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Remembering the Amazing Emil Cohill

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

April 5, 2021-The New York soccer community is mourning the loss of the legendary Emil Cohill on March 30 at the age of 82. The Woodside resident dedicated his life to soccer, particularly to the players of the Cosmopolitan Junior Soccer League (CJSL).

Emil emigrated to the United States from Croatia in 1952. He attended St. Mary’s Grammar School in Tacoma, Washington, where he was a CYO All-Star before moving to New York in 1955 and studying at Power Memorial Academy. He attended Fordham University where he was the team’s MVP in 1962, before playing for Dalmatinac Soccer Club in the Cosmopolitan Soccer League (CSL) from 1963 to 1980.

He served as a referee for four decades, riding his bicycle to the Metropolitan Oval on weekends to ref games.

"Emil was a beloved member of our association and administered our annual election process," New York Soccer Referee Association (NYSRA) President Kambiz Riazi stated. "He almost never missed a meeting and was always one of our favorite members. Emil was always calm and supportive and we will miss his great personality and ever-present smile. New York soccer has lost one of its pioneering souls and we have lost a great friend."

As Emil favored the traditional black referee shirt, refs in New York City the weekend after his passing wore the black jersey in honor of him.

“He was like a silent hero to the game, because that’s the way he wanted it. The game and the players were more important than anything else,” former CJSL President Jim Vogt explained. “We had many conversations over the years, and it was never, never about him. It’s always about the game, always about the players. So, he was a hero. Most people look for accolades. He probably should have gotten many, many more accolades, but he never wanted it, never pushed for it because the game, and the players, were bigger than anything else.”

Like it or not, Emil did receive accolades as he was inducted into the Eastern New York Soccer Hall of Fame in 1999, was the first person inducted into the CJSL Hall of Fame (2003), was both a CJSL and NYSRA Life Member plus was honored at the 2017 New York City Soccer Gala.

“Emil Cohill will be missed on all fronts, most of all in the impact he had on New York City youth soccer. The many decades Emil dedicated and devoted his time for the game and to improve the quality of the sport here in our state,” CJSL President Ron Restrepo commented. "Emil was very quiet at times but those who knew him were aware that he loved talking about the game and all the history around the CJSL. It is a very sad day for all of us at the CJSL but we will always remember Emil for all that he has done for the league and development of the sport. We have lost an incredible person who gave all for others and most important, lead by example. Emil will be missed and we will always celebrate his life as there are few folks who devote themselves to the sport the way he did.”

In 1976, Emil was elected CJSL Secretary, a volunteer position he amazingly held for over 40 years. He also served as the Director of the CJSL’s Herbert Heilpern Indoor Tournament and volunteered on the Hall of Fame Committee of the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA).

CJSL Director Dimitrie Draguca said, “We are all saddened by the passing of Emil, who gave so much to our league and to our sport. The amount of time, hours and commitment he gave are unmeasurable. We used to kid Emil in our meetings that we would get him a Mac book, but he just smiled and said, ‘Are you kidding me, why do I need that?’ He was happy and content with his typewriter, cause it did the job and did it right.”

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/

The Cosmopolitan Junior Soccer League Teams Up With the Soccer Parenting Association

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

March 9, 2022-The Cosmopolitan Junior. Soccer League (CJSL), founded in 1933 and the oldest league in the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA), is partnering with the Soccer Parenting Association. The CJSL is now a Sideline Project Partner and all parents, coaches, referees, spectators and caregivers will be encouraged to join The Sideline Project movement and take The Sideline Project Pledge (TheSidelineProject.com).

The Soccer Parenting Association seeks to improve the experience and development for youth soccer players by improving sideline behavior and engaging, supporting and educating youth soccer parents and coaches.

The CJSL, serving over 280 teams and 5,000 players within the five boroughs of New York City, is committed to supporting youth soccer player development by offering local year-round outdoor and indoor competitions plus robust coach and referee educational programs to support their culturally diverse soccer clubs and players. Their goal now is to improve the sideline behavior for all involved.

“Our role as a youth league is to not only provide proper competitions for our clubs, but also to assist them in developing proper sideline behavior. It is extremely important that we strive to improve the experience for players, coaches, referees and parents,” explained CJSL President Ron Restrepo. “We strongly believe that our partnership with The Sideline Project will further enhance our goal to improve what actually happens on and off the field within the five boroughs of New York City.”

“The investment the CJSL is making towards positively affecting the lives of soccer players, families and dedicated coaches is commendable. We are proud to collaborate with the CJSL and are encouraged by their commitment to improving the youth soccer landscape,” stated Skye Eddy, Founder of the Soccer Parenting Association.

Downtown United Takes the Boys-Under-13 State Open Cup

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

June 10, 2022-Downtown United Blue shut out Brentwood Premier, 4-0, on June 4 at Stringham Park in LaGrange to win the Boys-Under-13 State Open Cup in the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA).

Jonathan Jimenez had a three-goal hat trick and Jud Grbesa netted the other goal while keeper Pierce Glover had the shutout in net.

Coach Danny Rodriguez said, “We moved the ball a little bit better than Brentwood with lots of combinations. Two goals in the first half and we scored a very important goal at the start of the second half.”

Downtown United will represent Eastern New York at the East Regionals from June 24 to 30 in Charleston and Barboursville, West Virginia as part of the National Championship Series.

Brentwood did not leave the Hudson Valley empty-handed as they received the Rocco Amoroso Sportsmanship Award as determined by the game officials. Amoroso, a US Soccer Life Member who died six years ago, started the Long Island Junior Soccer League (LIJSL) Sportsmanship Program in 1980 and it spread to Eastern New York, nationally and then to China and Ireland, and in the process, made soccer games kinder and gentler.

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 onto http://www.enysoccer.com/

Bayport Tsunami Defeat the New Hyde Park Leopards, 3-2, to Win the Boys-Under-12 State Open Cup

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

June 8, 2013-The Boys-Under-12 State Open Cup final is being brought to us by the letter "B" as Bayport won with three players whose surnames begin with "B" scoring the goals. In a battle between two Long Island Junior Soccer League (LIJSL) teams, the Bayport Tsunami topped the New Hyde Park Leopards, 3-2, to win the championship on June 1 at Stringham Park in LaGrange.

Cameron Blaise, Liam Bierlingieri and Anthony Badalamenta scored the goals for Bayport.

"We scored early in the game and that gave us confidence," commented Bayport coach Eddie Hackett.

Bayport will represent the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) at the Regionals from June 28 to July 2 at the University of Rhode Island. Eastern New York is donating $2,000 to the team and paying all expense fees for the Regionals. Bayport is also currently in first place in the ENYYSA Premier League.

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.

Nirvana 360 Illusion Win the Girls-Under-18 State Open Cup

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

June 23, 2021-Nirvana 360 Illusion doused the Smithtown Kickers Flames, 6-1, in the Girls-Under-18 State Open Cup championship game on June 6 at Stringham Park in LaGrange so the new champs received the Richard Christiano Cup.

Christiano, the cup's namesake, has brought fiscal responsibility to the Eastern New York Youth SoccerAssociation (ENYYSA) as President for the past dozen years, was a youth coach for the New Hyde Park Wildcats and served on the Long Island Junior Soccer League (LIJSL) Board of Directors for 14 years, greatly improving the LIJSL Select Program during this time.

Smithtown received the Rocco Amoroso Sportsmanship Award as determined by the game officials. The namesake of the award, who died in 2016, was inducted into the Halls of Fame of the LIJSL and Eastern New York plus was also honored as a Life Member by U.S. Soccer.

Nirvana will represent Eastern New York at the East Regionals from June 25 to July 1 in Hammonton, New Jersey as part of the National Championship Series.

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/

Remembering Long Island Junior Soccer League Hall of Famer Al Micucci

Al_Micucci_for_Web

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

March 16, 2021-New York youth soccer is mourning the loss of longtime coach and volunteer Al Micucci to Covid-19 on March 13.

Al was a baseball player at heart who played goalkeeper on the Commack High School South varsity soccer team in the 1970’s. He then played baseball for a season-and-a-half at Oneonta State, and into his early thirties in men’s leagues.
Al started coaching his son AJ in the Sachem Youth Soccer League’s intramural program in the 1980’s. Then he became Director of Fields of the Waverly Avenue Soccer Complex, one of the largest soccer complexes in New York State. The fields became some of the best on Long Island after Al oversaw installation of a $90,000 irrigation system.

His kids––AJ, Nick and Kristina––played in the Long Island Junior Soccer League (LIJSL) and Al became more involved as a club and league volunteer as the LIJSL grew.

Al served as Vice President of the Sachem Youth Soccer League from 1996 to ’98 and President from 1998 to 2007. Besides coaching Sachem travel teams, the Holbrook resident coached in the LIJSL Select Program and the Olympic Development Program of the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA). The teams he coached won many titles but Al was also lauded for his sportsmanship. A 2001 Newsday article explained how Al saw that his Sachem Golden Eagles’ opponents, Copiague High School, only had four players instead of five for the start of their Long Island Futsal League match so Al had his team play 4 vs. 4 until other Copiague players showed up.

In the LIJSL, he volunteered on the Competition Committee, Technical Director Search Committee, Summit Steering Committee, Director of Coaching Search Committee and the Arbitration Committee plus was on the LIJSL Board of Directors from 2010 to 2012. For all this volunteering, Al was inducted into the LIJSL Hall of Fame in 2009. And all this soccer while he served as Plant Manager at American Casting & Manufacturing in Plainview.

“Over the last 30 years, I've had the joy of working with thousands of coaches, club presidents, league officials and players. Few if any had the impact that Al Micucci had on me as a professional and a person,” commented Tim Bradbury, Eastern New York’s Director of Coaching. “Al was a person of honor, integrity, honesty and above all he cared deeply about all players, not just the ones within his club. I will miss him more than words can express.”

Kids Play Much Better When Coaches Do Not Emphasize Winning

By Randy Vogt, Director of Public Relations, Eastern New York Youth Soccer Randy_in_red_for_Web-small2 Association

November 14, 2023-Last winter, I refereed the Boys High School Division of the Long Island Futsal League. In the 50 games, we had only one red card and six yellow cards, and most of the cards were in just one match where the players started trash-talking. Older boys games sometimes have the most cards in any age groups yet there were very few because the coaches of all 14 teams emphasized development and safety.

I have refereed TOPSoccer and Special Olympics games for decades and never had to give out a card in any of those well over 100 matches that I reffed Special Children. The coaches are emphasizing friendship.

While the coaches in all these games above are emphasizing development, safety and friendship, what they are not emphasizing is winning. And in all the games that I have officiated, I’ve noticed that teams play better when players are relaxed and the coach is not emphasizing winning. I overheard one coach say to the team parents, "Try not to tell your child when an important game is coming up."

Although I do not know how many trophies I received in youth soccer, I can tell you that I'm still friends and socialize with my old teammates. Which is much more important than any old trophy that was discarded decades ago.

Youth soccer teams can all develop their skills, be safe and make friends while only one team can win a game. Something to think about as we complete the Fall Season.

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 Association. For more information, please log on to http://www.enysoccer.com/

Marco Lovell Being Honored as Eastern New York Girls Competitive Coach of the Year

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

October 10, 2017-The Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) is very pleased to announce that Marco Lovell has been selected as our Girls Competitive Coach of the Year. Marco will be honored at the ENYYSA Holiday Party on December 17 at Marina del Rey in the Bronx.

Marco coaches the Town of Poughkeepsie Phoenix, a travel team in the East Hudson Youth Soccer League (EHYSL), as well as the Purple Phoenix, an intramural team. As an Under-15 team, the Phoenix won both the Fall and Spring EHYSL championships, and last spring they won the Girls High School Division 2 championship.

Lovell_and_Shaffer_for_Web

Marco Lovell on left with assistant coach Martin Shaffer

“Marco is an excellent coach and an even better person,” Phoenix assistant coach Martin Shaffer wrote in the nomination letter. “Marco’s success as a coach stems in his belief that youth sports are not only about the game, the winning and losing, but about the friendships that develop and the life lessons you learn playing the game: The value of hard work, the importance of teamwork, always respecting your opponents and committing to something larger than yourself, to your team. Marco does not just preach that philosophy, but he lives it and the players on the Poughkeepsie Phoenix for the last several years have benefited greatly from Marco’s involvement in their lives.”

“He knows that the girls come to the team at various levels of athletic ability and soccer skills, but what he always stresses is that you do your best and develop your skills and abilities from where you start. Marco is an eternal optimist and he encourages our players to find aspects of the game––defending, passing or shooting–– that they need to work on and use practice time to work on their weaknesses and strengthen their soccer skills. He also encourages our players to do the extra work beyond practices and our winter training to improve their soccer skills. In recent years, the Phoenix players worked out together at Northstar, attended the Fordham University soccer camp and some players participated in the Dutch Elite program due to Marco’s encouragement.”

“Marco organized a nutrition night for the team where we all came together for a dinner and a licensed nutritionist, a team parent, talked to the girls about healthy eating habits, and the importance of rest and proper hydration the night before a game. In addition, Marco has groomed some of the girls on his intramural team, who show a strong work ethic and soccer talent, to join the travel team and a few girls have done so successfully.”

“He often starts practice asking how everybody’s week is going, and who has big exams in school. Marco knows that while we have some talented soccer players, they will all be ‘going pro in some other field.’ Some of our players have experienced family issues and severe health issues during their time on the team. When one player had to leave the team for a few months to deal with some health issues, when she was in a hospital in Philadelphia, Marco organized card writing among the players and the cards were all sent to our teammate at the hospital. On a positive note, we have celebrated together when a teammate recently won a sectional title in the pole vault and when another teammate participated in a big regional dance recital. The message is clear–– we are a team and you take care of your teammates in both good and challenging times.”

“Marco’s message is that whether you win or lose, you keep your emotions in check and celebrate appropriately and lose a tough game with grace and good sportsmanship. He has extensive friendships with other coaches, and even some parents, on the teams that we play. At the end of most games, no matter how contentious the game might have been, he always has a friendly chat with the other coaches and even the referees. This shows our players that you play hard, but once the game is over, that we are all part of the larger travel soccer community and you act accordingly.”

Glen Cove Vice President James Greenberg Honored as the Eastern New York Volunteer of the Year

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From left to right: ENYYSA President Richard Christiano, Volunteer of the Year James Greenberg,
Of the Year Awards Chairperson Randy Vogt

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

December 7, 2018-The Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) is happy to announce that Glen Cove Youth Soccer League Vice President James Greenberg has been honored as our Volunteer of the Year. The ceremony took place at the ENYYSA Holiday Party on Saturday, December 1 at Marina del Rey in the Bronx.

The Glen Cove resident has been a member of the Long Island Junior Soccer League (LIJSL) club for many years and joined the Glen Cove Board of Directors four years ago.

Glen Cove President Martin Shannon wrote in his nomination letter, “James immediately made an impression as a hard worker who follows through and he was nominated as Vice President. He volunteers hundreds of hours per year to our club and is responsible for our club’s most difficult task as he is in charge of our intramural program, which is a huge undertaking. In this role, he runs registration, solicits volunteers to coach, solicits sponsors, obtains field permits, builds teams, solicits and trains junior referees and performs many other important tasks required to run the program.”

Additionally, James coaches 1-2 intramural teams each season while being a father to his kids and running his own business. Congrats to James Greenberg, the ENYYSA Volunteer of the Year.

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.

New Hyde Park Firecats Come Back to Defeat the HBC Sudden Impact, 4-2, in Overtime to Win the Girls-Under-12 State Open Cup

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

June 8, 2013-The apply named HBC Sudden Impact from Huntington stormed to a 2-0 lead but the New Hyde Park Firecats scored four unanswered goals, two in regulation and two in overtime, to win the Girls-Under-12 State Open Cup championship. The Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) title game between two Long Island Junior Soccer League (LIJSL) teams was played on June 1 at Stringham Park in LaGrange.

New Hyde Park’s goals were scored by Caitlin Kennedy, Marina Pappas, Irene Tsahas and Logan Ward.

"We were down by two very early in the game but the players settled in and the match became even in terms of play," commented New Hyde Park coach Dawn Ward. "At halftime, we had our normal team talk, but this time it was the girls who really figured out the changes they needed to make. Shortly after the whistle to begin the second half, we scored and then the girls were off to the races. They had a lot of spirit and worked hard to keep the pressure on the opposing defense and the game ended in a 2-2 tie after regulation. All I can say is it was a total team effort and each girl rose to the occasion and I am very proud of each and every one of them!"

New Hyde Park will play at the Regionals from June 28 to July 2 at the University of Rhode Island. Eastern New York is donating $2,000 to the team and paying all expense fees for the Regionals.

HBC received the Howard Rubenstein Sportsmanship Award as selected by the match referees. Now retired, Mr. Rubenstein was seemingly involved in every facet of New York soccer for decades and is a member of the Halls of Fame of Eastern New York, the US Amateur Soccer Association and the Long Island Junior Soccer League.

"I would like to mention that HBC was very kind, caring and helpful when my daughter, who suffered the worst of the team injuries, needed help," added Coach Ward.

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