By Randy Vogt, Director of Public Relations, Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association
December 5, 2024-The New York Soccer Referee Association (NYSRA) is by far the oldest referee group in the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) as it was founded 86 years ago in 1938. NYSRA held its holiday party on November 21 at the Ukrainian Sport Club in Manhattan.
Carl Whyte (in red sweater) received Lifetime Membership, NYSRA’s version of the Lifetime Achievement Award, from NYSRA President Kambiz Riazi. Whyte became a referee in 1991 at the age of 41, upgraded to Regional Referee in 1995 and during the 1994 World Cup, he chaperoned the Italian and Spanish national teams.
Diana Mojica (on right in bottom photo) received the New Referee Award from NYSRA Vice President Harris Rasheed. 25% of NYSRA officials started in the past two years and Mojica, in particular, has applied and immersed herself in the game.
The Cosmopolitan Junior Soccer League (CJSL), which is five years older than the NYSRA, graciously helped pay for the dinner once again this year.
Would you like to join Carl and Diana as a soccer referee? Eastern New York is seeking new referees to be in the middle and/or on the line as assistant referees in youth soccer games throughout the state. The minimum age is 14 years old to become certified. The certification class consists of both online and classroom learning.
For more information, log on to https://enysreferee.org/how-to-become-a-referee/. If you have any questions, e-mail questions@enysreferee.org
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 US Youth Soccer. For more information, please log on to http://www.enysoccer.com/