It’s time! Registration is open for SBYSL’s Fall 2025 season. We’re back with coed and girls-only options, clinic-style training and games for our youngest players, and more fun than a barrel full of monkeys.
The registration window is now through Sunday, June 15th. After that, we’ll close the registration page, finalize our divisions, and then re-open to fill any remaining spots. This process ensures that we right-size teams and divisions.
As an incentive to register early, everyone who registers by Wednesday, May 28 can claim 4 free tickets to see a USL2 (semi-pro) game right in our backyard. Christos FC will be playing Lionsbridge FC at The Stadium @ The House – Under Armour’s flagship space on Baltimore Peninsula. Your discount code will be provided in the registration confirmation email.
Lots of information about the season can be found in the FAQ, below. If you have other questions, don’t hesitate to ask. Just message us through the website and we’ll get back to you ASAP.
*** FAQ ***
Who can register?
Any child born in 2007 - 2022 can register. Players born in 2007 must be enrolled in high school.
There are no geographical restrictions but please note that we expect practices and games will be in South Baltimore (Latrobe Park and Swann Park, primarily).
Is there a girls-only option?
Yes! Our girls-only divisions have grown by leaps and bounds over the last few years, and it's an opportunity we're proud to offer. During the registration process, players who are in the age range in which we are offering girls-only teams and select “female” gender will have the option to choose either the coed or girls-only division.
How do I register?
What does the league cost?
Players born 9/1/2020 through 12/31/2022 (U4 and U5)
Players born 8/31/2020 or earlier
What do the fees pay for?
Your fees pay for uniforms, team and league equipment, referees, field rentals and maintenance, grounds crew, insurance, and administrative costs. All coaches and SYBSL Board members are unpaid volunteers.
Can I get financial assistance?
Thanks to our generous donors, YES! Just email sbysl.treasurer[at]gmail.com with your request, including how much you are willing to pay. We ask that you pay a minimum $25 per player if at all possible. You will receive a personal discount code via email, which you can apply on the checkout page on the registration form.
Please submit your financial assistance request by Friday, June 13th so that we have time to get the code to you before the registration deadline.
What shirt size should I order?
We will be ordering jerseys from Rebel Sports, as we did for the Winter 2024-’25 session. Here’s their size chart:
When does the season begin?
Practices will begin the week of August 25. Games will begin on Saturday, September 6.
** No games Labor Day weekend. Yes, we will play on Saturday, Oct. 11. **
When does the season end?
Games will end on November 1st or 8th, depending on weather.
When will my child's team practice?
Practices will be on weekday evenings, typically in the 5:30-8:00 range. We aim for 60- to 90-minute sessions, depending on the age group (and daylight, weather, and permits).
Most divisions will have group practices, meaning all teams in the division will practice on the same day and time. Some coaches may offer additional training opportunities.
We hope to finalize the practice schedule by early August, depending on when we receive our final permits from the city.
Where are practices and games?
Pending final permit approval by the city, we expect all practices and games to be at Latrobe Park and Swann Park.
Can I request teammates?
In the registration form, there is a question that prompts you to share what will make the season a success. Please indicate your teammate requests there. We do our best to pair up friends in our Pre-K divisions. As the kids get older, it is harder to accommodate these requests and maintain competitive balance in the league.
When will I know which team my child is on and who their coach is?
We are aiming to complete team formation by early August.
How will the league and coaches communicate with us?
League-wide communications generally come by email. Be sure to whitelist info@stonealley.com, because that's the address used by our email system.
Coaches will communicate through the GameChanger app. Please download the app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. It's free!
Be sure to register on GameChanger with the same email address you use to register your child – it's the only way we know how to contact you!
What is the game schedule?
Our youngest players will have a once-per-week clinic (think Soccer Shots). During their hour-long time slot, they will enjoy athletic and soccer skill development exercises, plus a small-sided game (4v4, no goalies). These divisions will play first thing on Saturday morning.
Players in Kindergarten through 8th grade should expect one practice per week, plus a game on Saturday. Games will be 4v4, 5v5, 7v7, or 9v9, depending on the division. We aim to ensure that the format is appropriate for the age and stage of development. Game times will be spread across the day, although each division typically has a window when their games are scheduled for the season. We aim to have the windows set in early August, pending final permit approvals by the city.
High school players will play games only. It will be run “pick-up” style: Each week, we will form 11v11 teams based on who arrives at the field. Typically, due to school and work commitments, our high school attendance has been hit-or-miss, and establishing season-long teams has not worked.
How are players grouped for divisions?
This is our biggest challenge every year. We do our best to balance appropriate team sizes, optimum player development and enjoyment, and competitive play, based on the number of players registered in each grade level. Often, we group in two-year increments (e.g., 4th and 5th graders).
While we will not have a final answer on this question until we’ve seen the registration numbers for Fall 2025, our tentative groupings are:
Coed
U4 (Sept 2021-Dec2022)
U5 (Sept 2020-Aug2021)
Kindergarten
1st Grade
2nd - 3rd Grade
4th - 5th Grade
6th - 8th Grade
9th-12th Grade
Girls only
1st - 2nd Grade
3rd - 5th Grade
6th - 8th Grade
What if I can't make every game?
No sweat. Many players have other commitments, get sick, or just can't make a game. Please let your coach know as soon as possible so they can arrange for a “pool player” to fill in if necessary.
How do I get involved?
We are a 100% volunteer-run organization and grateful for our many volunteers. We need coaches, referees, field marshals, help with setup and cleanup, help with lining fields, help with fundraising, and more.
Click here to learn more about training requirements for all volunteers.
Click here to let us know you're interested. You can also note your interest in coaching when you go to register your child in Stone Alley.
What are the expectations for coaches?
First and foremost, coaches must understand SBYSL’s vision, which is, to put it simply, create a positive environment for kids to enjoy time with their friends and develop soccer skills.
Coaches should also be committed to being present for all (or nearly all) practices and games.
All SBYSL coaches are highly encouraged to to take the US Soccer Federation’s Introduction to Grassroots Coaching course (free, 20 minutes) and the appropriate online Grassroots Coaching training course for their age group (i.e., 4v4, 7v7, 9v9, or 11v11) ($26, 2 hours). The courses provide a lot of great information and tools. SBYSL will reimburse the cost of the online course. Simply email the league Treasurer to get your reimbursement.
All coaches MUST complete a background check and safety training courses. Information is available on our website.
Who can referee?
We are proud of our homegrown referee program, which creates a pathway for kids as young as sixth grade to gain experience officiating a game. Our youngest participants start as Assistant Referees (sideline refs) and can work their way up to being the head referee with a couple of years of experience, showing aptitude and responsibility.
We highly encourage everyone who is eligible (13 and older) to become a licensed referee. You can find out how to do that through this link.
If you or your child is interested in being part of our homegrown referee program, please click here to register your interest.
If you have a daughter who will be in 1st through 8th grade next fall, you may be wondering about our girls-only program. It launched a few years ago on a limited basis and has grown by leaps and bounds ever since. We asked three of the parents who have helped make that possible to share their experiences.
Kristen McQuillan:
As both a parent and coach in SBYSL for the past several years, I’ve had the joy of watching my children find joy and thrive in this league. I've helped coach an all-boys teams, co-ed teams, and several all-girls teams—and while each setting offers valuable experiences, I want to encourage families to seriously consider enrolling their daughters in the girls-only division this fall.
There’s something truly powerful that happens when girls play together. On co-ed teams, I’ve seen girls adjust their style of play—sometimes hesitating, passing the ball too quickly, or dropping back on defense when facing boys who might be taller or faster. However, on all-girls teams, the shift is remarkable. They begin to see themselves not just as contributors, but as leaders and playmakers. I’ve seen girls step into more aggressive, strategic, and confident roles, and it’s not because they suddenly gained more skill—it’s because the space allowed them to fully show what was already there. In many cases, playing in the girls division in the fall allowed many girls to play more confidently in the co-ed winter divisions for indoor soccer.
Research supports what we see on the field. Girls who participate in girls-only sports settings are more likely to develop leadership skills, build stronger self-esteem, and stay engaged in sports longer. They’re also more likely to report feeling a stronger sense of belonging and confidence in their athletic identity (WSF, 2018).
We strive to create intentional opportunities to build a supportive community. One of our favorite routines throughout practices and games are “shout-outs,” where girls recognize one another for great hustle, teamwork, or sportsmanship. The way they light up when a teammate notices their effort—and then return the praise—creates an incredible culture of positivity and mutual respect. It’s about so much more than soccer; it’s about building a sisterhood.
At its core, The girls-only division cultivates confident, connected, and empowered young individuals, reinforcing their value and belonging. As a parent, coach, and someone who has played both co-ed and all-girls sports, I highly recommend joining us this fall.
Seth Pearlman:
I have had the unique opportunity to be involved with the SBYSL girls only soccer league from the beginning, watching it evolve from a small group of girls to the thriving league it is today.
The benefits of a girls-only soccer league extend far beyond the playing field. It provides a supportive environment where girls can develop their athletic skills, build confidence, and learn valuable lessons in teamwork. We provide a dedicated space that allows them to thrive without the added pressures of the co-ed environment. This positive environment contributes significantly to their overall player development and well-being.
As the father of two daughters,I believe in the importance of continuing to nurture and expand this program. Our league is a valuable asset to our community and I will continue to advocate for space and opportunities for our girls to play.
Julie Carper:
My daughter has played soccer, albeit sometimes reluctantly, for over 5 years. Her first years on co-ed teams involved tears, bribes and a lot of cajoling. It wasn't until her first season when she signed up in the all-girls division that her love for the game began to develop. Almost immediately we saw her become more confident, her on field skills improve, and her enthusiasm shift. Each year she has enjoyed her playing time more, her interest in tournaments and casual play alike has grown, and she's become a stronger player as well! Through this experience, she has learned to support her teammates (and opponents!), celebrate small wins, and learn from mistakes in an encouraging atmosphere. I'm so grateful to SBYSL for my daughter's opportunity to grow and thrive in a female environment. It has truly been a gamechanger for her, and created a strong foundation for her love of the game!
Our Winter session is nearly full! We have just a few spots remaining, which will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
1 spot for coed U11 (2014 and 2015 birthdays)
1 spot for girls-only U12 (2013-2015 birthdays)
12 spots for coed U19 (2006-2010 birthdays) (2006 only for current high school students)
Friday 10/25 - Poly Soccer in State Playoffs
Friday afternoon, you can see about 20 SBYSL kids playing in the second round of state playoffs. Poly Boys Varsity takes on rival City at 4:00p. Poly Girls Varsity Takes on Aberdeen at 5:30p. Both games at Poly. Tickets available here.
This Saturday 10/26 - Port to Fort
Fort Ave will be shut down early Saturday for the Port to Fort running event -- probably until 10a or so. Leave extra time to get to the fields! If you have to drive, plan to use the Key Highway Extension to get to Locust Point or the I-95/Andre Street approach (green paths below).
This Saturday 10/26 - Picture Day
The picture day schedule can be found here. Contact your coach with any questions. Each player must check in with a J Hurst staff member in a neon vest. Other notes from J Hurst are copied at the end of this email.
This Saturday 10/26 - Support FSK PTO
Hey, if you're stuck waiting between pictures and games, go grab a snack and support the FSK PTO!
This Saturday 10/26 - NOT the final week of games
Please see email from Matt Shudtz on Tuesday 10/22. Most teams will play through 11/16 to account for make-ups. Game times will be added to GameChanger soon. Divisions with tournaments/playoffs must play all regular season games before the playoff games can be scheduled. Plan for similar times as the rest of the season.
This Saturday 10/26 - Scout Pack/Troop 577 Haunted House
Pack 577's Haunted House will be fun, food, costume contests, and body parts in dinnerware! The event starts at 3:30 pm, with Haunted House tours starting at 4:30 pm. Thank you for supporting Pack and Troop 577 in their annual fundraiser.
When: October 26, 2024 3:30 PM - 730:PM
Where: 1401 Towson Street, Baltimore, MD, United States, Maryland 21230
Facebook page
This Sunday 10/27 - Indoor Registration Closes
Click here to register. We have futsal! We have girls-only! We're getting as many kids in as possible! All details about registration and the season are here and on the 10/22 news item on our website.
* * *
Notes and FAQ from J Hurst Photography
1. Each player will receive an optional advance pay offer from J HurstPhotography in the form of an advanced pay $40 gift card. If the parents decide to purchase the gift card , they will receive free shipping. This offer is attached to the phone number that is placed in the order. This offer is totally optional.
2. During picture day each player will have a ‘check in’ picture taken by J. Hurst
Photography staff (the check in staff wears bright yellow vest with check in on their back) with a mobile device. This will create their on-line gallery. This ID picture will then pull in the professional photos of the players Into their private gallery. NO MONEY OR FORMS ARE NEEDED ON PICTURE DAY.
3. Once we are finished editing the images from picture day the gallery will be published and an e-mail sent to the families. Once the gallery is published parents and family members can then purchase from the gallery. They are able to crop, change images and decide from the selection of photos and poses taken duringpicture day. There is no minimum order required. All images are viewed before purchasing.
4. All orders are then mailed directly to the players address that was given during the ordering process No board member or coaches needed to distribute pictures.
5. Coach and kid photos will still be taken and given free as a thank you to coaches. the coaches will
receive a digital file of the photos sent via a separate link.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can you combine the galleries if families have siblings ? We can. just send us an email letting us know once the gallery is published. This will allow the family to pay one shipping for the order that may have more than one child. (If they did not take advantage of the free shipping offer )
Can we take buddy/sibling pictures? Absolutely! Let us know and we will take the picture on picture day.
Can we see the package prices ahead of time ? Yes, this information is available in our first email along with the advance pay option.
How long until I receive my picture package? This will depend on the shipping option that you choose at checkout.
It's here! Registration for our winter session opens today.
We're very excited to announce that this year we will have expanded futsal and -- for the first time -- girls-only opportunities!
Please note this change to the registration processs: The registration window is open today through Sunday night, 10/27. All registrants will be initially placed on a waitlist. When the 5-day window closes, the planning committee will review the numbers and optimize divisions and teams to ensure as many players as possible get the chance to play. At that time, registered players will receive an email from info@stonealley.com with an invoice. You must pay within 48 hours to reserve your spot in the league.
In the event that we cannot accommodate all players who have registered interest for a given age bracket, we will use a lottery system to select the players who are offered spots. Having a sibling in the league does not guarantee a spot.
Key details:
Volunteers:
To ensure another successful season, we need volunteers! We are looking for head coaches, assistant coaches, division VPs, field coordinators, referees, and a scheduler (aka Chief GameChanger Operator). Click here to see the expectations for these roles.
To be considered for any volunteer role, you must register in Stone Alley. Click here.
We're looking forward to another fun season!
Due to the ongoing rain, Baltimore City Recreation and Parks has cancelled usage of grass fields through Monday, 9/30. That will cause some disruption to our programs:
Wednesday, Sept. 25
Thursday, Sept. 26
Saturday, Sept. 28
We'll endeavor to work on make-up opportunities. Keep an eye on GameChanger for updates from your coaches.
Thanks for understanding. Stay dry!
SBYSL's 20th Season is almost underway! Our planning committee has been putting in long hours over the last couple of weeks to coordinate coaches, assign teams, get permits squared away with the city, and place our uniforms order. Things are coming together for a great season.
This message is dense with information, so please take your time with it.
Communications
If you haven't yet, you should be receiving a message from your child's coach sometime this week. If you don't hear anything by the end of the week, email me and we'll sort it out.
Please be sure to download the GameChanger app (Android here, iPhone here), because our coaches will be using it as the primary mode of communication throughout the season. When you register in GameChanger, be sure to use the same email address you used when you registered with SBYSL (i.e., the one we're emailing you with here).
It is important that you RSVP for games and practices on GameChanger so that your coach can plan accordingly. Please also take a look at the player info for your child and be sure all necessary parents and guardians are listed as contacts.
Your coach should be your primary point of communication with the league. They can resolve many issues, and things that need other attention can be run up the chain to the division VP, Fall 2024 planning committee, or Board as necessary. But I am personally committed to ensuring your family has a positive experience, so feel free to reach out to me.
Practices
Practices will begin next week. Most of our divisions will be doing group practices again this year. It's a model the kids love because they get to see all their friends from other teams and get to scrimmage in a game-like situation every week. Coaches will provide more information about locations and times.
Games
Games will begin Saturday, September 7. We have not yet finalized the full schedule, but as soon as we do, it will be loaded into GameChanger.
Equipment
Every player needs cleats, shin guards, a ball, and a water bottle. Be sure to put your name and phone number on the ball and water bottle! Players born in 2020 and 2021 will receive a ball as a gift from SBYSL this year. Our high school division (2006-'10 birthdays) will use a size 5 ball. Size 4 is good for all other players.
Uniforms will be distributed in a few weeks. The league will provide a jersey, black shorts, and black socks.
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Cleat Swap Leave a pair, take a pair. Or just take a pair. Or just leave a pair. Kick Off a New Season with Our Annual Soccer Cleat Swap! ? Are your old cleats feeling more like a penalty than an advantage? Have any cleats taking up space in your house? Join us for our Soccer Cleat Swap and step into the new season with confidence. ?? Date: 9/7 ?? Location: Behind FSK ? Time: 9-3 Cleat donations can also be dropped off to the stoop of 1810 Webster Street anytime prior to 9/7. For more details or questions contact rebecca.celotto@gmail.com. See you on the field! ? |
Thank you for being part of SBYSL. We're looking forward to a great season!
Wow -- nearly 600 players are registered for SBYSL's Fall 2024 season! Registration has closed, we are very excited to get things rolling, and wanted to provide a quick update.
First, if you or someone you know missed the registration deadline and would like to put your name on our waitlist, please click this link. We cannot guarantee anyone will make it off the waitlist at this point, but we will do our best.
Second, we are hard at work lining up coaches, division VPs, and determining practice and game schedules. We are aiming to have details on all those topics available by early- to mid-August. As a reminder, practices will begin the week of August 26, and games will begin on September 7.
In the meantime, attached below is a chart showing the divisions where you can expect your child(ren) to be assigned.
Finally, a huge thank you to all of our volunteers -- this league is a success because of you!
Have a great weekend.
- SBYSL Fall 2024 Planning Committee
SBYSL is excited to announce the return of our Financial Assistance Program, offering support to players and families seeking assistance with league fees.
This program would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors, including Harris Teeter and the dozens of families that have donated to support the league's mission.
Youth soccer in America has been criticized for the “pay to play” programming, in which the best opportunities for development are offered to families who can afford to spend thousands of dollars on fees, travel, equipment, and other expenses.
SBYSL is committed to reducing barriers to the sport. We keep our fees low and are always willing to work with families to ensure kids can be a part of our program, regardless of their financial means. SBYSL offers a positive and inclusive environment in which experienced and passionate coaches are dedicated to helping players build individual skills, team play, confidence, and team camaraderie.
Please contact us here to learn more, request financial support, or join our sponsors who are helping to keep soccer affordable.
If you are requesting support, please state the amount you would like to request. You will receive a note back from the league with further information.
Join us for the 20th season of South Baltimore Youth Soccer League! We are excited to welcome back returning players and new players alike, from birth years 2006-2021.
Deadline to register: Monday, July 15, 2024
Early Bird discounts until Sunday June 30!!
With the growth of our league over the last several years, the Executive Board and Fall 2024 Planning Committee are working hard to implement changes to benefit our players and families, including:
Of course, we’ll continue with the things we’ve found make our league great:
Pricing
Our prices this year will hold steady, and we are always willing to work with families who need flexibility.
Your registration fees cover:
Divisions
Based on current registration projections, we expect to have the following divisions. This is subject to change based on actual registration numbers:
Girls-only:
U8 (birth years 2017-2018)
U10 (birth years 2015-2016)
U12 (birth years 2013-2014)
U14 (birth years 2011-2012)
Coed:
U4 (birth year 2021)
U5 (birth year 2020)
U6 (birth year 2019)
U7 (birth year 2018)
U8 (birth year 2017)
U9 (birth year 2016)
U10 (birth year 2015)
U11 (birth year 2014)
U14 (birth years 2011-2013)
U19 (birth years 2006-2010) (players born in 2006 must be enrolled in high school)
Schedule
Curious about the schedule? Here is what we can say with confidence at this point:
Questions?
Still need to know more? Contact us using this link, and we’ll get back to you ASAP. Please keep in mind, we’re all volunteers here!
PS - Check out the latest episode of southbmore.com’s South Baltimore Now! podcast, featuring Cindy Curley and Matt Shudtz talking about SBYSL’s origins, successes, and what’s to come. You can find it on your favorite podcast app, or on southbmore.com!
