By Randy Vogt, Director of Public Relations, Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association
November 26, 2013-The Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) is pleased to announce that Karlten Wong, who coaches the Boys-Under-10 Carmel United Patriots of the East Hudson Youth Soccer League (EHYSL), has been selected as our Boys Competitive Coach of the Year. The Carmel resident coached the Patriots to an undefeated season (9-0-0) last spring and they also were crowned champions of the East Fishkill Memorial Day Soccer Tournament.
"Not only did our boys excel, but they did it with tremendous sportsmanship which is a value that Coach Karlten often reinforces," commented team parent Nicholas Vara. "He has children of his own who participate in travel soccer programs in older age groups but rarely is able to experience and enjoy their games and practices so that he can promote, teach and strengthen the game of soccer for our boys."
Another team parent, Paulette Calvelli, was equally as effusive. "This team and group of parents are amazing due to Karlten! It’s evident that the Carmel Patriots love their coach by seeing their enthusiasm to be at practice and at games. Although Karlten has five children of his own, he treats all our sons the same as he would his own children. He is patient and always encourages them to do their best. He is well-known in the soccer community and everyone always speaks very highly of Karlten."
Jordi Douglas spoke of her son Simon, "Early on in Simon’s soccer experience, I coached with Karlten. It was evident early on that I would learn as much as, if not more, than my own son. Karlten ran drills with these four- and five-year old soccer players that were creative and constructive. These little tykes had great fun learning soccer. The best part was they had no idea they were learning anything. At the end of each practice, they were full of exhausted smiles as their skill base became stronger."
At this Thanksgiving time, we in Eastern New York are particularly thankful for superb coaches like Karlten Wong.
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.