By Randy Vogt, Director of Public Relations, Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association
February 7, 2024-The Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) is very pleased announce that Noe Canales has been honored as our 2023 Peter C. Collins Volunteer of the Year. The festivities took place at the Eastern New York Hall of Fame Banquet held on January 27 at Marina del Rey in the Bronx.Noe possesses a National Youth Certificate from US Soccer along with a dual Masters of Science degrees in Early Childhood Special Education, focusing on severe and multiple challenges. He applies these qualifications as a full-time bilingual special education teacher in Middle Village.
Noe founded Soccer Kids NYC, an inclusive soccer program for young children with seven travel teams now playing in the Cosmopolitan Junior Soccer League (CJSL). Noe grew up playing in the CJSL and received a college scholarship after a standout performance in the CJSL Showcase.
Comments about Noe from the parents of Soccer Kids NYC players include, “When we signed up Brandon for soccer at age two with Coach Noe, we never expected that he would be blessed with such an amazing soccer coach, mentor and friend. Not only is Brandon learning critical soccer skills from a passionate expert, but he is learning listening skills, teamwork, how to think on his own, share, persevere through challenges and problem-solve. Noe makes every child feel special and capable of succeeding…Coach Noe is truly amazing with kids as he is patient, creative, funny, caring and has a lot of experience…I have seen an increase in my 5-year-old son’s confidence and overall skill level every season while working with Coach Noe…He has the magical gift of making children focus while they enjoy themselves.”
The Volunteer of the Year Award is just one of many awards that Noe has received, which includes Soccer Kids NYC being honored with the CJSL New Club Award (2023) and the Best Soccer Club in Queens for seven consecutive years (2016-23). Noe received a Star Under 40 for his exceptional leadership skills (2017) and the Merle Frampton Certificate of Excellence and Outstanding Performance in Special Education Teaching and Community Service (2013). Additionally, Soccer Kids NYC received a citation from the New York State Assembly for Soccer Kids NYC’s substantial positive impact on the community (2017).
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 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/