Love footie? The CHYSC Lightning youth travel soccer program wants you

Know any kids who are strong soccer players, love the game and are interested in improving their skills in a fun and supportive environment? We know hundreds who had a blast last year with us, but we want that number to grow.

Registration has opened for Chestnut Hill Youth Sports Club (CHYSC) soccer, the program that has been serving families in our community and beyond for decades. But please don't wait. The deadline for signing up in time to try out for the CHYSC Lightning—the premier travel soccer program in Northwest Philadelphia—is approaching fast. Tryouts for CHYSC Lightning travel teams in some age groups will begin as soon as May 8. That's only days away!

Last year was a milestone season for the CHYSC Lightning. Enrollment for travel soccer continued to grow, with new teams created to accommodate increased participation. The club rolled out sleek new uniforms and spirit gear in our distinctive royal blue, black and white colors. New partner schools opened up their fields to our boys and girls for games and practices. And Lightning teams enjoyed unprecedented levels of success in the Inter-County Soccer League and at tournaments. That on-the-field success, says CHYSC travel commissioner Rick Moseley, is the product of the club's focus on player development and learning skills (I can vouch for growth in that area, because I'm the one who gives out the cool international soccer shirts that the club gives to kids who reach 100 juggles in our Juggling Club).

CHYSC typically fields boys and girls Lightning travel teams from the Under-9 through U-15 levels. All teams play a 10-game schedule in the Inter-County Soccer League starting the weekend after Labor Day and continuing through mid-November. Most teams also participate in a pre-season tournament and all Lightning teams take part in a memorable two-day post-season tournament in the Lancaster area ("best weekend ever," is a phrase we hear a lot). Teams are selected in May through an open tryout process, with tryouts starting in the coming days (see tryout calendar). Registration will remain open after the travel soccer deadline and into the summer months for boys or girls interested in playing in CHYSC's superb intramural program. To register or learn more, visit www.chysc.org.