LYSA: More Than 2,700 Players From 4 to Adult Participate

LYSA, the area’s oldest and most successful soccer organization, provides opportunity throughout the life span.

Kids as young as 4 can play in recreational leagues, and adults can play as long as their legs will allow.

The organization, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary, prides itself on the variety of its programs.

“We provide a good mix for kids of all abilities from those who have never played to the most skilled players,” said LYSA office manager Tracey McGaughey whose three sons play soccer.

“Plus we have three seasons of leagues for adults.”

For kids in the U-5 to U-14 recreational leagues, LYSA offers free player development clinics to work on skills.

“These are really a good way for kids to get a foot on the ball before they join their teams,” McGaughey said.

Currently, LYSA has more than 1,200 kids playing recreational soccer and another 750 on Lexington FC teams, reserved for the most skilled players.

The Adult leagues comprise up to 700 players. In addition, more than 50 players of all ages with disabilities participate in LYSA’s TOPSoccer program. LYSA started the program in 2009 and it has grown each year.

Therefore, LYSA serves more than 2,700 players.

LYSA’s powerhouse Lexington FC program specializes in winning championships and developing elite players.

The star of the UK women’s soccer team that has advanced to the NCAA tournament is Arin Gilliland, who played in Lexington FC.

Last year, Lexington FC teams won 10 state championships, and in the past two years 30 players have advanced to Division I soccer in college.

This year’s all-state boys and girls high school teams included a whopping 10 Lexington FC players.

These players benefit from elite, professional coaches. They include Mike Fulton and Matt Vogel, head coaches at Transylvania, and UK assistant David Casper.

High school head coaches include Fonyam Atanga and Brad Turpin (Woodford County), Albert Gross (Tates Creek), Mike McKinney (Sayre), Tom Morgan (Dunbar) and Evan Sutherland (Madison Central).

LYSA proved its commitment to player development by assigning top coaches to a new pre-academy for U-8 players to prepare them for Lexington FC play.

Info: 223-5632 or www.lysa.org.