December 2, 2022-In November, the Staten Island Youth Soccer League (SIYSL), the southernmost league of the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA), broke ground on the first field to be built on acquired property in Oakwood Beach.
“We are very excited to start this new chapter in the league’s history,” said SIYSL President Rich Nellis, who said the first small-sided field (for 6- to 9-year-old kids) should be completed by the end of next spring. Phase 2, a full-size field should be ready by spring 2024. Phase 3, an additional 4-6 fields depending how the remaining space works out by the spring of 2025. All fields will be grass.
In 2019, SIYSL volunteers Fred Cipriani and Rob Libertelli completed the land purchase of six acres from the Governor’s Office of Storm Recovery. The Recovery Program made efforts to provide relief to homeowners who suffered loss and damages during Superstorm Sandy a decade ago.
Nellis also noted the league is creating a memorial garden with a stone dedicated to the memory of those who lost life and property during Sandy.
“10 years ago, the Staten Island community was devastated by the effects of Superstorm Sandy,” said President Nellis. “We suffered through loss of life and prosperity, especially here in this very neighborhood in the area across the road in Fox Beach.”
New York City Council member and SIYSL supporter David Carr (50th Council District) got the ball rolling on the construction phase of the first field by putting a shovel into the ground. The SIYSL would also like to especially thank Senator Andrew Lanzi who helped with the acquisition of the site.