The Napa Youth Soccer League ("NYSL") was established in 1978 as a California, tax-deductible, non-profit corporation. NYSL is a member of the California Youth Soccer Association – North ("CYSA"), and through CYSA is also affiliated with the United States Youth Soccer Association ("USYSA").
There are over 2700 players from about 2000 families throughout Napa County playing soccer in NYSL. Our rules and procedures, developed over the years, are designed to help make running a large organization go as smoothly as possible, to keep everyone focused on our philosophy, and to be in compliance with our parent organizations of CYSA and USYSA.
PURPOSE OF NYSL
The purpose of NYSL is to offer an opportunity for youth to have fun and to learn about the game of soccer by playing it. Not only players, but coaches, referees, parents, and other family members are also invited to focus on having fun and learning more about soccer. A certain level of competitive spirit is good, but it is everyone’s responsibility to keep the focus on learning and having fun.
Each year, people are elected to positions on the NYSL Board of Directors. In addition there are appointed positions. Almost all of the people in these elected and appointed positions are parents or grandparents of players, just like you. While the emphasis is on organization and communication, please remember that our board members are all volunteers. And our number one priority is making sure players have the opportunity to have fun playing and learning about the great sport of soccer!
LEVELS OF COMPETITION: We have three levels of competition: Recreation (Class IV) and Club (Class III and Class I). Napa Valley Soccer Club, a sub division of NYSL, administers the Club level of competition.
"Recreation" Competition teams make up about 90% of all teams and are newly formed each year. Players on recreation teams are guaranteed to play at least half of each game (a coach can make exceptions under specific League guidelines). In Under 6 and Under 8 divisions, scores may be kept, but no standings are maintained.
"Club" teams are selected through tryouts with unbiased evaluators. These are valuable programs for the player U12 and above who is interested in a higher level of development and competition. Players are not guaranteed any specific playing time. These teams play other Club teams within the CYSA districts, and are usually no more than one hour's drive away. Most teams play in 2-3 tournaments each season. The Club also has a U-10 program that is offered on a first come first served basis, and does not include travel outside of Napa. If you are interested in playing for the Napa Valley Soccer Club, indicate this on your registration form, and see the Club Table at Registration, or call 224-NYSL.