The WYSL was established in the 1970s as a non-profit, educational organization, and is now the third largest league in the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA), the state organization to which the WYSL is affiliated, and one of the largest youth soccer leagues in the United States.  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.

The WYSL sponsors Fall and Spring travel soccer for its member clubs, including a High School mini-season in the Fall, and a Select Program featuring summer tournament play.   Many member clubs offer recreational soccer in their communities.  The WYSL also sponsors coach and referee certification courses, and supports the Positive Coaching Alliance and the principles of positive coaching.  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 15,000 players under the age of nineteen.  The WYSL has 35 member clubs, and fields approximately 550 girls and boys’ travel soccer teams.  These teams play in the WYSL and various Premier Leagues.