By Randy Vogt, Director of Public Relations, Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association
January 20, 2026-The Cosmopolitan Junior Soccer League (CJSL), founded in 1933 and the oldest league in the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) and all of American youth soccer, has announced the appointment of Max Watson as CJSL President. Max served as First Vice President under CJSL President Paul Kontonis, who passed suddenly on November 24.
Max explained, “I was originally a DUSC kid and played my entire youth career with the Downtown United Soccer Club in the CJSL from Under-10 to Under-19.”
Max used his development in the CJSL to be recruited to play soccer at Franklin & Marshall College in Lancaster, Pennsylvania and helped lead the Diplomats to the Division 3 Sweet Sixteen and Elite Eight from his central midfield position.
Upon graduation, he had a 7-year stint in Virginia, as an assistant coach for the men’s team at the University of Mary Washington, then men’s assistant and later head coach at the Virginia Military Institute (VMI), Director of the Stafford Soccer Club and in the youth scouting department for DC United. During his time in Virginia, Max was selected for the United Soccer Coaches 30 Under-30 program to support up-and-coming coaches.
“But New York City is my home and I moved back in July 2023 after being appointed men’s head coach at New York Maritime as well as a coach and administrator at DUSC,” Max stated.
The Chelsea resident arrived at Astoria Park in Queens one night to evaluate a potential recruit for his college team.
“I met that player’s coach, Paul Kontonis, that evening for the first time. A professional, personal and mentorship relationship flourished from that point and a year later, I became Paul’s First Vice President in the CJSL.”
Besides now being CJSL President, Max is the head men’s soccer coach and Assistant Athletic Director for the University of Mount Saint Vincent in the Bronx, the Assistant Director of Coaching at DUSC and pursuing his “A” coaching license.
“All of my goals as CJSL President will honor and enact many of the high-level initiatives that our past president and friend was championing,” Max said. “Continue the rapid growth of our league throughout New York City, primarily via supporting the structural growth, coach education, player pathway opportunities and resources for all of our member clubs. We will remain uniquely New York City and stay true to our roots while being sure to swiftly progress, modernize and remain current in a quickly developing soccer landscape. The needs are always changing and we will be sure to also grow at the CJSL to meet these needs for youth players but also for coaches, parents, administrators and referees.”
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, east of Route 81. ENYYSA encourages 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 US Soccer and US Youth Soccer. For more information, please log on to http://www.enysoccer.com/