A Game-Changing Partnership for Youth Soccer … Keeping in mind, “What’s best for the player?”
Quick Take: Redefining State-Level Collaboration: Northern Counties Soccer Association (NCSA), leaves US Club to join US Youth Soccer‘s New Jersey Youth Soccer (NJYS). Why? To gain more support for players, according to Bob Heinrich, NCSA President. This is one of the most significant league integrations in US Youth Soccer history. This partnership unites 15,000 players, 1,000 coaches, and 80+ clubs under a shared mission: to expand access, strengthen development pathways, and grow the sport at every level — from grassroots to elite — while preserving the community pride that makes youth soccer in New Jersey so special.
In a move already turning heads across the U.S. youth soccer landscape, Northern Counties Soccer Association (NCSA) has officially joined New Jersey Youth Soccer (NJYS) for the 2025–26 season.
This change brings 15,000 travel players, 1,000 coaches, and more than 80 clubs into the NJYS family — fueling growth that cements the state association’s place among the top 5 largest in US Youth Soccer. With more than 110,000 registered players for the 2024–25 seasonal year and a projected 125,000 players for 2025–26, NJYS is on track to be in the top 3 nationally. This surge is being driven in large part by the integration of Northern Counties Soccer Association and reflects the scale, momentum, and strategic vision behind this partnership.
But this is more than a numbers story. Leaders from around the youth soccer landscape as well as both organizations see it as a blueprint for how leagues and governing bodies can collaborate to grow the sport from the grassroots up — setting new standards and perhaps even beginning to smash the old silos of illogical habits that say we can’t instead of we can.
“This partnership is about equity, quality, and shared growth at every level.” — Evan Dabby
The biggest question everyone wants answered is why would a large and successful youth soccer league operating since 1973 switch from US Club to US Youth. For decades, NCSA has been a powerhouse in youth soccer managed by an all-volunteer board. This past spring alone, the league managed 1,200 teams — a scale that brought both pride and pressure.
“NJYS is committed to growing the sport from the bottom up, with programs that benefit the entire state.”
Bob Heinrich
“With size comes bigger challenges,” said Bob Heinrich, NCSA President. “We were spending so much time on daily operations that we couldn’t focus on planning for the long-term best interests of our players. NJYS has a full-time staff that can help us with everything from grant applications to the resources and policies our league and players needed.”
Why NJYS — and Why Now?
For Heinrich, the decision also came down to alignment.
When asked “What do NCSA parents want? The response is clear … “A safe, friendly environment for my child to play the sport,” says Heinrich who believes the youth soccer landscape has grown into a big business that often forgets the player. “We have to regain perspective why kids play youth sports. Unfortunately, the goal is often to increase profits and not grow youth soccer. Evan can help us champion these goals. His vision is lets’ grow the sport together.”
“US Club Soccer was essentially an insurance platform — no leadership, no programs for most of our clubs, and a focus on higher leagues like ECNL that don’t serve 90% of our members. NJYS is the opposite: they want to grow the sport from the bottom up with programs that benefit the entire state.”
The financial model mattered, too. “Any change in governing body had to be revenue neutral or better for our families,” Heinrich emphasized. “This move meets that standard and adds value.”
Building Trust Over Time
This wasn’t an overnight decision. NJYS CEO Evan Dabby, himself an NCSA alum, reached out more than two years ago.
“We’re both operating youth soccer in New Jersey for the betterment of the state and the players,” Heinrich said. “Evan was collaborative from the start. We joined NJYS roundtables, participated in initiatives like the yellow wristbands for safety, and built trust through open communication — even sharing information on coach misconduct across sanctioning bodies. All before we officially decided to move over. That gave us confidence.”
Arsenal Soccer Club, Cresskill Cougar United and Westwood Dragons are just three of the many NCSA clubs that are committed to growing the youth soccer game encouraging the spirit of fairplay and the love of the game, as well as the importance of teamwork.
Youth Soccer Is Stronger Together
“We are proud to welcome Northern Counties Soccer Association into the US Youth Soccer community through their partnership with New Jersey Youth Soccer,” said Tom Condone, CEO of US Youth Soccer. “This represents a powerful step toward unifying and strengthening youth soccer across New Jersey and beyond.”
Expanding Reach in Underserved Areas
Dabby sees NCSA’s addition as a game-changer for youth soccer access in Northern New Jersey.
“With NCSA’s trusted relationships in over 70 towns, we can meet players and coaches where they are,” Dabby explained. “By aligning under one umbrella, we deliver consistent support in coaching education, player development, and competition structures. This is about equity, quality, and shared growth at every level.”
A Competitive and Cultural Fit
NCSA’s mix of town-based programs and competitive travel teams adds variety and depth to the NJYS competition structure.
“These clubs bring diversity and a community-based spirit to our player pool,” Dabby said. “We look forward to integrating them into statewide competitions like the NJYS Leagues Cup and Challenge Cup.”
The reaction from other clubs has been overwhelmingly positive. A recent NJYS collaboration with Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association streamlined cross-border player registrations for New York-based clubs competing in NCSA — lowering costs and reducing administrative headaches.
“That’s the kind of problem-solving that directly benefits families,” said Dabby. “It’s also a model we can replicate in other regions.”
Honoring the NCSA Legacy
For Dabby, the merger is deeply personal.
“I grew up playing in NCSA,” he said. “What made it special was the pride of representing your hometown with friends. That’s a spirit we will preserve.”
Integration doesn’t mean changing who these clubs are — it’s about giving them more tools to grow and thrive. “I carry a deep appreciation for the history the league and the growth that has ensued since my youth playing days. What made playing in NCSA special was more than just the competition. It was the sense of local pride.
Looking Ahead: Development on All Fronts
Over the next two to three years, NJYS plans to:
- Expand grassroots and national license coaching courses.
- Increase access to Young Olympians and Olympic Development Program (ODP) scouting.
- Grow participation in NJYS State Cup competitions, including the newly launched Leagues Cup.
- Leverage the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup in the region to create unique experiences for members.
- Enhance club support services, from administrative tools to health and safety resources.
“NJ Youth Soccer’s local staff and coaching educators throughout the state have provided opportunity for national level licenses, state level courses, as well as local clinics to support our coach education needs,” said Alex Lalaoui, Hudson County Soccer Director and Secaucus Soccer.
This commitment to meeting the needs of youth soccer coaches is one example of how NJYS is building a strong base for every level of the game.
“Bringing NCSA into NJYS is more than access to State Cups and Leagues,” Dabby said. “It’s a gateway to a broader soccer ecosystem built on development, education, and opportunity.”
Growth Backed by Results
While NJYS does not publish exact registration figures, internal trends show steady growth in both travel and recreational participation over the past five years — with projections for the 2025–26 season marking one of the largest single-year jumps in association history.
“The only way growth is sustainable is if players and families enjoy their experience and want to stay in the game. That’s what happens when we work together, break down silos, and keep the focus where it belongs — on the players.”
Evan Dabby
Evan Dabby’s Outlook
“The addition of NCSA to the NJYS family significantly strengthens our reach and impact across Northern New Jersey, especially in communities where NJYS has been disconnected,” says Dabby. “With NCSA’s deep local roots and trusted relationships across more than 70 towns, this partnership allows us to meet players and coaches where they are, and bring NJYS resources, programming, and opportunities directly to their fields.”
“NCSA teams bring a competitive and community-based spirit that fits seamlessly into the broader NJYS landscape,” adds Dabby. “They represent a diverse cross-section of clubs, from local town-based programs to more competitive travel teams, which adds depth and variety to our player pool and competition formats. This alignment helps us better serve all levels of the game, from grassroots to elite, and reinforces our commitment to inclusivity and local engagement. Moreover, we look forward to integrating NCSA teams into the newly developed NJYS Leagues Cup and the NJYS Challenge Cup that offer state-wide competition opportunities.”
Overwhelmingly Positive Response From Clubs
“Many clubs recognize that a more unified structure creates consistency, enhances development pathways, and opens doors to new partnerships,” says Dabby.
“One specific example and proof of concept regards NY based clubs competing in NCSA. In December, we started the work with Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) to evolve our process for out of state player registrations. The result is a more cost effective, streamlined administrative process for players, clubs, and both state associations. We’re grateful for the collaboration with Eastern New York, and we believe this successful model will serve as a foundation for resolving border challenges and expanding access across state lines,” adds Dabby.
READ: Leading by Listening: Evan Dabby Is Growing U.S. Soccer …
A Model for Other States
In an era when youth soccer can feel fragmented and competitive at the administrative level, NCSA joining NJYS offers something different: a blueprint for collaboration that puts players first.
According to Dabby, “With NCSA’s deep local roots and trusted relationships across more than 70 towns, this partnership allows us to meet players and coaches where they are, and bring NJYS resources, programming, and opportunities directly to their fields. Working together, we’re now better positioned to identify and support underserved towns, ensuring that talented players and committed coaches in all corners of Northern New Jersey have a clear pathway to grow within the sport. This partnership isn’t just about expansion. It’s about shared growth at every level.”
The hope is that this model could inspire other state associations and leagues nationwide to think bigger, align resources, and create sustainable change in youth soccer governance.
