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CJSA Launches Afterschool Soccer Programs in Partnership with Kwik Goal

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Connecticut Junior Soccer Association (CJSA) has launched a new initiative to bring afterschool soccer programs to more communities across the state. Aimed at expanding access to the game while providing kids with a safe and healthy activity once the school day ends, the programming is being made possible through a partnership with Kwik Goal as its official equipment provider.

“We are proud to bring new afterschool soccer programs to communities across Connecticut, creating more opportunities for kids to play, learn and build friendships through the game,” said Andy Parker, CJSA Grassroots Coaching Coordinator. “Thanks to Kwik Goal, our official equipment supplier, every program will have the resources needed to support a fun and positive experience.”

Focused on breaking down barriers to participation, this afterschool initiative offers players free equipment, professional coaching and mentorship from CJSA staff and local college athletes. In addition to serving as role models for participants, coaches and mentors are instilling values of teamwork, discipline and confidence that carry into the classroom and beyond. Nearly 200 young players in Hartford, New Haven and Norwich have already taken part in the programming, with plans underway to expand even further statewide.

For CJSA, the collaboration with Kwik Goal reflects a shared vision of growing the game and strengthening communities through sport. Together, the organizations are ensuring that more kids across Connecticut have the opportunity to play, learn and thrive.

“Our partnership with CJSA reflects a shared commitment to growing the game and reaching more communities,” said Tim Tobin of Kwik Goal. “Supplying the equipment for the CJSA Kickin’ It After School Programs ensures that every child has the chance to participate, learn and enjoy soccer in a safe, supportive environment. We’re proud to contribute to the development of the next generation of players.”

Founded in 1981, Kwik Goal has established itself as an industry leading supplier of soccer goals, field equipment and training equipment. An official provider to U.S. Soccer, U.S. Soccer Foundation, ECNL and United Soccer Coaches, Kwik Goal offers a versatile line of products that can be used at every level of play.

To contact the Connecticut Junior Soccer Association, please call (860) 676-1161 or email office@cjsa.org. Also make sure to follow us on social media!

Soccer Wars Comes to Connecticut

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Earlier this month, Connecticut Junior Soccer Association (CJSA) teamed up with Soccer Wars to bring one of the sport’s most unique competition formats to Newington, Connecticut. Players ages 8–18 from across the state and beyond came together for two days of fast-paced matches where adaptability and leadership were just as important as skill.

“It was awesome being able to bring our club-neutral event to Connecticut!” said Casey Clark, CEO of Soccer Wars. “I couldn’t have asked for better support for our first event on the East Coast—from the multiple states of families who attended and from Josh, Amy, and the entire CJSA staff for believing in the vision of what we’re building across the U.S. We’re honored to work with partners who share our mission: creating something for all levels and all positions to enjoy, compete, meet new people, and hopefully leave with an even deeper love for the game of soccer.”

A Unique Competition

Unlike traditional tournaments, Soccer Wars does not require teams to sign up together. Rather, players register individually and then rotate through small-sided matches with different teammates each game. Points are earned for both individual and team performances, and the highest scorers advance to the championship match. The format keeps the competition fresh, challenges players to adapt quickly and creates opportunities for everyone to step into the spotlight.

For CJSA, co-hosting the event was about more than the games on the field. It provided players of all skill levels and backgrounds a chance to compete, grow and connect through the sport in a new way. The sidelines were filled with families cheering not just for their own kids, but for new friends and teammates met along the way, all while capturing the community spirit that makes youth soccer so impactful.

“Soccer Wars did an awesome job with their event in Newington,” said Josh Krusewski, Executive Director of the Connecticut Junior Soccer Association. “It was really well organized and a big success. With how well things went this year, the sky’s the limit going forward. I’d definitely recommend it to my colleagues in other state associations.”

What sets Soccer Wars apart is the variety of ways players can test themselves. The event features three signature formats:

  • Player Wars: Fast-paced, small-sided battles that lead to the showcase finals.
  • Goalie Wars: Goalkeepers go head-to-head in rapid-fire matchups.
  • Skill Wars: A series of challenges designed to spotlight individual technique and creativity.

Combined with a festival-style atmosphere that is complete with music, food and community activities, Soccer Wars is as much a celebration of the game as it is a competition.

Looking Forward

The Newington stop marked a successful step in Soccer Wars’ national expansion and highlighted CJSA’s commitment to providing innovative opportunities for players across Connecticut. As this format grows, so does the platform for young athletes to test their skills, develop leadership and share their love of the game.

To contact the Connecticut Junior Soccer Association, please call (860) 676-1161 or email office@cjsa.org. Also make sure to follow us on social media!

CJSA Teams Make History at National Presidents Cup

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Three Connecticut Junior Soccer Association (CJSA) teams competed at the US Youth Soccer (USYS) National Presidents Cup in Tampa, with a pair of teams making CJSA history. The Wethersfield SC 15U Girls and Naugatuck 14U Girls became the first CJSA girls teams to qualify for the National Presidents Cup, with the Wethersfield SC 15U Girls further extending that history by becoming the first CJSA girls team to reach the semifinals of the national competition. Also representing Connecticut at the National Presidents Cup was the Stamford FC 13U Boys after they lifted the trophy for their age group at the USYS Eastern Presidents Cup in June.

“Congratulations to the Wethersfield 15U Girls and Naugatuck 14U Girls for making history as the first CT female teams to reach the USYS Presidents Cup Nationals,” said Josh Krusewski, Executive Director of the Connecticut Junior Soccer Association. “Special kudos to Wethersfield for advancing to the national semifinal. Also, congratulations to the Stamford 13U Boys on winning the East Region Championship and representing CT at the National Championships. Thank you to all of the families and local communities for your incredible support of these teams!”

The Wethersfield SC 15U Girls booked their spot in the National Presidents Cup after winning the Eastern Presidents Cup earlier this summer in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. They carried that momentum into the National Presidents Cup, going 2-1-0 with a 7-4 goal differential in group play. Next up was a meeting with WFC Rangers G10 Gold (Washington) in the knockout stage, where the Wethersfield SC 15U Girls completed their impressive postseason run as national semifinalists.

“This has been such an amazing, unprecedented historic journey for our players and staff,” said Luigi Guerrera, head coach of the Wethersfield SC 15U Girls. “To be recognized as the first girls team at CJSA to get to the National semifinals is an achievement we are extremely proud of. There are so many people who I want to thank for our success; CJSA for its continuous support starting with the Eastern Regionals as well as Nationals. The Wethersfield George D Ritchie Soccer Club for all of their financial support, and last but not least, our parents, who have sacrificed so much, starting with their fundraising efforts, their help organizing team meals and activities in an effort to provide an experience that these girls will have as they move on to the next chapter of their lives.”

Prior to the National Presidents Cup, the Wethersfield SC 15U Girls went on a five-game winning streak at the USYS Eastern Presidents Cup, lifting the regional trophy for their age group after defeating Arlington Soccer Association (Virginia) in the final via penalty shootout.

“Being at both the Eastern Presidents Cup and Nationals, and competing against some of the best teams around the country, was truly remarkable,” said Sofia Guerrera, who plays for the Wethersfield SC 15U Girls. “This was definitely the experience of a lifetime, one that I will never forget. While everything was so surreal and a bit nerve wracking, having my teammates there helped ease the pressure, and I’m going to miss them terribly.”

Joining theWethersfield SC 15U Girls in the CJSA history books is the Naugatuck 14U Girls, who saw their tournament conclude after group play in Tampa. However, that is no way dilutes the incredible postseason run that the team enjoyed. At the Eastern Presidents Cup, the Naugatuck 14U Girls recorded three clean sheets in group play to win their bracket. Next on the schedule was a semifinal pairing with Huntingdon Valley AA Union (Eastern Pennsylvania), where Naugatuck picked up a fourth consecutive shutout on a 3-0 result. The final match-up of the tournament was against Old Bridge SC Thunder (New Jersey), where a competitive battle resulted in a razor-thin 1-0 defeat to the New Jersey side.

“Competing on the regional stage brought out the very best in our young athletes,” said Luis Martinez, head coach of the Naugatuck 14U Girls. “We played great for five days and became the first ever girls team (until this season) from the CJSA to qualify for Nationals. We are so grateful to them for giving us a platform to showcase our talents.” 

Coach Martinez then expressed his incredible pride in how the Naugatuck 14U Girls battled on the national stage.

“Competing at the National Presidents Cup was an amazing feat,” he confirmed. “Naugatuck proved it belonged with the nation’s best. This experience and lessons learned are far bigger than soccer. It will stay with them forever. It is also proof that there is still success to be had on the travel soccer level, and we are big proponents of that.”

Hosted by US Youth Soccer, the Presidents Cup provides a progressive, competitive environment for teams seeking a series of unique challenges highlighting competition, camaraderie and community.

To contact the Connecticut Junior Soccer Association, please call (860) 676-1161 or email office@cjsa.org. Also make sure to follow us on social media!

Pair of CJSA Teams Reach USYS Eastern Regional Finals

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Connecticut Junior Soccer Association (CJSA) enjoyed a great run at the US Youth Soccer Eastern Regional Championships in Virginia, with two Connecticut teams reaching the final round of the tournament. Playing in the 16U Girls Championship Match was CFC Ole Academy G2009, with JA Elite FC 06/07 Boys also representing CJSA in the 19U Boys Final.

“Connecticut was proudly represented at the East Region Championships. Not only by our talented players, teams and dedicated referees, but also by the passionate families and supporters in the stands,” said Josh Krusewski, CJSA Executive Director. “Everyone played a role in making our state proud, both on and off the field.”

CFC Ole (16U Girls) opened the tournament by going unbeaten in group play, recording a 2-0-1 cumulative record while outscoring their opposition, 4-2. Next up was a semifinal pairing with Baltimore Union SC Elite 09G (Maryland), with CFC Ole registering a clean sheet en route to a 1-0 victory. Following that win, awaiting them in the final was PPA 2009 Green (Maryland). Unfortunately, CFC Ole fell just short of their quest for the 16U Girls Trophy and ended their run as finalists.

JA Elite FC (19U Boys) opened the Eastern Regional Championships by winning their group, securing a bid to the knockout stage with a 2-1-0 record and 9-4 goal differential. JA Elite FC carried that momentum into the semifinals, where the Connecticut side claimed a 3-0 shutout over Bethesda Blue 2007 (Maryland) to advance to the championship match for their age group. Following a hard-fought game with FC DELCO NAL ’06 (Eastern Pennsylvania) in the final, JA Elite FC had their deep tournament run conclude as finalists.

The USYS National Championships Presented by New York Life is the country’s most prestigious national youth soccer tournament. The competition provides winners from each state with the opportunity to showcase their soccer skills against the best competition in the nation while emphasizing teamwork, discipline and fair play. 

To contact the Connecticut Junior Soccer Association, please call (860) 676-1161 or email office@cjsa.org. Also make sure to follow us on social media!

Three CJSA Teams Advance to National Presidents Cup

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Three Connecticut Junior Soccer Association (CJSA) teams punched their tickets to the US Youth Soccer (USYS) National Presidents Cup after reaching the final round of the USYS Eastern Presidents Cup this week in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. Raising the trophy as champions for their respective age groups were the Stamford FC 13U Boys and Wethersfield SC 15U Girls, while the Naugatuck 14U Girls also reached the last day of the tournament as finalists.

“We are incredibly proud of the outstanding performance of our Connecticut clubs at the US Youth Soccer East Region Presidents Cup in Philadelphia,” said Josh Krusewski, Executive Director of the Connecticut Junior Soccer Association. “Congratulations to the Stamford 13U Boys and Wethersfield 15U Girls on bringing home regional championships, and to the Naugatuck 14U Girls for an inspiring run to the final. Your hard work, dedication and sportsmanship represent the very best of Connecticut youth soccer. We wish you all the best as you prepare to compete on the national stage in Tampa next month.”

The Stamford FC 13U Boys opened up the regional tournament with three consecutive victories in group play, outscoring their opposition by an incredible 19-2 tally to secure the top seed from their bracket. In the semifinals, Stamford FC continued their offensive explosion with a 4-1 win over Phoenixville Area SC (Eastern Pennsylvania) to set up a championship appearance against Arlington Soccer Association (Virginia). The two teams engaged in an incredible battle for the 13U Boys Trophy, but it was Stamford FC who emerged victorious after blanking the Virginia side, 1-0.

“I want to thank the Eastern Presidents Cup organizers, the great facilities and the professionalism throughout the event. I want to thank CJSA for its consistent and continuous support over the past months preparing us for all this,” said Stamford FC coach Jason Segovia. “Our success was a collective group effort by all our families. From the fundraising to get us here to the team meals and activities while at the event, the boys couldn’t have been more prepared to perform than they were. We look forward to representing CJSA and the Eastern Region at Nationals in Tampa.”

The Wethersfield SC 15U Girls also went on a five-game winning streak at the USYS Eastern Presidents Cup, first registering three victories in group play by a cumulative score of 11-2. Next up for the Connecticut team was a semifinal meeting with Next Level Soccer Athena (Maryland), where Wethersfield SC kept their offensive momentum rolling en route to a decisive 5-1 result. Opposite them in the championship match was Arlington Soccer Association (Virginia), and the two teams eventually moved onto penalty kicks when regulation and extra time left them knotted up at 0-0. Wethersfield SC was able to emerge victorious from the shootout, securing the win and earning them the 15U Girls Eastern Presidents Cup Championship.

“The experience was excellent, hotels were great, and USYS hosted an incredible event,” said Wethersfield SC coach Luigi Guerrera. “The girls played five intense matches, and I couldn’t be more proud of their performance.”

The Naugatuck 14U Girls also enjoyed an incredible run at the USYS Eastern Presidents Cup, kicking things off with three clean sheets and a 6-0 scoreline to win their group. Next on the schedule was a semifinal pairing with Huntingdon Valley AA Union (Eastern Pennsylvania), where Naugatuck picked up a fourth consecutive shutout on a 3-0 result. The final match-up of the tournament was against Old Bridge SC Thunder (New Jersey), and a highly competitive battle eventually resulted in a razor-thin 1-0 defeat to the New Jersey side. By reaching the final, Naugatuck secured its place in the USYS National Presidents Cup alongside the Stamford FC 13U Boys and Wethersfield SC 15U Girls.

Connecticut was also represented at the USYS Eastern Presidents Cup by the New Fairfield SC 12U Boys, Wethersfield SC 12U Girls, South Windsor SC 12U Girls, North Haven SC 13U Girls, Meriden SC 14U Boys, Soccer Club of Ridgefield 15U Boys and Naugatuck 17U Boys.

The National Presidents Cup will take place from July 11-15 in Tampa, Florida. Hosted by US Youth Soccer, the Presidents Cup provides a progressive, competitive environment for teams seeking a series of unique challenges highlighting competition, camaraderie and community.

For any local businesses or supporters who would like to make a donation to our qualifying teams to help offset the cost of travel and lodging for the National Presidents Cup in Tampa, please contact the CJSA State Office by calling (860) 676-1161 or emailing office@cjsa.org.

Champions Crowned at Spring Connecticut Cup

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This past weekend, Connecticut Junior Soccer Association (CJSA) officially crowned its champions for the Spring Connecticut Cup Presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods. The final round of play took place on Saturday at Curtiss Park in Simsbury, and the event was hosted in collaboration with Simsbury Soccer Club.

“Congratulations to all the champions for their outstanding achievement, and to all of our finalists for their exceptional performances throughout this competition,” said Josh Krusewski, Executive Director of the Connecticut Junior Soccer Association. “Thank you to Simsbury Soccer Club for once again being great hosts!”

Connecticut Cup Presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods – Champions

  • 11U Boys: Old Greenwich
  • 11U Girls: West Hartford
  • 12U Boys: South Windsor
  • 12U Girls: Stamford
  • 13U Boys: Guilford
  • 13U Girls: Farmington
  • 14U Boys: Greenwich
  • 14U Girls: Stonington
  • 15U Boys: New Milford
  • 15U Girls: Farmington
  • 17U Boys: New Britain
  • 19U Boys: Milford

The action on the field was highly competitive, with 11 different clubs having champions across the 12 divisions. Farmington Soccer Club secured a pair of winners in the 13U Girls and 15U Girls groups, but the remaining brackets all saw representatives from different clubs raise the trophy. Also adding to the gameday atmosphere at Connecticut Cup was a sponsor activation by GCI Outdoor, which is the Official Chair of the Connecticut Junior Soccer Association.

Participation in the Connecticut Cup Presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods is made available to teams playing in the Connecticut Junior Soccer Association (CJSA) that meet residency requirements.

To contact the Connecticut Junior Soccer Association, please call (860) 676-1161 or email office@cjsa.org. Also make sure to follow us on social media!

CJSA Hosting Spring Connecticut Cup Finals on Saturday

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Connecticut Junior Soccer Association will be holding the final round of its Spring Connecticut Cup Presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods this Saturday at Curtiss Park in Simsbury, hosted in collaboration with Simsbury Soccer Club.

“Congratulations to all the teams who have earned their place in the finals of the Connecticut Cup Championships Presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods!” said Josh Krusewski, Executive Director of the Connecticut Junior Soccer Association. “We look forward to an exciting day of competition and the opportunity to crown our champions in a positive and respectful game environment. Best of luck to all players—honor the game, respect your opponents and officials.”

Participation in the Connecticut Cup Presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods is made available to teams playing in the Connecticut Junior Soccer Association (CJSA) that meet residency requirements.

Connecticut Cup Presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods – Championship Matches

  • 11U Boys: Old Greenwich vs. New Fairfield
  • 11U Girls: West Hartford vs. Old Greenwich
  • 12U Boys: South Windsor vs. Enfield
  • 12U Girls: Stamford vs. Simsbury
  • 13U Boys: Trumbull vs. Guilford
  • 13U Girls: West Hartford vs. Farmington
  • 14U Boys: Enfield vs. Greenwich
  • 14U Girls: Burlington vs. Stonington
  • 15U Boys: New Milford vs. Simsbury
  • 15U Girls: Farmington vs. Avon
  • 17U Boys: TBD
  • 19U Boys: West Hartford vs. Milford

While attending Connecticut Cup on Saturday, make sure to swing by the GCI Comfort Zone and check out the official sideline chair of CJSA, perfect for players, parents and fans who want to relax in style.

To contact the Connecticut Junior Soccer Association, please call (860) 676-1161 or email office@cjsa.org. Also make sure to follow us on social media!

CJSA Announces Partnership with Deep Breaths Counseling

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Partnership Focused on Advancing Mental Wellness and Performance for Youth Athletes

Connecticut Junior Soccer Association (CJSA) has announced a formal partnership with Deep Breaths Counseling & Mental Performance, a Connecticut-based leader in sport psychology and mental performance consulting. This collaboration will provide innovative mental wellness and performance resources to athletes, coaches and families across the state.

The partnership builds upon an existing foundation that was established earlier this year, when Deep Breaths Counseling led multiple breakout sessions during the 2025 CJSA Leadership Symposium, an annual gathering of coaches, club directors and state soccer leaders.

“We are thrilled to partner with Deep Breaths Counseling & Mental Performance to support our soccer community,” said Josh Krusewski, CJSA Executive Director. “Having Andrew Toce, a former CJSA player and referee, leading this initiative makes it even more special. We’re confident that Andrew and his team will provide invaluable mental health and performance resources to our players, referees, families and administrators throughout Connecticut.”

As part of this collaboration, Deep Breaths Counseling will contribute monthly educational content to CJSA’s membership newsletter and host exclusive webinars covering core mental performance topics such as team culture, self-confidence, gameday anxiety and overall mental wellness. These initiatives reflect a shared commitment to developing the “whole athlete” and promoting mental health at all levels of youth soccer.

“At CJSA, our mission is to develop well-rounded players, and that goes beyond the game itself,” said Andy Parker, CJSA Grassroots Coaching Coordinator. “Partnering with Deep Breaths Counseling allows us to prioritize the mental and emotional well-being of our young athletes—helping them build confidence, resilience and healthy habits that last a lifetime. This collaboration is a meaningful step toward nurturing not just better players, but better people.”

Founded by Andrew Toce, M.Ed., MBA, LPC, CMPC, a Certified Mental Performance Consultant® and licensed professional counselor, Deep Breaths Counseling has supported athletes from youth academies to Major League Soccer with tailored strategies to enhance performance, resilience and leadership. Services include individual coaching, team workshops and organizational training for clubs and staff.

“I’m so excited for the opportunity to partner with CJSA through Deep Breaths Counseling & Mental Performance,” said Toce. “This is a big step forward in supporting the whole athlete—giving players, coaches and parents greater access to trusted mental performance coaching and counseling services. These resources will help athletes build resilience, recover from mistakes more quickly, and find success both on and off the field.”

Together, CJSA and Deep Breaths Counseling aim to strengthen the mental foundation of Connecticut’s soccer community by equipping athletes with the tools they need to succeed in the game and beyond.

“As a soccer player and official for the majority of my life, this partnership is a full-circle moment,” continued Toce. “It’s deeply meaningful to be able to give back to the Connecticut soccer community that helped shape me. What a huge moment for youth sports in our state.”

For further information about Deep Breaths Counseling & Mental Performance, check them out online: deepbreathscounseling.com

To contact the Connecticut Junior Soccer Association, please call (860) 676-1161 or email office@cjsa.org. Also make sure to follow us on social media!

CJSA Crowns State Cup Champions

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Connecticut Junior Soccer Association (CJSA) hosted its State Cup Finals this past Sunday, with championship matches taking place at Farmington Sports Arena. CJSA State Cup serves as a non-residency competition, and state winners now advance to the US Youth Soccer Eastern Regional Championships later this month in Loudoun County, Virginia.

“On behalf of the Connecticut Junior Soccer Association, I extend our congratulations to all of our State Cup Champions. You have earned a well-deserved place at the US Youth Soccer Regional Championships in Virginia,” said Josh Krusewski, Executive Director of the Connecticut Junior Soccer Association. “We are confident that you will represent Connecticut well. Best of luck as you compete on the regional stage.”

CJSA State Cup Champions

  • 12U Boys: Hartford SC Athletic
  • 12U Girls: Ole FC
  • 13U Boys: Vale SC Newells
  • 13U Girls: Inter Connecticut FC
  • 14U Boys: Hartford SC Athletic
  • 14U Girls: A.C. Connecticut
  • 15U Boys: Chelsea Piers SC
  • 15U Girls: Ole FC
  • 16U Boys: Chelsea Piers SC
  • 16U Girls: A.C. Connecticut
  • 17U Boys: CT Rush
  • 17U Girls Champion: Valley FC (Determined via Round Robin)
  • 18U/19U Boys: JA Elite
  • 18U/19U Girls: A.C. Connecticut (Determined via Round Robin)

Adding to the great atmosphere at CJSA State Cup was sponsor activation from GCI Outdoor and Bear’s Smokehouse BBQ. The GCI Comfort Zone featured the official sideline chair of CJSA, which is perfect for players, parents and fans who want to relax in style. The official BBQ of CJSA, Bear’s Smokehouse BBQ, was also onsite with their legendary food truck.

After lifting the trophy for their respective age groups, CJSA State Cup champions are now eligible for the US Youth Soccer (USYS) Eastern Regional Championships later this month in Loudoun County, Virginia. Regional winners at the 13U age group and higher then move onto the USYS National Championships in July at the Disney Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, Florida. The CJSA State Cup is part of the USYS National Championships Presented by New York Life, which is the country’s most prestigious national youth soccer tournament.

With the CJSA State Cup Finals now completed, Connecticut Cup Presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods is next on the schedule with its final round of competition in Simsbury on Saturday, June 14th. Connecticut Cup is made available to teams playing in the Connecticut Junior Soccer Association that meet residency requirements.

To contact the Connecticut Junior Soccer Association, please call (860) 676-1161 or email office@cjsa.org. Also make sure to follow us on social media!