By Randy Vogt, Director of Public Relations, Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association
June 30, 2022-At an Eastern Development Program (EDP) game on June 4, the SB Athletico/Middle Country Dunes made Middle Country TOPSoccer player Ryan Gessa an honorary captain before their Boys-Under-14 game against Albion SC from Brooklyn at the Selden Middle School. Ryan came out for the coin toss which is part of the responsibilities for team captains.
Ryan Gessa is third from the left. Photo courtesy of Middle Country Children’s Soccer.
“It was an amazing experience for all of us,” explained Middle Country Director of Coaching Dave Phaff.
“A sweet moment,” stated match referee Bill Binnie. “Both teams understood the significance of what was occurring and this is what youth soccer is all about.”
44 players are currently registered in the Middle Country TOPSoccer Program, seeking kids in central Suffolk County to help grow the program even more. TOPSoccer (The Outreach Program for Soccer) is a recreational program for children and young adults with intellectual, emotional or physical challenges. For more info about Middle Country TOPSoccer, log on to https://www.mccsoccer.org/topsoccer
With approximately 100,000 youth soccer players––both boys and girls––and more than 25,000 volunteers, the non-profit Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) stretches from Montauk Point, Long Island to the Canadian border. Members are affiliated with nine leagues throughout the association, which covers the entire state of New York east of Route 81. ENYYSA exists to promote and enhance the game of soccer for children and teenagers between the ages of 5 and 19 years old, and to encourage the healthy development of youth players, coaches, referees and administrators. All levels of soccer are offered––from intramural, travel team and premier players as well as Children With Special Needs. No child who wants to play soccer is turned away. ENYYSA is a proud member of the United States Soccer Federation and United States Youth Soccer Association. For more information, please log onto http://www.enysoccer.com/