More Than Soccer: A Conversation with Roo Sawyer and Coach Kristen

Coaching soccer means teaching more than just how to play soccer. The technical stuff matters — but so does helping young players figure out how to handle pressure, shake off a bad game, and keep believing in themselves when things get hard.

On February 22nd, a group of 5th and 6th grade girls got something a little different: a chance to sit down with Roo Sawyer, a current college soccer player, and Coach Kristen, the BMHS Girls Varsity Coach. They talked honestly about their own experiences — the hard parts included — and answered questions from the girls about what it actually takes to keep going and keep growing as a player and a person. Having real role models in the room who've been through it matters, especially at this age.

They finished with a scrimmage, which was probably the girls' favorite part.

Thanks to Roo and Coach Kristen for giving up their time and being so open with our players, and thanks to the parents who brought their kids out on a Sunday.

BYSA Hosts First-Ever Futsal Game Day at Ditson School

Over 80 BYSA grade 3-6 travel players have been learning to play futsal — the official indoor sport of FIFA — since early January. This past Saturday, they had the chance to showcase their progress to family and friends at the first-ever BYSA Futsal Game Day, held at the Ditson School gym.

Five age and gender groups took the court over a four-hour span, braving the cold and snow to put their skills on display. Futsal, a fast-paced indoor version of soccer, is played on a basketball-sized court with a smaller, low-bounce ball that encourages precise passing and close control.

Because of its speed and tight spaces, futsal challenges players to think quickly, move fluidly, and stay constantly engaged. The result is sharper decision-making, improved ball control, and faster play — all skills that carry directly into the outdoor game.

As BYSA Player Development Director Kevin Williams told spectators, “We want our BYSA players to be more than kick-and-chase. Futsal is one tool we can use to help them become more confident and skillful, and that translates to better soccer players on the grass.”

BYSA plans to continue offering futsal each winter to give players and teams a fun, challenging environment to grow their technical and tactical skills.


And the sun sets on the Fall Season...

Sunset over Marshall Field

Sunset over Marshall Field

As the sun literally sets on the fall season, BYSA wants to thank you for your engagement, participation, patience, and effort in making the Fall 2025 season a success.

A huge thank you to all our volunteer coaches and staff - without someone saying “yes” none of this would happen for our kids. We had just shy of 850 players this season participating between Pre-K and 8th grade.

Just because the fall season is over doesn’t mean we’re done - keep an eye out for the following sign-ups coming soon!

  • Winter Clinics at TSC Grades 1-6 players starting in January

  • In-town Spring Registrations Pre-K-8 opening soon!

  • BYSA Futsal Play for Travel Players starting in January

We’ll send messages out via PlayMetrics so returning members have a first chance at all our programs before posting elsewhere, so keep an eye in the app and your email for when registrations open up!

Founding Board Member Mary Rogers Passes

It is with heavy hearts that we pass along the news that Mary Rogers, a 40 year veteran of BYSA and Middlesex Youth Soccer has passed away at the age of 81.

Mary held various positions in her long tenure with BYSA, her last being that of Travel Director several years ago.

Mary was part of the founding of BYSA and a champion of youth soccer in Billerica all her life. Several years ago, BYSA renamed one of our high school scholarships in her name.

In lieu of flowers, Mary’s family has requested that donations be made to BYSA to help the organization that she loved. You may find the Donate button on our homepage where Mary is honored.

She will be missed.

Fall In-Town Registration Open!

Registration for the Fall 2025 In-Town soccer programs is open!

Some programs sell out every year, so do not delay!

You can find the registration options in your PlayMetrics App, or use the button below to sign up.

Fall In-Town Registration

This is for In-Town programs only - Travel Team invites will be sent out on or after Monday July 7th to players who tried out in the spring.

Travel Tryout Dates Announced

Hello BYSA families of grade 2-6 players - below are the dates for tryouts for any player interested in playing travel soccer in the 2025-2026 season (Sept-June):

  • Friday 5/30 - Current 4th graders (Marshall 9v9)

  • Tuesday 6/3 - Current 2nd Graders (Akeson 7v7)

  • Thursday 6/5 - Current 5th Graders (Marshall 9v9)

  • Weds 6/11 - Current 3rd Graders (Akeson 7v7)

  • Thursday 6/12 - Current 6th Graders (River St -11v11 6pm Girls - 7:15 Boys)

For each gender and age group, Girls will run at 5:45-6:45pm, and Boys will run 7-8pm.

For both families new to travel, and existing families with questions, FIRST READ https://www.billericasoccer.org/making-the-leap-to-travel to understand the commitment and process we use.

Once tryouts are done and players are assigned teams, you will receive an email with an acceptance link to confirm your spot on a team (usually the second half of June) - at that time you will register and pay $299.00 which covers your ENTIRE year (Sept-June) including uniforms, as travel soccer is a full year (fall and spring) commitment.

If, for some reason, your player cannot attend tryouts (injury, etc.) please register above, then fill out this Tryout Exception Form to provide details.

More communication will go out to players who sign up for tryouts specific to their night.

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