About the League
The West Haven Youth Soccer League was founded in 1978 to teach, develop, promote, and govern youth soccer activities in the City of West Haven. Primary emphasis is on the participation and development of all registered players. Over the past years it has grown from a small soccer organization with just a few enthusiastic participants to more than 1,100 players and 100 coaches from all over West Haven.
The league is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing youth in the West Haven community with the opportunity to play soccer in a safe, fun, and competitive environment. We offer programs for players of all ages and abilities, from recreational In-House leagues to competitive Travel teams and our inclusive TOPSoccer program.league
In-House
Fall and Spring Seasons
WHYSL offers In-house seasons in both the fall and spring. The fall season begins the soccer year and typically runs seven (7) weeks from early September through late October. The spring season is ten (10) weeks, usually running from early April through early June.
In-house Divisions
The In-house program includes seven divisions: a U-6 age group is co-ed, U-8, U-10 and U-14 age groups each have both a boy's and a girl's division. U-8 and U-10 divisions include players from two ages while the U-14 age group has players from four. The soccer year runs from August 1 to July 31 and "soccer age" is the age the player is on the last day of the season. The number after the U- in a division indicates the soccer age of the oldest players in that division.
- U-6 – Players is "pool play" with all players participating in group drills followed by small-sided format (3v3 or 4v4) games with no goalkeeper on a smaller field with smaller goals. Cleats, shin guards, and a size 3 ball are required.
- U-8 – Players use a 4v4 small-sided format with no goalkeeper on a smaller field with smaller goals. Cleats, shin guards, and a size 4 ball are required.
- U-10 – Players use a 7v7 format, including a goalkeeper. Cleats, shin guards, and a size 4 ball are required.
- U-14 – Players use a full-field 11v11 format, including a goalkeeper. Cleats, shin guards, and a size 5 ball are required.
WHYSL is affiliated with the Connecticut Junior Soccer Association and follows applicable state and national regulations. For additional assistance, please contact [email protected].
When and Where We Play
The In-house program is held at Peterson Field for U-6, U-8, and U-10, and at Duffy Field for U-12 and U-14. U-6 teams meet on Friday nights at Peterson Fields. All other teams have games scheduled on Saturday mornings during the fall and spring seasons. There is typically one (1) practice during the week which is not scheduled by the league but rather by the parent coach.
In-House Uniforms
In-house players receive a uniform shirt at the beginning of each season.
Commitment
The In-house program requires less commitment than the travel program, but players who register are expected to attend most games and practices. Teams are sized to maximize playing time, so absences can affect the team.
Practices
In addition to Saturday game sessions, In-house teams typically have one mid-week practice each week. Practice days and times are set by each team's coach shortly before the season begins. Players should arrive a few minutes before practice, ready to play. Shin guards and cleats are required, and players should bring a water bottle. Parents should remain at the field during practice and prepare for changing New England weather. Please make sure players wear appropriate clothing so they can focus on skill development rather than the temperature.
Travel - Both Recreational and Competition
U-9 / U-10 Recreational Travel Teams
U-9 and U-10 Travel teams help In-house players transition to travel soccer before entering travel-only divisions. This recreational program introduces players to larger fields and more players on the field. Coaches focus on foot skills, understanding the Laws of the Game, and building a love of soccer.
All U-9 and U-10 travel players must also participate on an In-house team; players may not play travel only at the U-9/U-10 level. There is typically one (1) practice per week for the Recreational Travel team, in addition to the practice for the In-House team.
U-9 and U-10 Travel teams do not require tryouts. Any player, after registering in-house, who is interested in trying travel soccer is encouraged to register.
Note – U-9 and U-10 Travel teams wear a uniform jersey provided by the league. Optional uniform socks may be purchased if desired.
Competition Teams
Competition teams are intended for players who demonstrate developed skills, as evaluated by our coaching staff. Tryouts are typically held in June and include coach-led drills that assess skill, sportsmanship, attitude, and field/game awareness. Coaches use these evaluations to select their teams.
Players are expected to commit to their team by attending practices and games, listening to coaches, continuing to develop their skills, and playing as part of the team. Practices are typically held twice per week, and players should notify their coach in advance if they cannot attend a practice or game.
Players who tryout and fail to make a competition team will automatically be placed on an in-house team.
Note – Competition Travel teams wear special uniform kits that differ from Recreational Travel team kits and In-House shirts. These kits must be purchased through our supplier.
Travel Games
Games are typically within 30–40 minutes of home, and players are generally expected to arrive 30–45 minutes before kickoff. Players must arrange for their own transportation. Teams that do not have enough players must forfeit, which may result in a fine from the South Central District. A team that forfeits two games will be disqualified for the season.
For more information on travel soccer, please contact Chris Vargo, our Competition Commissioner, at [email protected].
TOPSoccer
TOPSoccer is open to any player with a physical or mental disability. There are no age restrictions and no cost — all are welcome to join.
Fall and Spring Seasons
TOPS meets during both the fall and spring seasons. The fall season begins the soccer year and typically runs seven (7) weeks from early September through late October. The spring season is ten (10) weeks, usually running from early April through early June.
When and Where We Play
The TOPSoccer program is held at Peterson Field and meets every Saturday morning at 9:00 during the season. For more information on TOPSoccer, please contact Kathy, our TOPS Director, at [email protected].