By Randy Vogt, Director of Public Relations, Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association
January 2, 2013-A big local and national news story of 2012 was Hurricane Sandy, the largest Atlantic Ocean hurricane on record, which created unprecedented destruction in New York and New Jersey in lost lives and property. Youth soccer organizations affiliated with the US Youth Soccer have responded.
Region 1 established a Disaster Relief Grant Program for Region 1 clubs/organizations that have suffered damage as a result of the storm. 20 grants, each up to $2,000, are being awarded.
On the way to a total donation of $80,000, the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) has given $46,000 in checks to its needy clubs. The money has already been sent to those needy clubs in the Cosmopolitan Junior Soccer League (CJSL), Staten Island Youth Soccer League (SIYSL) and Long Island Junior Soccer League (LIJSL) for Hurricane Sandy Relief.
Additionally, the LIJSL has established a Disaster Relief Fund Program of $125,000 for its members/clubs that suffered damage as a direct result from Hurricane Sandy. Approved funds are available to be awarded. In order to be eligible to receive a LIJSL Hurricane Sandy Fund, the individual or club must be an affiliated organization with the LIJSL, ENYYSA and US Youth Soccer. Contact the LIJSL at 631-648-9020 for more information.
The East Hudson Youth Soccer League (EHYSL) was not as affected by Hurricane Sandy as its downstate neighbors so they have graciously donated $4,000 to the SIYSL and $2,000 to the LIJSL.
While all these good works continue, a for-profit company, SportsSignup in Saratoga Springs, made a $10,000 donation last month to ENYYSA leagues most affected by Hurricane Sandy. The CJSL, SIYSL and LIJSL each received $3,333.
With 123,843 youth soccer players––68,587 boys and 55,256 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 12 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 Special Children. 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 on to http://www.enysoccer.com/, which receives nearly 300,000 hits annually from the growing soccer community.