Young Sportsmen's Soccer League - YSSL

Sportsmanship is a team sport too. It takes everyone: players, coaches, and sidelines - working together to create an environment where the game can be its best. This week’s honored YSSL teams brought exactly that kind of energy. Thank you for setting tone. These comments were all reported by referees.

In the match between Lindenhurst Area Soccer Club (LASC) vs Ela Soccer Club, “Excellent sportsmanship by all.”

In the match between Team Chicago Soccer Club vs Plainfield United Soccer Club, “The coaches were really nice and respectful towards me.”

In the match between Chicago Rush North vs CLSF FORCE, “Excellent sportsmanship by all. Parents were really amazing. Very positive and very respectful. No encouraging violence or trying to out coach the coach.”

In the match between Wilmette Wings Soccer Club vs North Shore FC Soccer Club, “Game went smoothly. Field was in good condition and coaches were respectful.”

In the match between Chicago Blast Soccer Club vs Academia de Fútbol Atlas F.C. Chicago, “Very well-mannered coaches and parents. Well balanced competition and a pleasure to referee. I really enjoyed this game and these teams. Atlas players showed great awareness pulling out of challenges when they knew they were late. Everything youth soccer should be. Only one incident where Atlas fouled an attacking player from behind at the center line that was SPA and would have been a caution at older age. He was the last defender, but the play was at midfield, and the foul was an attempt to play the ball and catching the attacker’s leg from behind - nothing excessive or malicious. Very good game.”

In the match between Bolingbrook Soccer Club vs NWI Lions United, “Clean game - no subs on either side so boys were gassed by end.”

In the match between Lisle Football Club vs Galaxy Soccer Club, “Great parents and coaches both teams.”

In the match between Sting FC vs Legacy Soccer Club (Legacy SC) - New Lenox Soccer Association, “Very well coached teams. Both very disciplined with minimal fouls.”

In the match between Lombard Firebirds SC vs Chicago Inter SC, “Coaches were fair and kind. FCS coach called a foul on his own player, showing integrity and honesty. Well behaved kids and parents. Some of the parents thanked me after the game for calling a good game.”

There’s a difference between playing to win & playing with purpose. The YSSL teams we are spotlighting this week did both: competing hard while treating opponents, officials, & teammates with genuine respect.

In the match between Northern United FC & SAA United SC the referee reported, “Great game! Coaches, parents & players treated the officiating crew with a lot of respect & displayed excellent sportsmanship before, during & after the match. A fun game to officiate.”

In the match between FC Lake County & Arlington Aces SC the referee remarked, “Lovely game, coaches, fans & kiddos were respectful, energetic & patient with this referee & the game itself. Lots of teaching from all sides, kids appeared receptive & open to learning about the rules from coaches & ref. Even when the score got out of hand no overt negativity was witnessed. All sides should be proud.”

In the match between Lindenhurst Area Soccer Club (LASC) & FC-1 Soccer Academy the referee expressed, “Good game in sportsmanship from coaches & players from both sides. Good sportsmanship & fans from the LASC. Two parents from the FC-1 side at the end of the game were a little unruly. Overall, good game.”

In the match between Chicago City Soccer Club & Chicago Edge the referee stated, “…Two excellent coaches!”

In the match between iProSkills Academy & Chicago City Soccer Club the referee noted, “Well played game, everyone enjoying their day, awesome referee crew, parents were chill - great match!”

In the match between FC Stars & Chicago KICS Football Club the referee reported, “Both teams competitive, physical but clean for the most part. Good sportsmanship shown by all the players, coaches & supporters.”

In the match between HF Soccer Club & Evergreen United F.C the referee reported, “It was a high scoring game, but fair. There was good physicality from both teams, but not many fouls were committed. Parents, coaches & players all were respectful during the match. Overall, a good & competitive environment from the players.”

In the match between Chicagoland United SC & Galaxy Soccer Club the referee stated, “Coaches were excellent! They coached their players, attempted to keep them in line when they became emotional & aggressive & were very respectful towards the officiating crew.”

When the pressure is on, character is what shows up. This week, there were three different matches that we saw young athletes make the right choices on and off the ball. All matches were played mid-week too! Coaches, families, and teammates: be proud.

These YSSL players are getting it right in all the ways that matter most. ⚽

In the match between Real madrid round lake f.c and FC-1 Soccer Academy the referee reported, “Excellent sportsmanship and effort displayed by both teams.”

In the match between Legacy Soccer Club (Legacy SC) - New Lenox Soccer Association and Bolingbrook Soccer Club the referee noted, “well played, fun game - players, coaches and fans were all well-behaved - coaches briefly chatted in a pleasant manner after the game - I had good ARs - very enjoyable game.”

In the match between Trevian Soccer Club and FC Stars the referee commented, “In a notable show of sportsmanship by the away team when the home team had only 9 players the away team chose to play with 9 as well, even though they had a full squad.”

It’s game day on May 31! ⭐️

Come out and support your Chicago Stars ✨ against the San Diego Wave 🌊.

Let’s pack the stadiums and show these athletes the love they deserve. Chicago, make some noise! 📣🩵

Use the QR code above to purchase tickets at 50% off or use this link: https://www.gofevo.com/event/Yssl2

See you there!

On Memorial Day, we remember the men and women whose courage and sacrifice protect the freedoms we enjoy — including the freedom to gather on the pitch together.

To all military families in the YSSL and community: we see you, and we are grateful. 🇺🇸

Great sportsmanship doesn't wait for the big games. It shows up in practice, in warm-ups, in how you treat the referee and the opposing team. This weekend, these YSSL teams showed it across the board. Give them the recognition they've earned! ⚽

In the match between Round Lake Juniors & Mundelein Lions Soccer Club the referee stated, “Clean game. Overall, a very fun game to officiate. The parents, coaches, and players displayed great sportsmanship throughout the match. Thank you Coach Alejandro & Coach Pablo for setting good examples for your team. Keep up the good work.”

In the match between Galaxy Soccer Club & North Aurora FC the referee reported, “ Overall nice game both coaches were really nice and the kids played a great game."

In the match between Greater Libertyville Soccer Association & Northern United FC the referee noted, “Well coached game, no problems.”

In the match between Trebol FC & Lindenhurst Area Soccer Club (LASC) the referee commented, “Good fun game. Good sportsmanship all around (coach players and fans).”

In the match between FC Lake County & Vernon Hills the referee said, “Excellent sportsmanship by all.”

In the match between Green White Soccer Club & Lombard Firebirds SC the referee remarked, “Players were exceptionally behaved and respectful toward their opponent and referee. It was truly a pleasure to work this game.”

In the match between AYSO 300 United & United Academy & Elmhurst City Surf Soccer Club the referee expressed, “The players and coaches were respectful of each other and the game.”

In the match between North Shore FC Soccer Club & Pegasus FC the referee stated, “Excellent sportsmanship by all.”

In the match between Plainfield United Soccer Club & Galaxy Soccer Club the referee noted, “clean game, kids were well behaved and played with skill."

In the match between Evergreen United F.C & Mustangs United Fc the referee commented, “Both teams played hard and fairly.”

In the match between Hoffman United Soccer Club & Woodstock United Soccer Club the referee said, “Good Sportsmanship both teams, players, coaches and parents.”

In the match between Bolingbrook Soccer Club & Spiders FC the referee reported, “Clean game, good sportsmanship.”

In the match between Morris United Soccer Club & Galaxy Soccer Club the referee remarked, “ All coaches were respectful. Good sportsmanship by the players.”

🏟️ Introducing: YSSL Coach’s Corner!

We believe great coaching deserves to be celebrated - not only when the scoreline is right, but when the values are right.

Starting today, YSSL’s Coach’s Corner is the league’s space to shine a light on the coaches across our league who are setting the standard: showing respect for officials, supporting their players with integrity, and reminding us all why this game is worth playing.

Our referees and match commissioners are on the front lines every matchday. When they see a coach doing something right - and they do, more than you might think - we want you to know about it.

So here’s to the coaches who lead with class. The YSSL is excited to share your stories.

Today we highlight Coach Darko from Norridge United 👏

A tough loss handled with class.

A hard-earned win celebrated with humility.

These are the moments that define a team long after the cleats are hung up. This week’s featured YSSL teams gave us plenty of those moments - and we are grateful for it. ⚽❤️

In the match between Lindenhurst Area Soccer Club (LASC) and Trevian Soccer Club the referee stated, “Excellent sportsmanship by all.”

In the match between and the referee reported, “ The game went very smoothly with teams being evenly matched.”

In the match between HF Soccer Club and Kora FC the referee noted, “Fair game. Congratulations everyone.”

In the match between Chicago Rush North Shore and Greater Libertyville Soccer Association the referee commented, “Excellent sportsmanship by all.”

In the match between Galaxy Soccer Club and Bolingbrook Soccer Club the referee said, “Coaches were good. Parents were good. Clean game, not many fouls committed.”

In the match between Morris United Soccer Club and Campton United SC the referee remarked, “Good coaching. No problems with parents or players.”

In the match between CLSF FORCE and Pegasus FC the referee expressed, “Great, competitive game. No issues or problems with parents, kids, or coaches. Assistant referees were great.”

In the match between FC-1 Academy and the referee stated, “Extremely wonderful game environment. I was working it solo with one parent helping on part of the pitch, but really solo. Both teams and coaches were very understanding, cooperative, and helpful. Very, very commendable behavior and performance by both clubs. I appreciate both coaches and all players tremendously.”

In the match between Lombard Firebirds SC and Wheaton United SC the referee noted, “Professional coaches and a great game.”

In the match between Chicago Celtic SC and OPRF Alliance Soccer the referee commented, “Both teams played a good game.”

In the match between Chicago Rush North Shore and Greater Libertyville Soccer Association the referee said, “Excellent sportsmanship by all.”

In the match between Chicago Rush North and Norridge United the referee said, “Great Game!”

To the real MVP’s - the sports moms! 🏆⚽

You were your child’s first cheerleader, screaming their name from the sidelines before they even knew what a goal was. You’ve logged more miles as their personal chauffeur than you ever dreamed you would. You’ve washed more grass-stained jerseys than any laundromat, and kissed more bumps and bruises than any nurse on call. You do it all AND you make it look effortless.

Today we also remember those who are cheering from Heaven - the moms we’ve lost but never stopped loving. 💛

We see those who have stepped into the role of mother: the aunts, grandmas, stepmoms, and bonus moms who show up every single weekend morning without hesitation. You are everything.

And to those who are missing their mom today, your love for her is its own kind of tribute. Grief is just love with nowhere to go, and that love matters.

Happy Mother’s Day to every woman who has set an early alarm, cheered for her player like crazy, and then leapt onto the sidelines on snack day with an armful of team snacks. You are the best! 🌸