SYSC Programs Allowed to Play in Michigan Soccer Leagues -

The Greater North Soccer Association, in partnership with Sault Youth Soccer Club are proud to announce that Ontario Soccer has approved Sault Youth Soccer Club’s (SYSC) participation in Michigan soccer leagues for the 2025 season.

“It has been 8 months in the making through open communication with Ontario Soccer and going through the proper channels to Canada Soccer and then to U.S. Soccer that we can make this exciting announcement today” said Clive Wilkinson, chair of GNSA. “After pitching our case that being a border city in northern Ontario, our ability to travel to Traverse City Michigan, to play league games would be equivalent to southern Ontario teams travelling from Toronto to London” continued Wilkinson.

“Soo United teams under the old restrictions, were allowed to play in a few tournaments in the United States,” Steve Mazzuca, chair of Sault Youth Soccer stated. “This unique opportunity allows our players to showcase their talents on both sides of the border. Grassroots players (under the age of 13) did not have a league to play in until this announcement. In our opinion, league play is essential to the growth of players who wish to pursue soccer competitively in the future. Currently there are approximately 210 Soo Junior United players (U8 – U12) in the pre-
competitive stream and 125 players (U13 – U18).”

“The expanded competitive player pathway will get a lot of eyes scouting our players for different opportunities on both sides of the border. These opportunities for players to participate in Ontario Collegiate and Varsity showcase tournaments and the provincial qualifying tournaments such as the Ontario Indoor and Outdoor Cup, can only be achieved as an Ontario Soccer registered player” said Luis Lima, technical director for SYSC.

SYSC teams will now have the opportunity to join the Mid-Michigan Youth Soccer League, the Director’s Academy League, as well as the Michigan Youth Soccer League. This will add exposure to our very talented players in U.S. player recruitment offering more opportunities.

“Stay tuned for more information as we continue to make new partnerships and enhance our current ones. We wish to thank Canada Soccer and Ontario Soccer, as well as all of volunteers at Sault Youth Soccer, as we hope to make 2025 a very special year for soccer in Sault Ste. Marie,” said Wilkinson.

Visit GNSA.ca and SaultYouthSoccer.com for more information.