NJ Surf South Shore U14 Girls win Northeast Regional title and advance to the 2026 US Youth Soccer National Presidents Cup
A group of young athletes from across the South Jersey Shore is preparing to take the field on one of youth soccer’s biggest stages after winning the 2026 US Youth Soccer Northeast Regional Presidents Cup Championship.
The roster includes players from communities throughout South Jersey, including Marmora, Ocean City, Ocean View, Egg Harbor Township, Northfield, Brigantine, Lower Township, and Middle Township, making the team’s success a source of pride for families across both Atlantic and Cape May Counties.
Representing NJ Surf South Shore, the U14 girls team captured the Northeast Regional title in Simsbury, Connecticut this past Sunday, defeating top teams from throughout the region and securing the opportunity to compete for a national championship beginning July 7.
The accomplishment comes less than a year after the team claimed the 2025 New Jersey State President’s Cup Championship, continuing a remarkable run that has positioned them among the nation’s top youth soccer teams.
Should they win the National Presidents Cup, the team would become the first U14 girls team from New Jersey to capture a US Youth Soccer National Presidents Cup Championship, marking a historic achievement for youth soccer in the Garden State.
What makes this accomplishment especially meaningful is that many of the players have been teammates since they were old enough to kick a soccer ball. Over the years, they have grown together through practices, tournaments, road trips, victories, and setbacks, creating friendships that extend far beyond the soccer field.
Head Coach Leon Brown, affectionately reflected on the significance of the achievement.
“In my career as a coach, I’ve had five teams make it to the Northeast Regionals, but this is the first team that has won and advanced to compete at Nationals. I guess it was fifth time’s the charm for me,” Brown quipped.
“I’m so proud of these young women. From their grit and determination to their intense work ethic, it all contributes to them competing so successfully at this high level. They’ve earned every bit of this opportunity.”
Team captain Malley Heenan said the regional championship was the result of years of dedication and teamwork.
“Winning the Northeast Regional Presidents Cup was an amazing feeling because we knew how much work everyone had put in to get there. Now we have the chance to compete against the best teams in the country, and that’s something we’ve dreamed about for a long time.”
The team’s excitement has only grown as they prepare for Nationals during a summer when soccer is capturing attention around the world.
As soccer enjoys unprecedented popularity across the United States, these young athletes now have the opportunity to represent not only NJ Surf South Shore, but also South Jersey, New Jersey, and the entire Northeast Region on the national stage.
With the National Presidents Cup beginning on July 7 in Wichita, Kansas, the team is currently working to offset travel expenses, including airfare, lodging, meals, and transportation. The estimated cost is approximately $3,000 per player and one family member, and fundraising efforts are underway to help every athlete participate in this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Community members and local businesses interested in supporting the team’s journey to Nationals are encouraged to contribute to the team’s fundraising campaign and help these young women pursue a national championship. Fundraising Link: https://gofund.me/52a0978d2
