By Randy Vogt, Director of Public Relations, Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association
January 12, 2023-As a seventh grader after being moved up to varsity soccer, Payton Galuski hoped to avoid sitting on the bench. It soon became clear that Payton’s place was on the field and she helped lead Waterford-Halfmoon High School to the Class C state championship and was named Athlete of the Year for Girls Soccer Small Schools by the Albany Times-Union. The midfielder also was named Section II and Class C State Player of the Year.
12-year-old Payton ended up producing 39 goals and 21 assists for the Fordians against much older opponents but she was topped by older sister Addyson, a junior forward at 16 years old, who had 46 goals and 17 assists. Payton scored the first three goals, then Addyson had a hat trick too in the 6-3 state championship game win over Sauquoit Valley in November.
Photo of Addyson (left) and Payton Galuski after winning the state championship
Their father, Kory Galuski, explained, “Payton has Addyson to chase, which only helps her because her older sister is a very good soccer player as well and just set the all-time school scoring record this year for both boys and girls. We have much to celebrate with the year they had and look forward to getting back to the training pitch with them for continued development and maybe a repeat this year.”
Both sisters are excelling in the classroom as well.
In the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA), Payton plays for our Olympic Development Program (ODP) and was recently selected for the National ODP Team while Addyson previously played ODP.
Both photos courtesy of the Galuski family
Both siblings play for the Alleycats Soccer Club in the Capital District Youth Soccer League (CDYSL), competing in the US Youth Soccer National League. Payton with Alleycats 2009G and Addyson with Alleycats 2006G.
“I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know Addyson, Payton, and the Galuski family–youngest sister Alexis, dad Kory and mom Stephanie–for several years since they came to the Alleycats in the 2018-19 season,” Alleycats Director of Coaching Chris Le, an ENYYSA Trustee, stated, “To say that the girls and their family are soccer junkies is an understatement; they live and breathe the game and it is no surprise the success that Addyson and Payton have had given the time and passion they put into what they do. Both girls are crafty, technical and savvy players, but most importantly, they are very humble, thoughtful and kind young ladies. Truly a pleasure to be around them all and to be a small part of supporting their growth and development."
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/