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)

Click here to register.

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.

Click here to register!

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:

• The season will run 12/7/2024 through 3/1/2025. No games on 12/28 or 2/15.
• All games will be played on Saturdays.
• There will be no weekday practices for any divisions or ages.
• Indoor games will be at Myers Pavilion.
• Futsal will be played at Francis Scott Key Elementary/Middle.
• Indoor games at Myers will start as early as 8a and run as late as 8p.
• Futsal games at FSK will start as early as 12p and run as late as 5p.
• Indoor at Myers will be for our older players. We expect to have one girls-only division and several coed divisions.
• Futsal will be for our youngest age groups. We hope to have one coed division and one girls-only futsal division.
• Exact game times are TBD. Yes, we are coordinating with South Baltimore Basketball League to minimize or eliminate conflicts as best we can.
• When you receive your invoice, indoor players will be charged $175 and futsal players will be charged $125.
• If you would like to request payment assistance, please contact sbysl.treasurer@gmail.com. Please include the player's name and the amount you are able to pay. Please note that there is a $25 minimum payment for all players.

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!

Click here to register!

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

• Girls U11 - FSK grass - practice cancelled
• Coed U11 - Banner turf - practice is on, 6-7:30p

Thursday, Sept. 26

• Coed U7 - FSK grass - practice cancelled
• Girls U8 - FSK grass - practice cancelled
• Coed U9 - various grass locations - practice cancelled
• Girls U15 - Banner turf - practice TBD - look for update from your coach

Saturday, Sept. 28

• Picture day will be rescheduled for next Saturday, 10/5
• Coed U4 - all games cancelled
• Coed U5 - all games cancelled
• Coed U6 - all games cancelled
• Coed U7 - all games cancelled
• Girls U8 - all games cancelled
• Coed U9 - all games cancelled
• Girls U11 - games will be played as scheduled
• Coed U11 - games will be played as scheduled
• Coed U14 - games will be played as scheduled
• Girls U15 - games will be played as scheduled
• Coed U19 - games will be played as scheduled

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.

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.

Click HERE to Register!

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:

• More girls-only opportunities
• More single-age divisions
• Expansion to games at the newly renovated Riverside Park fields
• Adjustments to field sizes and game formats
• Expanded group practice offerings

Of course, we’ll continue with the things we’ve found make our league great: 

• Emphasis on FUN and community-building
• Promoting player development, not just wins and losses
• Homegrown referee program
• All-volunteer organization

Pricing

Our prices this year will hold steady, and we are always willing to work with families who need flexibility.

• Early Bird (register by Sunday, June 30): $100 for birth years 2019-2021; $150 for all others
• Regular (register by Monday, July 15): $115 for birth years 2019-2021; $175 for all others

Your registration fees cover:

• A jersey, shorts, and socks
• A complimentary gift
• League permits, insurance, background checks, field maintenance, team/league equipment, and referees

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:

• Team practices will begin the week of August 26, 2024.
• Games will begin Saturday, September 7, 2024 (no games Labor Day weekend)
• We will schedule games for Saturday, October 12
• The season will run through November 9 or 16, 2024 (depending on potential rainouts/makeups)
• Players from birth years 2006 - 2018 will practice once per week, on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday between the hours of 5-8p (practice length will be 60-90 minutes, depending on age level).
• Players from birth years 2006 - 2018 will play Saturday games at Latrobe Park (Banner Field), the grass fields behind Francis Scott Key Elementary/Middle, or Riverside Park. Games will be one hour, start times TBD.
• Players from birth years 2019-2021 will play on Saturday (one hour combined practice + game), on the grass field behind Francis Scott Key Elementary/Middle in the 9a-noon time frame. 2020 and 2021 birth years will have a start time that stays the same throughout the season. Some coaches in this age range may choose to host optional practices.

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!

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER NOW!

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!

Good Morning SBYSL Families!

SBYSL would like to introduce to you our NEW 2024 Executive Board!!

Our 2023/2024 volunteer pool voted this spring and have elected the following:

President: Matt Shudtz

Vice President: Robyn Leap

Treasurer: Robert Wahl

Secretary: Al Passarella

Community Relations Representative: Darlene Padgett

All appointed positions are in process and those folks will be announced at a later time.

FALL 2024 Outdoor Soccer Planning has started!! SBYSL will be in touch very soon with all the details! Please monitor  your emails, our website (sbysl.com) and all social media.

You can still reach out to SBYSL via our contact form.

TURF FIELDS RULES AND REGULATIONS

To preserve the quality of the turf and provide a clean andhealthy environment, the following are not allowed on theturf fields:

1. NO PETS OF ANY KIND
2. NO FOOD OR BEVERAGES, INCLUDING GUM, SEEDS, NUTS,SPORTS DRINKS OR SOFT DRINKS. (ONLY PLAIN WATER IS ALLOWED)
3. NO SMOKING OR TOBACCO PRODUCTS OF ANY KIND
4. NO GLASS BOTTLES OR GLASS CONTAINERS OF ANY TYPE
5. NO PLAYING GOLF
6. NO FOLDING CHAIRS OR ANY OTHER TYPE OF OUTDOOR FURNITURE.
7. NO CANOPY OR TENTS. (NO STAKING ANYTHING INTO THE TURF)
8. NO METAL SPIKES AND/OR CLEATS
9. NO BIKES OR STROLLERS
10. DO NOT DRAG COOLERS, BLOCKING DUMMIES, OR ANYOTHER ITEMS ON THE FIELD.

• DO NOT PICK OR PULL GRASS FIBERS OR INFILL MATERIALON FIELD.

ALERT PARK STAFF IF ANY CLEAN UP ON FIELD IS NEEDED.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR COOPERATION!