Ed Simonello is in the white shirt in the center surrounded by the OLHC Tanks and Hurricanes he coaches
By Randy Vogt, Director of Public Relations, Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association
September 30, 2016-The Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) is very pleased to announce that Ed Simonello of Our Lady Help of Christians (OLHC) Soccer Club is being honored as our 2016 Girls Recreational Coach of the Year.
Three people from the Staten Island Youth Soccer League (SIYSL) nominated Ed.
OLHC Director Liz Morano wrote, “Coach Eddie understands that the goal of youth soccer is to teach children the rules of this wonderful sport, to teach children that ever so important life skill called playing as a team and to have fun while doing both. Coach Eddie understands that while winning is fun, learning how to be a good loser is just as important…Coach Eddie plays all his kids. Equally. Without favoritism. Regardless of skill level. Every game…Coach Eddie is there when you need him. Coach a team without any of his children on it – not a problem. Cover another team because their coach can’t make a game – sure thing. Participate in a club fundraiser – whatever you need me to do. Support a club community service project – whatever it takes.“
Team parent Dr. Faye Dilgen wrote, “I have known Ed as my son’s soccer coach for the last six years. During this time, we have found Ed to be enthusiastic, professional, as well as kind and mentoring to his team. Ed has terrific soccer skills, but more importantly, he is a great teacher and very patient. I can recommend Ed highly for this award, as does my son Teague.“
Another team parent, Eileen Chipura, wrote, “Because of a change in age regulations, my daughter was moved to Ed’s team for two years. Starting a new team as a young teen is not easy but Ed welcomed her with open arms and encouraged her to do her best. She was so happy to be playing and her confidence grew while on his team. His caring for the players was exceptional!…Ed is the coach that all parents would like for their children. He encourages the players to show good sportsmanship, to be healthy and not to focus on the final score. The players always came away with a win because their self-esteem had been cultivated and their love of soccer grew with his teaching.“
Ed will be formally honored by Eastern New York at our Holiday Party on Sunday, December 4 at Marina del Rey in the Bronx. Congratulations to Ed Simonello, Eastern New York’s 2016 Girls Recreational Coach of the Year.
With over 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 11 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 on to http://www.enysoccer.com/, which receives nearly 300,000 hits annually from the growing soccer community.