EPYSA Recognizes Soccer Successes With Award and Grant

Youth Development United is an extra-curricular program facilitating access to healthy options and encouraging healthy habits for children in under-served communities like Chester. The extended program, which includes martial arts, dance, nature-based activities, and other offerings, launched in the fall of 2021, built from the success of its longstanding soccer program, Chester Upland Youth Soccer.

YDU board members Brent Jacquette and Erich Yost joined Executive Director Jeannine Anckaitis at Eastern PA Youth Soccer Association’s annual banquet, where Chester Upland Youth Soccer was presented the 2025 “Service to Community” award. 

The next day, at the group’s annual meeting, CUYS received a $10,000 “Grow the Game” grant from EPYSA to continue its work bringing soccer to children in under-served communities. CUYS appreciates the support and recognition. 

CUYS started in 2012 and has provided free after-school soccer programming at the elementary schools of Chester Upland School District for over a decade. CUYS also serves Eddystone Elementary School in the Ridley School District and area charter schools where the vast majority of students qualify for free or reduced lunch due to their families’ economic status. All students who have ever registered for soccer are invited to bring their families and friends to all YDU activities, which are free for attendees and often include a free meal and a care package of useful items that support healthy, active lives.

The work of YDU and CUYS is supported by The Foundation for Delaware County, The Community’s Foundation, CCRES, DICK’s Sporting Goods Foundation, Boeing, Sun East Foundation and others. Please add your support if you can!