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Amelia Atassi Honored as the Eastern New York TOPSoccer Buddy of the Year

TOPSoccer Buddy of the Year Amelia Atassi on the left with Eastern New York President Richard Christiano

By Randy Vogt, Director of Public Relations, Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association

November 17, 2022-The Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) is very pleased to announce that Amelia Atassi received our TOPSoccer Buddy of the Year Award at Eastern New York’s Hall of Fame Banquet on Saturday, November 5. The festivities celebrated Eastern New York's 50th anniversary and were held at Marina del Rey in the Bronx.

Amelia was nominated by Staten Island Youth Soccer League (SIYSL) TOPSoccer Supervisor Christopher Rooney who wrote, “Amelia has been involved with TOPSoccer since September 2017. She has been playing soccer since she was five years old over a decade ago and loves the sport dearly. She wanted to give back to the community so that others could play the sport that she loves so much. She understands that this special set of children will not be able to play soccer like she does but she can share with them what she knows about the game and make it a fun environment for them.

Amelia has shown tremendous effort with the TOPSoccer players. They get excited when they see her! She helps the children with their soccer skills and always makes sure they have a chance to score a goal and have fun.

Additionally, Amelia has collected donated soccer cleats and other soccer equipment to 1K Cleats For Kids, a program in New Jersey that sends the equipment to parts of Africa and other needy countries.

Last year, Amelia was nominated for the Envision program that is for students who hope to attend medical school in the future. Although she could not attend the program in person due to the pandemic, she received the materials in the mail and completed the program online, on her own, and received certificates that she earned from the Future Doctor Academy.”

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/

He’s a Keeper! Jericho Resident Tyler McElhinney Excelling in Goal and as a Ref

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By Randy Vogt, Director of Public Relations, Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association

March 8, 2018-When the Boys South 1999 Olympic Development Program (ODP) team of the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) won the Boys-Under-16 national championship two years ago, goalkeeper Tyler McElhinney was a very bright star of the Final Four. Eastern New York had to overcome the Arizona heat, especially since they had been training during the New York winter, as well as having a player sent off early in the second half of both the semifinal and final. McElhinney had a shutout during 240 minutes of play, saved three penalty kicks in the shootout and scored on both his shootout attempts.

“This was the best group of kids I have ever coached in three decades of coaching,” Ralph Pascarella, head coach of 1999 Boys South ODP, said after winning the national title. “All 18 guys bought into team first and everybody played a role and contributed, through two overtime games and two shootouts. Blake Aronson and Matt Sloan were great leaders on the field and Tyler McElhinney would have gotten MVP if the Final Four had that award.”

McElhinney did not stop there as he was selected Conference A1 Player of the Year and All-State and All-Region by the United Soccer Coaches while playing for Jericho High School, named to the ODP Interregional Event Best XI in 2016 and was also honored as Migilor Portiere (Best Goalkeeper) at the 20th Annual Piccole Squadre Torneo in Italy six years ago.

The Jericho resident started playing soccer as a field player when he was five years old. At age 11, he followed in the footsteps of his brother Conor and became a goalkeeper. He has excelled in goal for Long Island Junior Soccer League (LIJSL) teams Jericho Galaxy, Syosset Warriors, East Meadow Hawks 98s and the Dix Hills Hurricanes, his current squad.

Dani Braga is his coach at Jericho High School who helped lead St. John’s University to the 1996 NCAA national championship in goal and said, “Tyler has grown as a person and a goalkeeper by leaps and bounds since I first coached him in 8th Grade. He is a sponge of the game and I have always been a tougher critic of Tyler both as his coach and a former goalkeeper, but he has always kept a level head and has shown he can succeed. I’m happy for Tyler for the many awards he has deservedly won.”

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LISRA President Cathy Caldwell with Rising Star Award winner Tyler McElhinney

He took another important step in his career when he became a ref at age 12.

“I started refereeing because I was constantly watching soccer at such a young age and I found myself as a volunteer linesman on a few occasions. I figured taking the referee course was a great way to stay in shape, stay involved in the game and make some extra money on the side,” he explained.

It was a quick climb up the referee ladder as Tyler officiated a final in the Danone Nations Cup and received the Rising Star Award this winter from the Long Island Soccer Referee Association (LISRA).

“Tyler is one of the most dependable, knowledgeable, and professional young men to rise in LISRA’s ranks,” said LISRA President Cathy Caldwell. “His demeanor on the pitch and dedication to learn and perfect his officiating is admirable. It is my pleasure to watch him evolve into a terrific referee.”

After he graduates from Jericho High School this June, he will be off to Baltimore to play for the Greyhounds of Loyola University. And as for the upcoming St. Patrick’s Day, this proud Irish-American will be appropriately refereeing on a field named after another proud Irish-American when he refs at the Peter Collins Soccer Park in Plainview.

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 11 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 Association. For more information, please log onto http://www.enysoccer.com/, which receives nearly 300,000 hits annually from the growing soccer community.

The Guinness World Record For Longest Digital Soccer Pass Set in Garden City

By Randy Vogt, Director of Public Relations, Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association

September 17, 2019-The Garden City Centennial Soccer Club, the largest club in both the Long Island Junior Soccer League (LIJSL) and Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA), used its large size to set a Guinness World Record at the St. Paul’s Recreation Complex last Sunday, September 15. Originally, the record-attempt was to be for simultaneously passing a soccer ball.

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“But we realized that we would have experienced a logistical issue to have close to 2,000 people here at once as St. Paul’s would not have enough parking to accommodate everybody, especially with soccer and lacrosse games going on here at the same time,” said Matt Tepper, who helped organize the event.

So the decision was made to use the entire morning for the longest digital soccer pass, which was recorded on video. The previous Guinness World Record of 250 was shattered in Garden City as 421 passed a soccer ball. The participants came from Garden City as well as neighboring soccer players.

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Also helping out were the Adelphi University men’s soccer team and the Hofstra University women’s soccer team. Sponsors included Adelphi University, TD Bank, Field Level, Garden City Pizza, La Bottega, Thundercat Technology, Rapp marketing agency, Sport Loft, Petschauer Insurance and Peanut Gallery Comics.

The proceeds went to Charity Ball, a charitable organization that sources and distributes soccer balls to children in impoverished communities around the world.

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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 nine 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 Association. For more information, please log on to http://www.enysoccer.com/, which receives nearly 300,000 hits annually from the growing soccer community.

Carmel United’s Karlten Wong Selected as the Eastern New York Boys Competitive Coach of the Year

By Randy Vogt, Director of Public Relations, Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association

November 26, 2013-The Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) is pleased to announce that Karlten Wong, who coaches the Boys-Under-10 Carmel United Patriots of the East Hudson Youth Soccer League (EHYSL), has been selected as our Boys Competitive Coach of the Year. The Carmel resident coached the Patriots to an undefeated season (9-0-0) last spring and they also were crowned champions of the East Fishkill Memorial Day Soccer Tournament.

"Not only did our boys excel, but they did it with tremendous sportsmanship which is a value that Coach Karlten often reinforces," commented team parent Nicholas Vara. "He has children of his own who participate in travel soccer programs in older age groups but rarely is able to experience and enjoy their games and practices so that he can promote, teach and strengthen the game of soccer for our boys."

Another team parent, Paulette Calvelli, was equally as effusive. "This team and group of parents are amazing due to Karlten! It’s evident that the Carmel Patriots love their coach by seeing their enthusiasm to be at practice and at games. Although Karlten has five children of his own, he treats all our sons the same as he would his own children. He is patient and always encourages them to do their best. He is well-known in the soccer community and everyone always speaks very highly of Karlten."

Jordi Douglas spoke of her son Simon, "Early on in Simon’s soccer experience, I coached with Karlten. It was evident early on that I would learn as much as, if not more, than my own son. Karlten ran drills with these four- and five-year old soccer players that were creative and constructive. These little tykes had great fun learning soccer. The best part was they had no idea they were learning anything. At the end of each practice, they were full of exhausted smiles as their skill base became stronger."

At this Thanksgiving time, we in Eastern New York are particularly thankful for superb coaches like Karlten Wong.

With 123,843 youth soccer players––68,587 boys and 55,256 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 12 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 Special Children. 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 Association. For more information, please log on to http://www.enysoccer.com/, which receives nearly 300,000 hits annually from the growing soccer community.

Michael Longo Elected Vice President of the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association

By Randy Vogt, Director of Public Relations, Eastern New York Youth Soccer Longo_for_Web Association

September 28, 2021-At the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) Annual General Meeting, longtime player, coach and volunteer Michael Longo was elected as our 4th Vice President.

Mike was introduced to the world’s most popular game when his older brother Vinny started playing so he and his twin brother Danny took up the game, wearing the red, white and blue of the Hicksville American Soccer Club.

“Also, our mother grew up across the street from former LIJSL President Peter Collins on Benjamin Avenue in Hicksville so we always knew about soccer,” Mike stated.

Mike, now President and CEO of Krystal Produce in Westbury, returned to the Hicksville club in 2005 to coach when his oldest son Tanner started playing.

“I then started coaching the Hicksville Hawks, made up of boys born in 2002, when Tanner started playing travel team soccer. But then he wanted to play with his friends on the Hicksville Warriors of boys born in 2001 so I started coaching them,” Mike explained.

Mike then coached the Hicksville Storm (boys born in 2002) that his son Cole played on and also the Hicksville Kickers (girls born in 2005) that daughter Riley is on. Last season, he also started coaching the Hicksville Lightning of girls born in 2006.

The Lloyd Harbor resident's coaching resume is completed by having been a staff member for the Long Island Junior Soccer League (LIJSL) Coaching Academy, assistant coach of the LIU Post men from 1999 to 2003 and the Molloy men from 2003 to 2007 plus head coach of Long Island Lutheran High School boys varsity from 2017 to 2020.

Additionally, Mike started the 3-year-old program with the Hicksville Americans in 2006 and went on the club’s Board of Directors soon after as intramural director. Mike had two tours of duty on the LIJSL Board of Directors sandwiched around being the Hicksville American's President from 2014 to 2017. For all this volunteering, Hicksville honored him as their Volunteer of the Year at the 2017 LIJSL Convention.

“I think that I still have my boots on the ground as far as with the game and the experience on Boards over the past 10 years. I look to just bring my lifelong soccer experience both on the field as a player and off the field as a coach mixed in with my business experience from my day-to-day job to help push the youth game in Eastern New York forward,” Mike added.

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 nine 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/

Jared Simons and Joe Zawistowski Attain National Status as Soccer Officials

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Jared Simons on left and Joe Zawistowski on right, courtesy of US Soccer

By Randy Vogt, Director of Public Relations, Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association

March 2, 2017-The Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) is very pleased to announce that two of our officials who referee in our youth leagues––Jared Simons and Joe Zawistowski––recently attained the National badge. Seven officials of the 4,200 refs in Eastern New York are currently at the National level because in order to attain this prestigious status, officials must pass very challenging rules and fitness tests as well as field assessments.

Jared Simons started refereeing in 1997 at the age of 12 while living in Arizona as his parents were heavily involved as soccer volunteers from dawn to dusk and he needed something to do at the fields to keep busy rather than simply playing one game.

“My Dad was also a referee, and he often needed an assistant, and since I was free labor, I more often than not found myself with a flag in my hands,” Simons stated. He took a few years off from officiating and relaunched his ref career in Eastern New York in 2009.

Two years ago, the Astoria resident was honored as the US Soccer Development Academy Referee of the Week, and also received an achievement award from the Eastern New York Elite Referee Program.

“A few years ago, I really enjoyed being able to organize and then officiate a charity match which featured the President of Bolivia, Evo Morales, and Michelle Bachelet of Chile to draw attention to the United Nations Secretary General's Campaign to End Violence Against Women,“ he explained. “I also enjoy working the different amateur derby matches here in New York. Being appointed to a Greek-Americans vs. Pancyprian Freedoms match always gives me goosebumps up until I blow the whistle to start the match.“

Joe Zawistowski of Syosset started refereeing over a decade ago and he was encouraged to become more heavily involved when he did a great as an assistant referee for Klaus Mueller, currently in charge of the thousands of soccer refs in Eastern New York as State Referee Administrator (SRA). He was selected by his peers in college soccer officiating as the top Assistant Referee in 2016 in the New York Metro Intercollegiate Soccer Officials Association (NYMISOA).

Zawistowski says that his best moment ever on a soccer field is what he is currently doing, representing Eastern New York as a National Assistant Referee.

SRA Mueller stated, “I believe these two are excellent officials and that’s the reason why they passed all the tests in Florida two months ago.“

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 11 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 Special Children. 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 Association. For more information, please log on to http://www.enysoccer.com/, which receives nearly 300,000 hits annually from the growing soccer community.

Former Eastern New York ODP Player Conor O’Brien to Play in the UEFA Champions League

By Randy Vogt, Director of Public Relations, Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association

May 22, 2013-While Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund play in the UEFA Champions League final this Saturday, other top teams across Europe are busy qualifying for the upcoming UEFA Champions League season. In the Danish Superliga, FC Nordsjælland finished a clear second place to Copenhagen to clinch their Champions League return.

The Superliga season finished this past Monday with FC Nordsjælland midfielder Conor O’Brien netting the 1-0 winner over Esbjerg. In the 33rd minute, Conor collected a poor clearance from opposing keeper Lukas Hradecky and promptly buried his first Wild Tigers goal from distance.

The attacking midfielder from Mount Sinai, Long Island started playing professionally in Denmark with Blokhus FC of the Second Division in 2010. In 2011, he signed with First Division Sonderjyske, playing with them for two years before signing with FC Nordsjælland at the start of 2013.

Conor won an Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) State Cup as a Boys Under-10 player with the Terryville Fire in 1999. He was the only Fire player remaining the next time the Long Island Junior Soccer League team (LIJSL) won the State Cup –– as an Under-18 side in 2007. Further glory awaited as Conor scored two goals to help win the Region 1 championship and assisted on Matt Piccoli’s goal in the Fire’s 1-0 victory over Arsenal from Southern California to capture the US Youth Soccer national championship that year.

Conor also was named MVP of the 2004 Tampa Bay Sun Bowl. He helped lead St. Anthony’s High School to the New York State high school championship in 2005 and was a fixture for the Eastern New York Olympic Development Program as well.

At Bucknell University, he was the recipient of the Bison Club Award, presented to the senior athletes who best exemplify the winning spirit of the university’s athletics program. O’Brien was a semifinalist for the Hermann Trophy, earned National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) second team All-American honors –– becoming the first Bucknell soccer All-American in 33 years to do so –– and was named the Philly Soccer News men’s college player of the year in 2009.

With 123,843 youth soccer players––68,587 boys and 55,256 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 12 leagues throughout the association, which covers the entire state of New York east of Route 81. Eastern New York 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 Special Children. No child who wants to play soccer is turned away. Eastern New York is a proud member of the United States Soccer Federation and United States Youth Soccer Association. For more information, please log on to http://www.enysoccer.com/, which receives nearly 300,000 hits annually from the growing soccer community.

Staten Island’s Eddie Gamarra Honored as the November Personality of the Month in the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association

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By Randy Vogt, Director of Public Relations, Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association

November 5, 2014-The Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) is very pleased to announce that New Dorp resident Eddie Gamarra is our Personality of the Month for November.

Eddie has been involved in soccer his entire life. He played the world’s most popular sport while growing up in Lima, Peru and competed for the youth team of renowned club Alianza Lima as a teenager. Enthusiasm for sports runs in his family as Eddie’s father was a championship Pan American Games athlete, his mother was a big basketball fan and his older brother, Galo, was a Senior PGA Pro.

Eddie immigrated to the United States in 1965 and has lived in New Dorp for the past 44 years. In 1980, his wife Peggy learned that Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish was looking to start a soccer program and urged Eddie to apply. Without much convincing, Eddie co-founded the soccer program with Sal Parello and the OLQP Blue Jays were born. His children––Eddie Jr., Mark and Matthew––all played for the program.

Eddie has served as the soccer program’s President since that time with a six-year hiatus from 1988 to 1994 when Robert Ollis filled that role. Eddie developed OLQP into a model program and has coached many teams, both boys and girls squads, through the years. Currently, 217 children––117 girls and 100 boys––proudly wear their blue and gold soccer uniforms while playing at Miller Field.

The now 71-year-old enjoys the fun-filled times with the club as it grew into a family and he has developed lifelong friends. The annual Club Soccer Dance has become a favorite event and always ends with the crowd clamoring for "One more hour!” and Eddie joyfully complying, convincing the DJ to continue the fun.

Eddie’s generosity is seen throughout the parish as he always finds a discreet way to cover the cost for a struggling family that can’t afford the fees. In 1986, this generosity and commitment was recognized when he was honored with the "Heroes and Heroines" award, a program that honors local residents for their outstanding work in the community.

“Eddie is a great friend and great leader of his organization,” commented Staten Island Youth Soccer League (SIYSL) President Bill Smith. ”He has always been about the children and is one of the fairest gentleman you could ever hope to meet. Many other people in Staten Island soccer look up to Eddie as well for advice and leadership. With 34 years involved with our league, I sometimes have to ask him how things were and what they would have done years ago.”

Eddie has served in various positions for the SIYSL, including Vice President, and was inducted into the SIYSL Hall of Fame in 2009. He now enjoys coaching the children of the players he once coached and is grateful for all the support he has received over the years.

“Probably my proudest moment on a soccer field occurred when two players who I coached, Joe Argento and Danny Cumminskey, returned and volunteered to coach my youngest son Matthew’s team,” Eddie said.

With 123,843 youth soccer players––68,587 boys and 55,256 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 12 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 Special Children. 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 Association. For more information, please log on to http://www.enysoccer.com/, which receives nearly 300,000 hits annually from the growing soccer community.

Theresa Mandracchia of the Warwick Soccer Club Selected as the Eastern New York Volunteer of the Year

By Randy Vogt, Director of Public Relations, Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association

December 3, 2013-The Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) is very pleased to announce that the Warwick Soccer Club’s Theresa Mandracchia has been chosen as our Volunteer of the Year. She was selected from more than 25,000 people who volunteer for Eastern New York. Without the countless number of hours that Theresa volunteers each year, the East Hudson Youth Soccer League (EHYSL) club would not be as successful as it is today.

She has been a member of the Warwick Soccer Club since her children started playing intramural soccer in 2005 and has been a member of Warwick’s Board of Directors since 2007.

"Her official title on the Board is Intramural Registrar, but she goes way beyond the job description," commented Warwick Soccer Club President Craig Shields.

Theresa registers the club’s 50 intramural teams, ordering uniforms and securing sponsors to keep costs down. She then works with the Field Assignor in building a schedule for Saturdays to fit all the games on the available fields, which can be challenging as the assignments come from the Town Parks Department and can often change because of this.

The Warwick resident also supervises Picture Day plus staffs the concession stand and somehow finds the time to also organize food drives for the local pantries.

Congratulations to Theresa Mandracchia, our 2013 Volunteer of the Year!

The Staten Island Youth Soccer League Distributes Scholarships While Honoring One of Its Former Players

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SIYSL Scholarship recipients with the Executive Board

By Randy Vogt, Director of Public Relations, Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association

May 30, 2016-The Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) and five of our member leagues––Capital District Youth Soccer League, Cosmopolitan Junior Soccer League, East Hudson Youth Soccer League, Long Island Junior Soccer League and the Staten Island Youth Soccer League––all have scholarship programs.

Staten Island, the southernmost league in Eastern New York, held its annual Senior Night Festivities on Wednesday, May 25 at Owl Hollow Fields. This big event is now known as the SIYSL–SSG (Staff Sergeant) Michael Ollis Senior Night. Michael grew up playing in the SIYSL and died three years ago in Afghanistan as a 24-year-old soldier while shielding a Polish soldier during an assault on their base that involved grenades, mortars, rockets and a 3,000-pound bomb.

At Senior Night, all of the 8th grade girls and boys from the SIYSL are placed on teams according to where they will be going to high school, play three games and receive commemorative T-shirts as well as a sweatshirt with the colors of their high school they will be attending.

”It’s a great night and we also invite all of the Staten Island high school coaches to attend the evening,” said Event Chairperson Rob Libertelli. “The girls played their games first, then we had our awards ceremony in which all of the scholarship nominees were announced and the winners revealed. Bob and Linda Ollis (Michael's parents) also attended and addressed the players during the ceremony.”

The SIYSL-SSG Michael Ollis Memorial Scholarship Award Nominees were:

Boys
Gabe Buschmann – St. Teresa Soccer Club
Daniel Chapman – St. Joseph Hill Academy Soccer Club
Joseph Daino – Holy Child Soccer Club
Christopher Di Monda – Our Lady Queen of Peace Soccer Club
Ari Kotlyar – Richmondtown Soccer Club
Jack Molloy – Petrides Soccer Club
Tim Kane – Blessed Sacrament Soccer Club – 3rd Place Boys Recipient
Matthew Bertrone – Great Kills Soccer Club – 2nd Place Boys Recipient
Thomas Mazza – St. John Neumann Soccer Club – 1st Place Boys Recipient

Girls
Emmeline Caplan – Staten Island Academy
Lindsey Ciaccio – Great Kills Soccer Club
Christine Cuenca – St. John Neumann Soccer Club
Nicolette DeGeronimo – Richmondtown Soccer Club
Desiree Dinkins – Our Lady of Good Counsel Soccer Club
Lucy Hartnett – St. Patrick’s Soccer Club
Samantha Joseph – Notre Dame Academy Soccer Club
Isabella Michell – St. Joseph Hill Academy Soccer Club
Madelyn Mullen – Sacred Heart Soccer Club – 3rd Place Girls Recipient
Kaitlyn Nellis – St. Teresa Soccer Club – 2nd Place Girls Recipient
Megan Meagher – Blessed Sacrament Soccer Club – 1st Place Girls Recipient

There were over 90 8th Grade girls and over 110 8th Grade boys who participated this year. In addition, players were treated to pizza and soft drinks as well as music and PA announcements from longtime SIYSL Coach/Director/Referee and now DJ, Andre Boulay.

“There are lots of people to thank for putting this all together,“ added SIYSL President Bill Smith. “It is a wonderful night in which we congratulate our graduates, and give honor to the memory of one of our own SIYSL players, Michael Ollis. Thank you to Bob and Linda for giving their support and their encouragement to our young players. Thank you to the Committee, Rob, Maureen Motley, Colleen Costagliola, and their children, John Moschella, the Staten Island Soccer Referee Association and, of course, our Executive Board for making this event a success.”

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 11 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 Association. For more information, please log on to http://www.enysoccer.com/, which receives nearly 300,000 hits annually from the growing soccer community.

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