Happy 50th, SYA!

The above photo: Jeff Stein, SYA President, Gary Flather, SYA CEO, and local officials with our boys lacrosse team.

This message is a transcript from Jeff Stein, marking our 50th anniversary on June 3, 2023.

Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests, athletes and members of the Southwestern Youth Association (SYA) community,

Today marks a momentous occasion in the history of SYA as we gather here to celebrate our 50th anniversary. It is with great joy and a deep sense of gratitude that I stand before you as the President of this incredible organization. From its humble beginnings in 1973, SYA has grown into a beacon of hope, empowerment, and sportsmanship for the youth of Centreville, Clifton, and the surrounding communities.



Over the past five decades, SYA has been dedicated to providing a safe and positive environment for our children through sports competition. We have witnessed the transformative power of sports in the lives of young individuals, fostering not only physical development but also character building, teamwork, and lifelong friendships. Today, I am proud to announce that SYA serves over 13,000 children aged 4 to 19 and over 5,000 families, making a significant impact in our community.

SYA's success is a testament to the unwavering commitment of our volunteers, who have selflessly dedicated their time, energy, and expertise to ensure the smooth operation of our programs. To all the coaches, organizers, and supporters who have poured their hearts into SYA, I express my deepest gratitude. Your passion and dedication have been the driving force behind our achievements and the source of countless memories for generations of young athletes.

Our sports programs have provided a platform for children to explore their potential, discover their passion, and develop life skills that extend far beyond the playing field. From baseball to basketball, cheerleading to cricket, football to field hockey, lacrosse to wrestling, and many more, SYA has offered a diverse range of opportunities for our youth to thrive and grow. Through the years, we have

witnessed the triumphs, the camaraderie, and the indomitable spirit of our athletes as they competed with heart and determination.

However, our journey does not end here. As we celebrate this remarkable milestone, we also look toward the future with excitement and anticipation. SYA remains committed to evolving and expanding our programs to meet the ever-changing needs and interests of our community. We are actively exploring the addition of Ultimate Frisbee and Tennis as new sports, recognizing the importance of embracing new avenues for our youth to explore and excel.

The SYA Sports Park is at the heart of our plans to expand SYA’s mission and give more kids a chance at healthy fun in the sun. This 120-acre park presently has three full size rectangular fields, a unique 60′ skinned, infield diamond designed for house baseball, travel baseball and softball, one 60′ grass infield diamond, a cross-country course, fitness course, pavilion, snack bar, playground and batting cages.

With your help, our continued expansion will include three full size rectangular fields, two 60′ diamond fields, one 90′ stadium diamond field, outdoor basketball courts, four volleyball sand courts and a full size track. All will be lit as well!

To complete the Sports Park we need your help. Your tax deductible donation to the SYA Sports Park will help future generations capture that special moment when they hit their first ball, make their first basket or score the winning touchdown.

To ensure our continued success, we call upon the generosity and support of our community. SYA is always on the lookout for volunteers who share our passion for sports and wish to make a difference in the lives of young individuals. If you have a particular sport in mind or are willing to assist us in any capacity, please reach out to us. Together, we can continue to shape the future of our organization and empower the next generation of athletes.

As we reflect on the past 50 years, let us also honor the memories of those who have contributed to SYA but are no longer with us. Their dedication and love for our organization will forever remain in our hearts.

In closing, I want to express my deepest appreciation to every member of the SYA family—past and present—for your unwavering support, your dedication, and your belief in our mission. It is because of you that SYA has thrived and become the remarkable organization it is today.

Here's to 50 years of SYA, and may the next 50 be filled with even greater achievements, cherished memories, and boundless opportunities for our youth. Thank you.