Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Celebrates September As Youth Soccer Month


Plymouth Meeting, PA - September 12, 2011 - September is Youth Soccer Month, and Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer joins this nationwide celebration with events in the area throughout the month.

Youth Soccer Month is dedicated to increasing awareness of the benefits of playing Youth Soccer in America. Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer is proud to support this effort and further the goals of Youth Soccer Month, which include emphasizing soccer as the number-one youth participation sport in America, and a leading contributor to the healthy lifestyle of millions of American families. It also includes bringing kids and families of all ages and all abilities together for fun, friendship and fitness, as well as highlighting the various programs available to children interested in participating in soccer, including inner city, special needs, recreational and elite soccer programs.

"September is Youth Soccer Month in the U.S. and especially here in Eastern Pennsylvania, we have a lot to celebrate," said Chris Branscome, Chief Executive Officer of Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer. "Not only did we host the highly-successful US Youth Soccer Region One Championships in Lancaster this summer, we had three area teams qualify for the National Championships, and our under 18-boys YMS Thunder team won the National Championship this summer. Eastern Pennsylvania is one of the most active areas for youth soccer, and we have a number of special events coming up locally which will celebrate Youth Soccer Month in our own unique fashion."

Upcoming Youth Soccer Month events for Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer include Sunday, September 18th, when Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer and Please Touch Museum team up for a fun-filled day in Fairmount Park, Philadelphia. The action packed day will consist of soccer stations on the front lawn of the museum, interactive museum exhibits, a nature-inspired obstacle and rock climbing wall, and guest appearances from some of your favorite Philly soccer stars. Additional events will be announced shortly.

A series of fun-filled messages will be communicated throughout Youth Soccer Month to illustrate the essence of youth soccer. Each week during Youth Soccer Month, a different message will be the focus of “Celebrating Soccer in America.” The four messages of Youth Soccer month are:

1. Fitness: The health and fitness (physical, psychological and social) benefits of playing soccer.
2. Fun: Whether recreational or competitive in nature, involvement in soccer is easy, affordable and rewarding.
3. Family: Playing soccer ties families together as schedules, vacations and family time are coordinated.
4. Friendship: The relationships generated through playing soccer extend beyond the field.

Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer has joined forces with US Youth Soccer in supporting Youth Soccer Month. Spreading the benefits and impact soccer has had on millions of Americans is very important to both organizations. Interest in the sport of soccer is at an all time high in the United States, more than 19 million children ages 5-19, are participating in soccer regularly. In fact, more children are participating in organized soccer than peewee football, youth basketball or Little League baseball.

Recognizing the impact and importance the sport of soccer plays in the day-to-day lives of America’s families, and US Youth Soccer, is vital to the future of the sport. The nation’s largest youth sport organization is leading Youth Soccer Month, “Celebrating Soccer in America” this September.

For more information on Youth Soccer Month visit www.YouthSoccerMonth.org or the Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer website at http://www.EPYSA.org.

About Youth Soccer Month:
Youth Soccer Month is September, and is the national celebration of Soccer in America. More than 19 million children ages 5 – 19 regularly participate in soccer in the United States, more than peewee football, youth basketball or Little League baseball. Recognizing the impact and importance the sport of soccer plays in the day-to-day lives of America’s families, US Youth Soccer is spearheading Youth Soccer Month – Celebrating Soccer in America.

About the United States Youth Soccer Association (US Youth Soccer):
US Youth Soccer - "The Game for ALL Kids!®" is the largest youth sports organization in the country and largest member of the United States Soccer Federation, the governing body of soccer in the United States. US Youth Soccer registers more than 3 million players annually, ages 5 to 19, and over 900,000 administrators, coaches and volunteers in 55 member State Associations. US Youth Soccer programs provide a fun, safe and healthy environment for players at every level of the game. For more information, visit www.USYouthSoccer.org.

About Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer:
For more than 35 years, Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer has worked throughout Eastern Pennsylvania to promote, foster and perpetuate the game of soccer to the region’s youth. Through competitions, educational programs, workshops and coaching clinics, Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer impacts the lives of more than 130,000 youth soccer players from ages five to 19. Additional information about Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer can be found at http://www.epysa.org.