IFA New England Teams Enjoy Labor Day Success
September 1st, 2025; Over 40 IFA New England teams competed across the region this past weekend in Labor Day tournaments, the traditional curtain raiser to the youth soccer season.
Players and coaches enjoyed wonderful late summer weather at the NES Labor Day Classic in Devens, MA, the FC Stars Cup in Lancaster, MA, Seacoast United tournament in Epping NH, Fall Force Cup in Weymouth, MA and the Bernie Ward Invitational in Farmington CT.
There was no shortage of silverware with the following teams adding to their preseason trophy cabinet:
2017 West Boys Blue - Bernie Ward Champions
2016 Greater Lowell Pre-MLS Boys - NE Surf Champions
2015 Greater Lowell Pre-MLS Boys - NE Surf Champions
2016 MW Boys Blue/Gold - Force Labor Day Cup Champions
2015 Pre-DPL Girls - FC Stars Champions
2015 West Boys White - Bernie Ward Bracket Winners
2016 West Boys - Bernie Ward Bracket Winners
2014 Pre-DPL Girls - FC Stars Champions
2013 GA Aspire Girls - NE Surf Champions
2013 EDS Cen Boys Gold - Force Labor Day Cup Champions
2012 EDS Cen Boys Blue - Force Labor Day Cup Champions
2012 EDS Cen Boys Gold - Force Labor Day Cup Champions
U13 NAL Boston Boys - NE Surf Champions
2011 8th Grade Elite - FC Stars Champions
It was also a momentous weekend for IFA’s newest region, IFA Greater Lowell. Not only did teams take to the field for the first time, but the 2016 Boys Pre-MLS and 2015 Boys Pre-MLS both clinched titles.
“We’re proud to hit the ground running within IFA Greater Lowell,” said Director Theo Booras. “Stepping into the IFA pathway is a significant move towards providing our players with access to the highest levels of youth soccer, and this weekend further demonstrated that our players are ready for whatever the future brings.”
Club Director Matt Hardiman had the following to say on the club's successful weekend, “This period is the final stretch before the league season, and across the club we’re looking to set the standards high. Each year, our goal is to do more. Whether that’s as coaches, or players - we’re always looking to push ourselves as far as we can go. This weekend was an excellent conclusion to the preseason, and we’re looking forward to an incredible fall kickoff.”
It was also the first chance many IFA players got to wear their new Craft Sportswear uniforms. This spring the club signed an extensive multi-year partnership with the Swedish apparel company and Challenger Teamwear to deliver a best-in-class uniform offering to the IFA membership. The new bespoke IFA kits provide players with gear designed for professional-level performance on and off the field.
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