SYSC has decided that moving forward all players will be placed in the appropriate development environment based on their skill level.  

Effective June 2024, all Junior United teams U8-U12 will sustain one team within each age group. Players will be evaluated and placed in the appropriate development category. 

Categories of development are as follows:

1. Pre-competitive - players that participate in league games and tournaments. 

2. Development players - players remain in the Junior United program but only play in league games and tournaments when required. Players are utilized as call ups for the pre-competitive group. 

3. Grassroots - players will participate in house league only.

Numbers per each age group will be as follows:

U8 - 12 pre-competitive and 6 developmental 

U9 - 12 pre-competitive and 6 developmental

U10 - 12 pre-competitive and 6 developmental 

U11 - 16 pre-competitive and 6 developmental

U12 - 16 pre-competitive and 6 developmental 

Due to each age group having a variety of different skill levels, coaches are permitted to pick more than 6 development players but will only sustain one team for league games and tournaments. 

An evaluation process will take place towards the end of the winter program (May) to determine players’ category. All players who are not currently registered must register prior to attending evaluation.

Players selected in the precompetitive and development categories are not required to participate in house league but are permitted if they choose to with no additional expense. Currently, SYSC and its district counterparts are working at developing an indoor league starting in October 2025. One team in each age group will be permitted in the league. 

Please note, when completing your registration please check off the Junior United option. Evaluations will take place during the current winter program Junior United timeslots.

Cost for registration is $300 dollars. This includes registration to house league.

You do not have to participate in house league if you choose not to. It is no longer mandatory (changed for this season).

Junior United teams will train 2-3 times per week and participate in league games, friendly matches and tournaments, as outlined in the Junior United Program policies and procedures.

Deadline to register for Junior United is April 13th.

https://saultyouthsoccer.sportngin.com/register/form/210848376

Parents, please follow the guidelines on being a good spectator. This is a time for our children to have fun, learn a new skill and make friends.
Just a reminder to sit on the opposite side of the field from the benches. Let the coaches and volunteers do their jobs without in-game input.
Let's have a fun summer!

Q:  Do we play soccer in the rain?

A:  Yes. It is up to the referee to cancel a game. This will occur most likely occur when there is lightning in the area. You are not obliged to attend any game if you feel uncomfortable with the weather forecast. Contact your coach to see if enough players are attending.

If there is no referee present, for example U7 age group and younger, then it will be up to the coaches to call it.

Unfortunately, practices and games will not be able to be rescheduled due to the length of the season and field availability.

Please follow us on social media for up to date game cancellations. 

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/steve.mazzuca.568/

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/soocityunited/

FAQ:

Q:  Do we play soccer in the rain?

A:  Yes. It is up to the referee to cancel a game. This will occur mostly when there is lightning in the area. Please follow us on social media for up to date game cancellations. (see below)

Q:  Which field will my child play at?

A:   U5 – U6 will play at Queen Elizabeth (John Rhodes)

       U7 – U18 will play at Strathclair (Second Line)

Q:  How long does the season last?

A:  The season ends at the end of August.

Q:  What equipment will my child require?

A:  Your child will be provided a jersey, shorts and socks.

       Your child will need soccer cleats, shin guards and a water bottle with their name on it.

Q:  I want to follow you on social media.

A:  Great idea. Best place to get info instantly.

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/steve.mazzuca.568/

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/soocityunited/

Q:  I would like to be a sponsor. 

A:   Contact Sam (coachsam@shaw.ca)

Parents, caregivers, coaches and all Strathclair Field House users. Please be mindful when using the public washrooms. Players, make sure you let your coaches know when you go to the washrooms and go in pairs and please report anything suspicious. Adults should accompany younger children.

There have been some questions raised to the league recently with regards to Soo Junior United players playing in the house league system.

SYSL follows Ontario Soccer Guidelines and stick to these recommendations for the best interest of the children that participate locally.

Ontario Soccer mandate: Every Grassroots player deserves an enjoyable experience with the game, regardless of the role they play, their age, their level of experience or their ability.  An enjoyable experience means that they have access to high quality programs where they can have fun with their friends. Learn new skills and play the game. 

Beginning at age 8, players who are looking for more development can join the Junior United program for extra training during the winter and summer months. It is mandated that all players play in the house league system until the U13 age group. Each team gets the same number of  Junior United players on a team.  If we didn't do this, we would have less teams in each division and limited games for those who train extra all year round. This philosophy makes everyone better. There are some players that perform better than children currently enrolled in the United program. Players who don't currently play on the United teams may be the best player by the time they are teenagers. Everyone develops at a different level. 

Junior United Philosophy – SYSC’s responsibility is to ensure that all players in the Junior United program can enjoy soccer in a safe, fun, accessible, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate environment. 

Our sport is not like others with multiple levels according to skill level and having to try out to make a team. The house league system allows all to play in a safe environment and if a child wants to pursue soccer at a higher level then they can take that next step at U13. Until then, our league and coaches will bring the same energy to all players, encouraging all along the way.

Please remember that everyone is a volunteer trying to make a positive change because someone did it for them when they were younger. Also, be respectful to our young referees because without them we would not have the ability to play these games.

We are in this together. Play. Inspire. Unite.

Important Highlights for 2023/2024!

SYSC has submitted a Special Dispensation form to Great North Soccer Association requesting increased travel for ages U9-U11. SYSC was granted permission to play up to 12 games per season, which equates to 4 tournament participations due to a guaranteed minimum of three games per tournament.

Proposed tournament schedule for U9-U12 – Traverse City – April, Petoskey May, Grand Rapids August, Petoskey or Traverse City September or any other sanctioned tournament.

Teams are permitted to participate in the Northern Michigan Soccer Alliance (NMSA) next spring. Coaching staff are encouraged to seek these opportunities independently and SYSC will assist with administration processes. All teams will seek approval from the Development Program committee regarding league and tournament/festival participation.

House league 2024 for Junior Players – SYSC is committed to providing the proper curriculum to all grassroots players as outlined by Ontario Soccer. According to Ontario soccer standards grassroots players should have a specific ratio of games and practices per week. Currently this is only achieved by having junior united players play in the house league program. Moving forward SYSC will focus on procedures to ensure all junior united players are playing in an appropriate development environment.

Please check out our Junior United Policies on saultyouthsoccer.com. (below)