By Randy Vogt, Director of Public Relations, Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association
March 20, 2017-Although today is the first day of spring, snow still covers much of the Empire State as our youth players try to get ready for the upcoming Spring Season.
10 players from the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) are on the rosters of the 10 National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) teams as they prepare for the kick-off of the NWSL season on Saturday, April 15. Eight of these players played in Eastern New York's Olympic Development Program (ODP). Our players in the NWSL grew up in the Hudson Valley, Westchester and Long Island:
Additionally, two of our former ODP players are now playing overseas. 2015 NWSL Most Valuable Player Crystal Dunn is competing for Chelsea in England and 2015 NWSL Goalkeeper of the Year Michelle Betos recently signed with Norwegian side Valerenga.
“It’s very exciting to follow the careers of these exceptional players from Eastern New York and know that ODP contributed to their development,“ said Eastern New York ODP Chairperson Jim Volpe. “I hope they all have long and successful careers plus lead the way for many more of our players to join the ranks of the NWSL.“
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 tohttp://www.enysoccer.com/, which receives nearly 300,000 hits annually from the growing soccer community.