The Edmonton Interdistrict Youth Soccer Association (EIYSA) is a not-for-profit organization founded in 1987. EIYSA runs a Tier 1 and Tier 2 elite club program for the Edmonton and surrounding areas. The club program, until 1987, was part of Edmonton Minor Soccer Association (EMSA). In 1987 an application was made to Alberta Soccer Association (ASA) to allow and recognize an organization that would organize and govern Club Soccer in Edmonton. ASA approved the application, and EIYSA was official.
EIYSA was not our first name. The original name was the Northern Alberta Soccer Association (NASA). On March 9, 1987 ASA notified us that we were required to change our name. Later on in 1987 we submitted the name of Edmonton Interdistrict Youth Soccer Association to ASA. In Feb, 1988 we were officially registered under the Society Act as EIYSA.
EIYSA started off with 10 clubs and 61 teams from Edmonton, St. Albert and Sherwood Park. The Clubs were; Ajax, Juventus, KC Trojans, Western SC, Capital City SC, Southwest, Strikers, Victoria, Sherwood Park Rangers and St. Albert Hercules. Since then the association has grown and the Clubs have changed. We now have 11 clubs with about 200 teams, and over 3000 players aged 5-18 year old. The current 11 clubs under the EIYSA umbrella are Drillers, Internazionale, Juventus, KC Trojans, Scottish United, Southwest United, Strikers, Victoria, Sherwood Park Phoenix, St. Albert Impact & Red Deer Renegades.
EIYSA is one of the most accomplished and successful club soccer programs in the Country, sending many teams to provincial and national championships. In 2000 EIYSA won all six youth club team provincial championships. Those youth teams went on to win two gold and two silver medals at the Canadian Club Nationals.
Since its inception EIYSA has always strived to create a superior soccer program for Edmonton’s finest youth soccer players. They do this by providing diversified programs to enhance the game of soccer in Alberta. The following programs were first introduced in Alberta and facilitated through EIYSA;
Futsal -2003/2004 Indoor/ Winter Season
Super Y-League - 2005 Outdoor Season
7v7 - 2006/2007 Indoor/ Winter Season
EIYSA is recognized in Alberta and Canada as one of the leading producers of talented soccer players. It is important to provide a platform for players to hone their talents and develop their skills so that they can achieve their goals and aspirations. Eiysa provides players these opportunities.
Besides helping players learn valuable life skills and enabling them to develop life-long friendships EIYSA can help them obtain Canadian and American soccer scholarships so they can pursue a post-secondary education. EIYSA is the league that scouts from colleges, university’s and even the professional ranks look to when searching for young talent. An estimated 95 per cent of the players on the Edmonton University and College teams come through the EIYSA ranks.
One of the reasons for the success of EIYSA teams is the caliber of the coaching. Coaches must be certified and most clubs have technical directors to assist in the improvement of the coaches. Some coaches have been with the program for years, well after their children have advanced past the youth stage. This attests to the types of individuals’ that are drawn to the program; dedicated and commitment to the players and the sport.
EIYSA soccer is not for everyone. It is where you will find the best soccer players in Edmonton and area competing in high level games. Unlike other levels of soccer, tryouts are required for the U12 age group and higher. But for soccer player who are dedicated to playing soccer - and having fun while doing it - the rewards can be long lasting.
Valerie Perry
Director of Operations
E.I.Y.S.A.