By Randy Vogt, Director of Public Relations, Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association
February 7, 2023-The Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) is very pleased to announce that Cheryl Aronson is our new State Youth Referee Administration (SYRA). The SYRA is in charge of the thousands of youth soccer refs in Eastern New York. Cheryl is the first woman to be hired for this important role.
The Islip resident has been refereeing for the past decade and she was previously the Corresponding Secretary of the Long Island Soccer Referees Association (LISRA), the largest referee group in the state.
“I've always loved soccer including as a player or coach, but being the referee is truly my passion. From my very first match, I knew this was for me,” Cheryl explained. “I really enjoy being around the little ones and helping them understand the game, all the way up to adult matches, watching how far they’ve progressed."
Cheryl has officiated ENYYSA games, the Development Academy, MLS Next, the Women's Premier Soccer League, United Soccer Leagues and the Men’s Open Cup.
Cheryl's “real job” is Office Manager for a commercial real estate office where she also does loan processing and property management.
“Dealing with tenants can be very similar to dealing with soccer parents,” she stated.
Cheryl certainly brings enthusiasm and dedication to her new position.
“I've played every role as a referee, I understand the needs of our officials and I know the game,” she concluded. “I have a strong desire to do everything I can to help all 10 Eastern New York districts.”
And when not found on a soccer field or at a referee clinic, Cheryl enjoys attending live music concerts.
With approximately 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 10 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. For more information, please log on to http://www.enysoccer.com/