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!