Eastern NY Youth Soccer Association

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Eastern New York Has a Very Proud Soccer History

Image on home page of the USA's World Cup team in 1930

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

May 25, 2016-What many Americans do not realize, including the millions who play soccer, is that the sport has a long and proud history.

The Southern New York State Senior Soccer Association, now the Eastern New York State Adult Soccer Association, was founded in 1913, the same year that the United States Soccer Federation (USSF) was founded.

In the inaugural World Cup, in Uruguay during 1930, the United States finished in third place. That remains the United States’ best finish ever on the men’s side although our women have lifted the Women’s World Cup trophy in 1991, 1999 and 2015.

The German-American Junior Soccer League, now the Cosmopolitan Junior Soccer League (CJSL), was founded in New York City in 1933. It’s the oldest and most historic youth soccer league in the United States. An original purpose of the league was for its graduates to become players in the adult league, now known as the Cosmopolitan Soccer League. Currently, 231 teams make up the CJSL, of which 221 are boys teams.

In 1966, the Long Island Junior Soccer League (LIJSL) was founded and with 1,490 travel teams today, it is one of the world’s largest soccer leagues, celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. The first steps to create the LIJSL were taken by Jack Maher of the Deer Park Celtics. Maher wrote to Pat Ryder, who was then President of the Long Island Soccer Football League, requesting the formation of a youth league to support the adult league, similar to what had occurred in New York City three decades before. Ryder had the foresight to see the benefit of a self-organized youth program and appointed Maher as the first Junior Commissioner.

With youth soccer starting to grow exponentially, George Donnelly and Enzo Magnozzi founded the Southern New York Youth Soccer Association in 1972 and Tony Perez became the first President.

In 1974, the West-Put Youth Soccer League, serving Westchester and Putnam Counties, was created and joined Southern New York. Now known as the East Hudson Youth Soccer League (EHYSL), it continues to serve soccer clubs in Westchester and Putnam but now also has clubs in Dutchess, Orange, Ulster and Sullivan counties plus Pennsylvania. Currently, it has 386 registered teams––243 boys squads and 143 girls teams.

Steve LaRosa became President of the Southern New York youth in 1976. 

1978 was a very important year as Ivor Foster was elected President, the Capital District Youth Soccer League (CDYSL), Staten Island Youth Soccer League (SIYSL) and our Children With Special Needs Program kicked off. 

The CDYSL was founded in Colonie that year by Peter Clinton, Charles Guinn Cesare Maniccia, James Sinkins and others. Sal Davilo, Joe Licata and Sal Parello founded the SIYSL.

Children With Special Needs playing in an organized league actually started in Southern New York when two LIJSL clubs, the Huntington Boys Club (HBC) and Massapequa Soccer Club, separately began programs in an era when these kids playing sports is not as accepted as it is today. Craig Ludin, who has Down Syndrome and has been playing for HBC since he was a young boy, has so many medals from the Special Olympics that he has been inducted into the National Jewish Sports Hall of Fame.

Two years later in 1980, the same year that Howard Rubinstein was elected President of Southern New York, Rocco Amoroso started the LIJSL Sportsmanship Program as he was concerned about a lack of discipline and respect on soccer fields. The program spread locally, then nationally and internationally.

As new leagues were created, both the senior and youth association started admitting clubs north of Albany so “Southern New York” was obviously no longer appropriate. Since our geographic area now encompassed clubs from Long Island to the Canadian border east of Route 81, which connects Binghamton and Syracuse, in 1984, Rubinstein and the incoming President, Peter Masotto, changed the name from the Southern New York Youth Soccer Association to our present name of Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA). Rubinstein and Costas Mallios made the same name change from Southern New York to Eastern New York with the adults in 1988.

In 1997, the Mid State New York Soccer League was formed and started playing in ENYYSA. Previously, its teams played in the New York West state association. Today, 50 boys teams, 45 girls squads and six coed teams play in Mid State, coming from a vast geographical region of Chenango, Delaware, Otsego, Herkimer, Oneida and Madison counties.

Also in 1997, Luis Montoya founded the Big Apple Youth Soccer League to serve the growing Latino community in New York City. 62 boys teams and seven girls squads from Queens, Brooklyn and the Bronx currently play in the league.

Two years later, the Metrokids Interregional Soccer League was founded, also to serve the growing Latino community in New York City. Today, 52 boys squads and five girls teams are part of this urban league.

The Central New York State Soccer League was founded in 2001. Currently, 22 boys teams, 30 girls squads and six Coed Under-8 teams from Oneida, Madison and Herkimer counties play in the league.

Masotto served as the ENYYSA President for more than two decades, from 1984 to 2006. Then Barry Salter served as President from 2006 to 2010 and he was succeeded by Richard Christiano, Eastern New York’s President today.

Although the Westchester Youth Soccer League left Eastern New York in 2014, that was the same year one of their teams, Manhattan Paris Saint-Germain, won the Boys-Under-17 national championship. It was only through their affiliation with Eastern New York that Manhattan was able to play in the National Championship series. So elite teams from that area still compete in Eastern New York in the newly-formed Westchester Youth Soccer District.

The Hudson Valley Youth Soccer League was dissolved in the past year so the Hudson Valley Youth Soccer District was created for the teams remaining in that league.

As you can see, the 11 member leagues of Eastern New York are as diverse as the soccer families we serve.

Eastern New York alumni who have represented the United States in both the World Cup and the Olympics include Benny Feilhaber, Shannon MacMillan, Sara Whalen and Michael Windischmann. Alumni Edson Buddle and Tony Meola played for the US in the World Cup. Others have been capped by the United States but never had the opportunity to display their talents in either the World Cup or Olympics. As people born in every country in the world now call New York State their home, some of our alumni are eligible to play for another country besides the US and have done exactly that.

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 tohttp://www.enysoccer.com/, which receives nearly 300,000 hits annually from the growing soccer community.

The True Gift of Sport

By Tim Bradbury, Director of Coaching, Eastern New York Youth Soccer Tim_for_WebAssociation

Some months, I spend a great deal of time pondering over which topic in youth soccer to write about, often I ask colleagues and fellow coach educators if they have any thoughts on what I should discuss. 

This one was easier than most and due to the season and the associated idea of giving, what better time is there to discuss all the great things that youth sports can offer? As you read the thoughts below, it is worth every parent, coach and club leader considering how far we have gotten away from all the truly great gifts sports can offer.

So, to highlight the obvious positives: 

• Opportunity to exercise and explore the physical arena––fitness, flexibility, range of movement, skipping, running, and jumping.

• Opportunity to fall in love with sport, movement and stay fit for life.

• Opportunity to learn skills, tactics and fall in love with a sport or two.

• Opportunity to be part of a team and become fully aware that serving and helping others will bring more joy and reward than constantly seeking one’s own desires.

• Opportunity to be part of a team and forge a network of lifelong friends, people that will have you back long after the final whistle in the final game has ended.

• Opportunity to learn vital life skills: resilience, determination, discipline, bravery, grit, reliability, communication and, of course, teamwork.

• Opportunity to develop leadership traits.

What should be obvious and apparent that in 99% of youth sports environments, adults are failing to provide children with the enormous opportunity that youth sports can provide. The reasons are apparent and so obvious that all are aware of them as youth sports are dominated at all ages by a disturbing desire to PUT WINNING BEFORE ANYTHING ELSE, to PUT personal success before the SUCCESS OF THE TEAM. We live in a culture where the true nature and benefits of youth sports has become lost.  Unfortunately, in the vacuum left behind, the social media frenzy and the electronic world seem unable to offer the same potential that a good sports environment can provide.

The message is a simple one. Let's get back to helping youth soccer provide all the truly wonderful gifts that it can provide. Few gifts can bring the riches sports does.

Register For the Free Street-Style Soccer Event on Staten Island

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

June 5, 2021-New York City FC, in partnership with the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA), have an upcoming Free Football for All event on Staten Island. 

Register below to guarantee your place. All players receive an NYCFC branded soccer ball. Please note we will not be accepting walk-ups; all kids will need to have pre-registered before attending.

 

Monday, June 7

·       Location: Greenbelt Recreation Center, 501 Brielle Ave, Staten Island, NY 10314
·       Time/Age: 6-7 pm (boys and girls born in 2010-2012)
·       Time/Age: 7-8 pm (boys and girls born in 2007-2009)
 

Register Here

If anyone has any questions about the program or needs help registering, please feel free to reach out to NYCFC’s Raul Santos at raul.santos@nycfc.com

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/

Nine NWSL Players Grew Up in the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association

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

January 20, 2014-While the media debates who should be selected first in the National Football League Draft at Radio City Music Hall this spring, it was Crystal-clear who would go first in the National Women’s Soccer League Draft at the NSCAA Convention in Philadelphia on January 17. That honor went to Crystal Dunn, a product of the Olympic Development Program (ODP) of the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) as well as our soccer clubs in Rockville Centre and Albertson. Other Eastern New York alumnae selected in the NWSL Draft were Emily Menges and Kim DeCesare.

With nine Eastern New York players on NWSL rosters, 5% of the league is made up of players from Eastern New York. Here’s a look at our players playing women’s professional soccer:

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Nine of the 11 played in Eastern New York’s Olympic Development Program. With a goalkeeper and 10 field players, these women from Eastern New York could form a starting 11. And we even have a coach from Eastern New York as Paul Riley coached nine players on this list when they were younger (those with an affiliation with either Albertson or the Huntington Boys Club) and is now the head coach of the defending champion Portland Thorns.

Congratulations to all these fine people who are fulfilling their dreams of a pro soccer career!

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 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.

Four Longtime Volunteers to Be Inducted Into the LIJSL Hall of Fame

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

December 17, 2020-The Long Island Junior Soccer League (LIJSL), the largest league in the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA), has announced their Hall of Fame Class of 2020 during the league’s General Meeting held virtually on December 8:

Kevin Ferrari of the Massapequa Soccer Club has been a part of the club for nearly his entire life as a player, coach and administrator. He began playing for Massapequa in the club’s inaugural season 50 years ago in 1970. In addition to captaining his Massapequa Soccer Club team, he did the same with the LIJSL Select Program and Eastern New York’s Olympic Development Program (ODP). Kevin still holds several goalkeeping records at the University of Scranton, where he again served as team captain. After graduating, he immediately volunteered to coach in Massapequa. From 2001 to 2014, Kevin served on the club’s Executive Board, culminating with volunteering as Club President. He took over the Massapequa Special Needs Program in 2004 and continues to run it to this day.

George “Skip” Haile of the Merrick/South Merrick Soccer Club grew up in Merrick and he was a goalkeeper for both Calhoun High School and Manhattanville College. For nearly 15 years, Skip has been an integral part of the club, from the guy who did all the dirty work that nobody else wanted to do, to VP of Operations and to his current role as President. He also currently works as a field scheduler and lends his hand in managing Merrick/South Merrick's finances. As a member and then President of the Bellmore-Merrick Board of Education, he was an important factor in having turf fields replace the overused grass fields. But it is his devotion to every player in the club that sets Skip apart as he personally speaks to every coach and makes sure that nobody falls through the cracks. Under his leadership, the club has grown from 290 players in 2008 to over 500 today.
 
The Plainedge Soccer Club’s Christopher McGovern also played youth soccer, for the LIJSL’s Farmingdale Soccer Club and Hicksville Americans. Chris then coached two Plainedge girls teams through Under-19, playing in the LIJSL’s top division. He’s also a certified referee who volunteers as head referee for the club. Chris served as the administrator of the Route 135 intramural league for over 15 years, was one of the founding members of the Plainedge Soccer Father’s Day Tournament as well as a founding member of the Plainedge Soccer Club Kids Helping Kids Intramural Tournament, a Thanksgiving Weekend indoor tournament that raises money for local families in need during the holiday season.
 
Kostadinos “Kosta” Siskidis of the Stony Brook Soccer Club started volunteering for the club in 1993 and later the volunteering included coaching. He served on Stony Brook’s Board of Directors from 1998 to 2012. Kosta has managed the fields at the Three Village Soccer Park as well as the field house and food concession. He built a pump house and helped schedule their tournament and two festivals for many years. He also initiated the first online apparel and uniform sales. In 2004, he joined the LIJSL Games Committee and helped in other areas until becoming Chairperson of the Games Committee. He is a tireless advocate in making sure all kids play at the proper skill level.
 

The LIJSL Hall of Fame, established in 1978, seeks to honor those individuals who have made significant voluntary contributions to the development of youth soccer. With this newly announced class, it will now include 117 members. These four were to be recognized at the LIJSL Annual Convention last March, which was canceled at the early onset of the pandemic, and the league plans to induct this new class at a private ceremony to be held for each of them and their families at the league offices in Ronkonkoma early next year.

“As with all-things ‘2020,’ we unfortunately had to place the recognition of these four long-time valued volunteers ‘on pause’ earlier this year,” stated Steve Padaetz, the league’s Managing Director, to the virtual assemblage of 100 member clubs. “We are pleased to take this opportunity to formally recognize these most deserving individuals.”
 
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/, which receives nearly 300,000 hits annually from the growing soccer community.

Sporting Club Gjøa Rediscovers Its Norwegian Roots by Playing in Scandinavia

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

August 30, 2018-Sporting Club Gjøa of the Cosmopolitan Junior Soccer League (CJSL) rediscovered its roots this summer by bringing six youth travel teams, five boys squads and one girls team, to Norway.

Gjøa teams competed in the world’s largest youth soccer tournament, the Norway Cup, in the capital of Oslo from July 28 to August 5. Over 2,000 teams participated and SC Gjøa Berg, who won the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association’s Boys-Under-15 Arch Cup in June, advanced the furthest of the Gjøa teams by making it to the quarterfinals.

“The Norway Cup was amazing! Their slogan is ’Memories for life,’ and that’s exactly what our trip was,” commented SC Gjøa Director of Youth Soccer Lee Kellett. “There are multiple field complexes and they bring in a carnival with a big stage. Our whole club there watched our teams play and we had 83 players, seven staff plus parents on the trip.“

The following week, August 5 to 11, Gjøa was hosted by the Nesodden IF club, a short corner kick from Oslo. The New Yorkers toured the Viking Museum as well as the Fram Museum, where they saw the Gjøa boat for which the club is named. It was skippered by Roald Amundsen, the first person to make it to the South Pole. The boat was recently restored at the museum by Hardanger Fartøyvernsenter.

Gjøa’s philosophy has always been to provide soccer training to as many children as possible, regardless of their family’s financial status. Currently, over 400 players, both boys and girls, are registered in the Brooklyn club, which is New York’s oldest youth soccer club. Soccer and darts are the only sports Gjøa competes in nowadays as whaling and tug-of-war were both dropped nearly a half-century ago after having champion teams for many years in both. Gjøa’s soccer program is celebrating its centennial in 2018 although the club was originally founded in 1911.

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 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 onto http://www.enysoccer.com/, which receives nearly 300,000 hits annually from the growing soccer community.

Afrim Nezaj Inducted Into the Eastern New York Hall of Fame

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From left to right: Eastern New York President Richard Christiano, Hall of Fame inductee Afrim Nezaj and Hall of Fame Chairperson Ken Gulmi

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

November 7, 2022-The Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) is very pleased to announce that Afrim Nezaj was inducted into the Eastern New York Hall of Fame. The ceremony took place at our Hall of Fame Banquet celebrating Eastern New York’s 50th Anniversary last Saturday, November 5 at Marina del Rey in the Bronx, a relatively short corner kick from where Afrim grew up.

Afrim, a native of Kosovo, moved to the Bronx at the age of 10, living in a three-bedroom apartment with 15 members of his extended family. He is the embodiment of the American Dream as he built a small sports empire in the past four decades.

He is the owner and operator of Afrim's Sports and has reinvested in the community to support five indoor training locations for soccer teams in the area as well as an outdoor facility. He runs a multitude of programs in conjunction with the Capital District Youth Soccer League (CDYSL) and Eastern New York that provides access to training and games to the thousands of youth soccer players in the Capital Region. Volunteering as an active CDYSL Board Member, he has supported numerous youth soccer initiatives over the years.

The Altamont resident has balanced not only running a facility-rental focused business but has done so in a way that supplements the gaps in the summer and winter when youth soccer leagues are not hosting regular season play. Afrim also founded and is the President of the Albany Alleycats Soccer Club and brokered the merging of the boys side of the program with New York Elite to help promote boys and girls premier club programming that will improve opportunities for local players. When Covid made it extremely challenging for clubs and teams to find places to play, Afrim worked hard with the club and high school soccer community to provide safe and appropriate facilities for children to continue to play soccer.

ENYYSA Trustee Chris Le stated, “Afrim always reminds us to stay humble and not forget that there is a place for everyone to learn, grow and fall in love with the game of soccer, and that we are a part of a community where every player, family, team and club is important.“

Afrim currently holds the US Soccer “A” coaching license and has coached local teams at all levels in the area for many years. Additionally, he was an All-American player at Albany State and played professionally for the Pennsylvania Stoners, Rochester Flash, New York Nationals and Albany Capitals in the very challenging era of American pro soccer between when the original North American Soccer League (NASL) died in 1984 and before Major League Soccer (MLS) kicked off in 1996. He has established multiple professional teams in the area, most recently the New York Shockers competing in the NPSL for the men and WPSL for the women. 

“The Shockers give players who love the game the opportunity to continue playing at a competitive level well past their younger years,” explained CDYSL President Cathleen Knauf. “With a growing empire and in addition to spending time with his large family, Afrim still takes time to give back to the sport that he loves in many ways.”
 
Additionally, Afrim was inducted into the Albany State Hall of Fame in 2008, the CDYSL Hall of Fame in 2010 and was honored as the Eastern New York Personality of the Month in April 2020.
 
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/

27 Student-Athletes Receive Scholarships From the Long Island Junior Soccer League

By Randy Vogt, Director of Public Relations, Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association
July 28, 2023-The Long Island Junior Soccer League (LIJSL), the largest league in the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA), distributed 27 scholarships at the LIJSL Scholarship Breakfast on Sunday, July 23 at the Huntington Hilton. These well-rounded teenagers, selected based on academic and athletic excellence plus community service,  exemplify the mission of the league and its slogan of “Building Character Through Soccer.”
 
The LIJSL Scholarship Program began in 1981 when one boy and one girl each received a scholarship and it has grown exponentially over the past 42 years just as soccer has grown in the United States. The scholarship program is now under the direction of Matt McElwee. 
 
New this year is the Robinson-Monses Pay It Forward Scholarship. Sean Monses received a LIJSL Scholarship in 2009 and since the Robinson and Monses families were helped by this scholarship, they decided to pay it forward to help another deserving teenager.
 
Lynn Scarpati, the former Scholarship Chairperson, exhorted the student-athletes to “Surround yourself with positive influences and continue to be the positive influence that you are.” LIJSL President Andrew Seabury quoted Ted Lasso in stating, “Doing the right thing is never the wrong thing.”
 
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Congratulations to all the LIJSL Scholarship recipients:

• Finnegan Corcoran-Doolin attending Marist College, Bill Peet Memorial Scholarship

• Michael Fallon attending The Ohio State University, Marc Stein Memorial Scholarship
• Nicholas Mrakovcic attending the University of South Carolina, Jerry and Sally Marinan Memorial Scholarship
• Natalia Lutz attending Oneonta State, Brittney Walsh Memorial Scholarship
• Riley Schroeder attending Coastal Carolina University, Brittney Walsh Memorial Scholarship
• Sean Browne attending the University of Pittsburgh, Rocco Amoroso Sportsmanship Award Scholarship
• Gabriel Alcaraz attending Boston College, Sean Urda Memorial Scholarship
• Nicholas Piombino attending the College of Wlliam and Mary, Peter C. Collins Presidential Scholarship
• Christopher Simon attending Auburn University, Addie Mattei-Iaia Presidential Scholarship
• Jacob Raphan attending Vassar College, Pat Grecco Scholarship
• Jack Young attending SUNY Maritme, Robinson-Monses Pay It Forward Scholarship
• Jonas Mata attending Queens College, Frank and Michael Vertullo Foundation Scholarship
• Nicolas Neri attending the University of Buffalo, Frank and Michael Vertullo Foundation Scholarship
• Juliana Ayala attending Boston University, Tania Bonilla Memorial Scholarship
• Jack Lamberg attending Binghamton University, LIJSL Merit Scholarship
• Taylor Weber attending SUNY ESF, LIJSL Merit Scholarship
• Michael Glueck attending Tufts University, Joseph Lombardo Memorial Scholarship
• Sal Meloni attending SUNY Delhi University, Michael Scarpati Memorial Scholarship
• Jasmine Roldan attending SUNY Old Westbury, Miles For Matt Foundation Scholarship
• Jessica Fackler attending Syracuse University, Carolyn Page Memorial Scholarship
• Fiona Schlegel attending Boston College, Sandra Atlas Bass Scholarship
• Efstathios Spathis attending St. Joseph’s University, Frank Gorman Memorial Scholarship
• Christopher Pena attending Nova Southeastern University, John Pinezich Memorial Scholarship
• Ava Matlin attending the University of Delaware, Michael Secko Memorial Scholarship
• Juliana Edwards attending the University of Delaware, LIJSL and George Hoffman TOPSoccer Volunteer Scholarship
• Sophia Mania attending Tufts University, LIJSL and George Hoffman TOPSoccer Volunteer Scholarship
• Isabella Pepe attending George Washington University, LIJSL and George Hoffman TOPSoccer Volunteer Scholarship
 
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 Association. For more information, please log on to http://www.enysoccer.com/

Register For Soccer Ref Certification Classes on Staten Island and Long Island

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

March 19, 2019-Would you like to earn money on weekends while getting exercise and making new friends? Then soccer refereeing could be for you!

Earn $42-$82 as a referee and $30-$42 as an assistant referee on each youth game. This class is for older teenagers and adults. No experience necessary and you do not need to take the Entry Level class as a prerequisite.    

St. Clare Church (Murphy Center), 110 Nelson Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10308
Saturday, March 23 and Sunday, March 24. 8:30 am to 4:30 pm both days. Candidates must attend both sessions.

HB Thompson Middle School, 98 Ann Drive, Syosset, NY 11791    
Week 1 – Monday, April 1    Wednesday, April 3 
Week 2 – Tuesday, April 9    Wednesday, April 10  
Week 3 – Monday, April 15    Wednesday, April 17    
7:00 to 9:30 pm each night. Candidates must attend all six nights.

Upon passing the rules test at the conclusion of each course, the new referees will be certified to officiate Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) games, with many played near your home. You would be given assignments in the easiest games to start and you could potentially advance quickly in leagues such as the Staten Island Youth Soccer League (SIYSL), Cosmopolitan Junior Soccer League (CJSL) and Long Island Junior Soccer League (LIJSL).
    
The fee for the course is $210 which includes a uniform. Click on this link to register: https://enysra.gameofficials.net 

Once you register in Game Officials, Under Courses, you should see Referee Courses. Select Class Grade 8 New Referees – 2-Day Session or 6 Session. Course 28996 Staten Island or 28941 Syosset. When you register, choose District 5 – Staten Island or District 6 – Long Island. If done correctly, you should get an e-mail receipt for the class. 

E-mail Recruitment@LISoccerrefs.org for more details or if you need assistance in registering.
 

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 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 onto http://www.enysoccer.com/, which receives nearly 300,000 hits annually from the growing soccer community.

28 Teenagers Receive Long Island Junior Soccer League Scholarships

2019_recipients_for_Web

Back row, from left to right: Julianna Fryman, Julianna Gullo, Ashley Butcher, Paige Schroeder, Kelsey Miller, Madison Kasten, Angelina Fucile, Madelyn Wasilus, Ariana Vargas, Courtney Nelson, Krisia Romano.
Front row, left to right: Ryan Sisco, Avery Stevenson, Hunter Ganz, Justin Kohan, Aidan Padala, Garrett Rospars, Kyle Kelly, Jose Pena, Alexander Wright, Jason Brigandi, Aidan Lotrugio, Frank Iemma.
Camera shy: Paul Leheste, Lauren Redus, Anthony Shooshtary, Nicholas Valentine, Paulina Valentine

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

July 18, 2019-The Long Island Junior Soccer League (LIJSL) is the largest league in the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) and has the largest college scholarship program. 28 scholarship recipients, selected by LIJSL volunteers based on academic and athletic excellence plus community service, were honored by the league at the LIJSL Scholarship Breakfast on Sunday, July 14 at the Huntington Hilton.  

Congratulations to all the LIJSL Scholarship recipients:

• Garrett Rospars attending the University of Rhode Island, Rocco Amoroso Sportsmanship Award Scholarship
• Jose Pena attending Boston University, Peter C. Collins Presidential Scholarship
• Krisia Romano attending Stony Brook University, Addie Mattei-Iaia Presidential Scholarship
• Frank Iemma attending Farmingdale State, Jerry Marinan Memorial Scholarship
• Courtney Nelson attending Farmingdale State, Brittney Walsh Memorial Scholarship
• Aidan Lotrugio attending Washington and Lee University, Brittney Walsh Memorial Scholarship
• Avery Stevenson attending SUNY Purchase, Sean Urda Memorial Scholarship
• Kyle Kelly attending Albany State, Pat Grecco Scholarship
• Ashley Butcher attending Cortland State, Bobbie and David Marks Memorial Scholarship
• Lauren Redus attending the University of Rochester, Bobbie and David Marks Memorial Scholarship
• Anthony Shooshtary attending the University of Rhode Island, Bobbie and David Marks Memorial Scholarship
• Madelyn Wasilus attending Fairfield University, Eileen Frazita Memorial Scholarship
• Paul Leheste attending the University of Minnesota, Michael Scarpati Memorial Scholarship
• Alexander Wright attending Vanderbilt University, Matthew Scarpati Memorial Scholarship
• Justin Kohan attending Syracuse University, Miles For Matt Foundation Scholarship
• Aidan Padala attending the University of Pennsylvania, Miles For Matt Foundation Scholarship
• Ryan Sisco attending St. John’s University, Miles For Matt Foundation Scholarship
• Kelsey Miller attending the University of Arizona, Carolyn Page Memorial Scholarship
• Paige Schroeder attending Sacred Heart University, Sandra Atlas Bass Scholarship
• Ariana Vargas attending Queens College, Frank Gorman Memorial Scholarship
• Angelina Fucile attending Lehigh University, John Pinezich Memorial Scholarship 
• Madison Kasten attending the University of Maryland, Michael Secko Memorial Scholarship
• Julianna Fryman attending Tulane University, Jonathan Marc Serota Memorial Scholarship
• Hunter Ganz attending Ohio State University, Soccer.com Scholarship
• Julianna Gullo attending Marist College, Modell’s Scholarship
• Jason Brigandi attending the University of Michigan, Joseph Lombardo Memorial Scholarship and George Hoffman TOPSoccer Volunteer Scholarship
• Nicholas Valentine attending Farmingdale State, George Hoffman TOPSoccer Volunteer Scholarship
• Paulina Valentine attending St. Michael's College, Modell’s TOPSoccer Volunteer Scholarship

“Having lost our son Matt to a drunk driver, I feel obligated to warn the students going to college. You know who you can trust, you know who the good people are, so surround yourself with positive influences,” LIJSL Scholarship Chairperson Lynn Scarpati stated, “You are smart, gifted and hard-working, our best and brightest who we celebrate today. One mistake can change all that. We look forward to the next chapters of your lives.”

Six of the scholarships are named after soccer players who were killed by drunk drivers. 

The LIJSL Scholarship Program began in 1981 when one boy and one girl each received a scholarship and it has grown exponentially just as soccer continues to grow in the United States. 
 
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.