About the YSSL

The Young Sportsmen’s Soccer League (YSSL) is a not-for-profit organization incorporated in Illinois since 1968. It is proudly affiliated with the Illinois Youth Soccer Association (IYSA) and it’s partners.

Click Here for the YSSL Brochure

League Structure
The YSSL is run by its’ Officers and Board members who are elected through the member clubs. The league’s members are guaranteed a voice in the direction and structure of the YSSL.  In addition, the Director of Coaching (DOC) Committee plays a vital role in guiding the league’s competitive and developmental strategies.

Competitive Travel Soccer

The YSSL offers a competitive match schedule for boys and coed teams from 7U through 19U. Teams are placed into divisions based on both age and competitive level. Seasonal schedules are created for each division, and standings are reviewed at the end of each season. Teams are promoted or relegated based on earned points, with all seeding being handled by the DOC Committee to ensure fairness and balance.

Seasons and Schedules

The YSSL operates two outdoor seasons:

Fall: September to NovemberSpring: April to June

Each team plays eight games per season, evenly split between home and away matches.

7U–14U games are typically held on Saturdays.15U–19U games are typically held on Sundays.

Teams can specify their preferred game times and day when registering.

YSSL makes every effort to work with each club’s field availability and to accommodate requested time, day, and date preferences whenever possible.

League Assigned Referees

The league currently serves seven geographic districts, with certified USSF assignors appointed and compensated by the YSSL. All efforts are made to ensure qualified officials are in attendance at matches while assuring center referees do not officiate matches involving their own clubs. Each team has access to a Referee Evaluation tool, which directly informs referee assessment, development, and disciplinary actions. These evaluations are taken seriously to maintain officiating standards across the league.

YSSL Headquarters

The YSSL office is located at 1655 S. Arlington Heights Rd. Suite #100 in Arlington Heights.

The league consists of over 2000 teams from almost 200 member clubs, including private organizations, community clubs, and park district programs. Our geographic reach spans: 

North: Beloit, Wisconsin

East: NW Indiana

South: Bourbonnais

West: Rockford

While we aim to accommodate geographic preferences, high level competitive divisions are formed primarily by skill level—not location.

Our Mission

The YSSL is committed to developing youth soccer for players aged 7U through 19U, offering a structured and competitive platform for all skill levels.

YSSL Programs to Improve the Quality of Youth Soccer Games

Coaching Licenses
Starting in 1991 the YSSL was the first and only league to require the Head Coach of every team to have a minimum of a State "E" license. The concept was simple. If we improve the level of coaching, we can improve the player’s level of play. To support this idea the YSSL encourages all coaches to take USYSA clinics through the IYSA.

Referee Certification

The YSSL strongly supports the 3-official system (1 center referee + 2 assistant referees) for games 15U–19U. While a shortage of certified referees exists statewide, the league mandates this system and relies on assignors or clubs to assign assistant referees when necessary. To support referee development, the YSSL encourages member clubs to host certification clinics for both new and returning referees.

Joining the YSSL

Membership in the YSSL is a privilege extended to clubs that demonstrate good standing and a commitment to upholding the league’s policies and procedures.

About our Website
The YSSL website was designed by Pientka Design LLC. The image zoom tool used on this site is created by Magic Zoom Plus.