Recreation is the foundation of youth soccer in our state. At SSA we strive to have every player, parent, and coach participate in creating a positive environment. Recreation soccer is a major role in developing the next generation of players, coaches, and leaders  in our association and the state.

NC Youth Soccer Association (NCYSA) defines a recreation team as one: that does not use tryouts, invitations, recruiting or any like process to roster players selectively to any team on the basis of talent or ability. The system utilized for rostering the players must be a fair and balanced distribution of playing talent among all teams participating. NCYSA strives to promote an emphasis on PARTICIPATION, not COMPETITION. Help children understand this is the “Game for All Kids.”

Recreational soccer: Is that soccer program that is primarily devoted to the enjoyment and development of soccer players without the emphasis on travel or high level competition. The purpose of recreational soccer is to provide an opportunity for the participants to have fun, learn the sport and develop life skills including a life-long love of the game.

Eastern Carolina Soccer Association (ECSA)

Eastern Carolina Soccer Association was founded in 1995 for the purpose of scheduling recreation travel soccer within the area. ECSA has it's own Board of Directors and staff that determine the levels of play, rules and regulations, and scheduling for all clubs/teams that participate. Eastern Carolina Soccer Association (ECSA) is the scheduling league for affiliated soccer associations within the area that plays recreational soccer (U9 –U19) at the youth level.  

SSA enters U9 - U19 teams into the ECSA pool of teams. 

There are generally around 8 games per season, 4 home games and 4 away games. All SSA home matches are played at the SSA complex. Games will be played on Saturday, Sunday, or both days. At the end of the season there is a tournament for each division. All teams will participate in this single elimination tournament.

ECSA Club Members

ECSA has a website for their general rules and maintains 2 websites for each season for games and schedules. Here you can find more information about them and the clubs that are part of the association.

ECSA's Main Website here

ECSA Fall Season website here

ECSA Spring Season website here