The WYSL was established in the 1970s as a non-profit, educational organization, and is now one of the largest leagues in the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA).  The mission of the WYSL is to foster the growth and development of youth and build character through the sport of soccer.

The WYSL and ENYYSA are both affiliates of the United States Youth Soccer Association ("USYSA"), the largest member of the United Stated Soccer Federation, the governing body for soccer in the United States.  USYSA has over 3,200,000 players in all 50 states.

The WYSL sponsors Fall and Spring travel soccer for its member clubs, including a High School mini-season in the Fall, and offers a Select Program featuring summer tournament play.   Many member clubs offer recreational soccer in their communities.  The WYSL offers coach and referee certification courses, supports the principles of positive coaching and is a member of the Positive Coaching Alliance. 

Each season, the WYSL awards the team in each division with the highest sportsmanship scores a special Sportsmanship Award, and awards the Double Goal Coach Awards to coaches who win both the Sportsmanship and Divisional Championships.

The WYSL registers more than 16,000 players under the age of nineteen.  The WYSL has over 40 member and guest clubs, and fields approximately 550 girls and boys’ travel soccer teams.  These teams play in the WYSL and various Premier Leagues.