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The Cosmopolitan Junior Soccer League Celebrates Its 90th Anniversary

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

October 24, 2023-The Cosmopolitan Junior Soccer League (CJSL) started a movement in 1933 as the first youth soccer league in the USA. Originally known as the German-American Junior Soccer League, the name was changed four decades later to reflect changing immigration patterns. As its Cosmopolitan name implies, the CJSL is one of the most diverse soccer leagues in the world with dozens of languages spoken on CJSL fields every weekend. The league is made up of 25,000 players today. CJSL alumni have used their soccer ability to gain scholarship and entry to the college of their choice throughout the league’s rich 90-year history.

The CJSL is excited to celebrate its 90th anniversary with a grand Dinner Dance on Friday night, November 17, 2023 at Terrace on the Park in Queens. The CJSL will induct the following soccer lifers into the CJSL Hall of Fame:

Paul Gardner: A nationally-renowned soccer journalist, Paul's contributions to soccer journalism have been invaluable, enlightening and inspiring for countless fans and enthusiasts

George Gjokaj: As the Head Coach at SUNY Purchase College, George has played a pivotal role in shaping the future of soccer by mentoring and coaching aspiring players

Dusanka Marusic: A significant figure with New York Croatia, Dusanka has made enduring contributions to the world of soccer, inspiring and guiding countless players.

Frank McCarthy: With a history that includes SC Gjoa, BW Gottschee and the CJSL, Frank's dedication to soccer has been unwavering and praiseworthy.

Ivo Mohorovic: A respected name within Istria SC and Metropolitan Oval, Ivo's impact on soccer has been enduring and instrumental.

Sig Samuelsen: A renowned figure at SC Gjoa, Sig's involvement in soccer has been marked by leadership and excellence.

“These distinguished individuals have not only left an indelible mark on the CJSL but have also significantly contributed to the soccer community as a whole,” said Paul Kontonis, First Vice President of the CJSL. “As we celebrate our 90th anniversary, we are honored to welcome these outstanding inductees into the CJSL Hall of Fame, where they rightfully take their place among the soccer legends who have made a lasting impact on the sport.”

Let's all come together to celebrate nine decades of soccer excellence in New York City.

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/

Congrats to the Teams Who Have Made it to the State Cup Finals

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

June 3, 2021-The Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) has been waiting two years to play the State Cup finals as what is normally an annual event was not played last spring because of Covid.

19 games will be played during the weekend––10 on Saturday, June 5 and 9 on Sunday, June 6––to determine the champion teams in Eastern New York. All 19 games will be played at a neutral venue, Stringham Park in LaGrange. The teams who have reached the finals come from all over, from Long Island, New York City, Westchester and Hudson Valley up to Albany and Utica.

The crowned State Open Cup champions qualify for the East Regionals from June 25 to July 1 at Hammonton, New Jersey as part of the National Championship Series.

For more information about the State Cup, please contact the Eastern New York office at 516-766-0849.

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/

Eastern New York Honors South Bronx United as Our February Club of the Month

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

February 4, 2021-Another February and another award for South Bronx United!

On February 17, 2020, the Cosmopolitan Junior Soccer League (CJSL) club received the prestigious Laureus Sport for Good Award in Berlin. South Bronx United was recognized by the Laureus World Sports Academy for their transformational work in supporting young people, and particularly immigrant and first-generation youth, living in the United States’ poorest Congressional District.

In Berlin to accept the award from actor Hugh Grant and Laureus Academy Chairman Sean Fitzpatrick were South Bronx United Executive Director Andrew So, and two inspirational participants who have benefited from the transformational work of the program. Mohamed Konate was born in the Ivory Coast to parents who had fled Guinea, and Maria Martinez, who emigrated from Mexico to the United States with her mother in search of a better life and better opportunities.

From left to right in photo: Hugh Grant, Andrew So, Maria Martinez, Mohamed Konate and Sean Fitzpatrick

In February 2021, the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) is honoring South Bronx United as our Club of the Month. No big acceptance speeches needed this time partly because we are not allowed to have large gatherings yet.

“Amazing job by Andrew So who not only develops soccer players but also young men and women who graduate club ball and move on to college with athletic and academic honors,” commented CJSL Director Dimitrie Draguca. "This is a testament to the hard work and dedication of Andrew and his staff.”

Andrew was recently honored by US Youth Soccer’s East Region as the Administrator of the Year. He founded the non-profit South Bronx United in 2009, along with his wife Stephanie, to build leaders and scholars through soccer.

“I started an afterschool soccer group at the school in the South Bronx where I taught. Through this experience, I realized two things,” Andrew explained. “One was students, many of whom had no prior interest in soccer, needed and longed for an out-of-school program where they could get off the streets, be with their peers and be supported in a safe environment. The second item was youth, primarily from immigrant families who grow up within a soccer culture, could greatly benefit from the chance to compete. Those skills and passion for soccer could provide opportunities in school, college and careers while also developing character and leadership.”

South Bronx United organizes community programs at Macombs Dam Park, Mullaly Park and Patterson Park in the South Bronx in addition to several elementary schools. Their travel teams play most of their home games on Randalls Island or the Mott Haven Educational Campus. 1,300 players are registered with South Bronx United, making it the CJSL’s largest club.

A South Bronx United training session on Randalls Island

“The youth soccer club is one component of our programs and defines our organization as the primary way we reach and stay connected to youth who are otherwise underserved and often would not connect with other community-based youth organizations and youth service agencies,” Andrew stated. ”We are a youth development organization that merges the passion that South Bronx and immigrant youth have for soccer with off-the-field programs and services to better our community.”

Fields and funding are particular challenges and South Bronx United must raise over 95% of its budget to offer programs. The cost to families to participate is no more than $100 per child annually and it’s waived for many families who face immense financial hardship.

“Working with South Bronx and immigrant families is amazing because of all the unique characteristics, backgrounds and cultures everyone brings,” Andrew said. ”It is very challenging too. Parental involvement is low, because parents are very stretched by work and children and, for many, just making sure they can provide a roof and food. Some youth we work with do not even have any parents here to support them.”

South Bronx United programs include academic enrichment and tutoring, mentoring, leadership development, immigration legal services plus other individual and family services. Through the SBU Academy, the organization provides a pathway from middle school to high school to college to careers. It’s working as 100% of SBU Academy players since 2012 have graduated high school, compared to 56% of public school students in the South Bronx. 94% of program graduates have gone on to college. Graduates of the SBU Academy Class of 2020 are attending colleges such as Binghamton University, Connecticut College, Kenyon College, Fordham University, Skidmore College and Stony Brook University.

SBU Academy students

During the pandemic, as the South Bronx emerged early on as one of the hardest hit communities, the club undertook a number of initiatives to support its families while adjusting programming to provide remote academic support and soccer sessions and eventually return in September with a hybrid of remote and in-person academic and college prep programs. Initiatives included distributing more than 30 laptops to middle school, high school and college-enrolled alumni who needed them; live-streaming several sets of online workshops, in Spanish and English, to provide information on government benefits, food assistance and community resources; providing students daily with free take home meals; and dispersing $50,000 in debit cards through the New York Community Trust’s Emergency Cash Assistance Program (ECAP) to families in desperate need but otherwise ineligible for government assistance.

Mackenzie Mitchell of Rock Hill is Awarded Eastern New York’s Jack Bauman Scholarship

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

July 29, 2016-The Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) is very pleased to announce that Mackenzie Mitchell is receiving a Jack Bauman Scholarship, which is based on academic and athletic success as well as community service. The scholarship’s namesake, Jack Bauman, is considered the father of women’s soccer on Long Island. He was devoted to the Massapequa Soccer Club, Eastern New York and making sure that girls had as many opportunities to play soccer as boys did in an era when girls playing sports was not as accepted as it is today.

In the East Hudson Youth Soccer League (CDYSL), Mackenzie started playing for her hometown club, Liberty United, and started traveling more to play as her skills improved, competing with the Minisink Youth Soccer Club, Monroe-Woodbury Soccer Club and then Nirvana.

The Rock Hill resident carried a 92% average at Monticello High School. She volunteered with the Allison Whitney 5K Cancer Walk, Camp Panther, a Hurricane Sandy Collection, Monticello Fire Department, Special Olympics and the Sullivan County Residence.

Mackenzie will be studying and playing midfield at Alfred University this fall as well as racing on their Alpine ski team.

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.

Shrub Oak Athletic Club Volunteer Frank Scalzo Selected as the Eastern New York Personality of the Month

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From left to right, Katie, Brianna and Frank Scalzo

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

August 15, 2017-The Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) is very pleased to announce that soccer volunteer Frank Scalzo is being honored as our Personality of the Month for August.

The Mohegan Lake resident grew up in the Bronx in the 1970’s, playing Little League Baseball, basketball and roller hockey. There were not any youth soccer teams for him to play on when he was younger.

He first became involved in soccer in 2010 when his older daughter, Brianna, started playing for the Shrub Oak Athletic Club.

“She wanted me to coach, even though I didn't know all that much about soccer at the time,” Frank recalled. “I was lucky enough to be an assistant coach to some great coaches, from whom I've learned a great deal about the beautiful game. The thing I was able to add as an assistant coach of 6-year-old girls right away was I knew if I didn't understand what the coach was talking about, they didn't either. I was always quick to call out where I thought a drill was confusing, and try to make things the game easier for our players. I'm very proud that most of the players from the Under-6 team I coached in my first year are still playing soccer seven years later.”

So Frank coached both Brianna (now 13 years old) and his younger daughter, Katie (now 9), in Recreational Soccer for Shrub Oak. Along the way, he became In-House Director for Shrub Oak soccer. Frank has overseen an additional 20% growth in Shrub Oak’s recreation program to now over 650 kids. Additionally, he is finding fields, re-organizing the age group timing, and is now in the process of helping implement a re-organization of the Shrub Oak Athletic Club from a small-club to one of size, 20 travel teams as well as over 650 players in recreation, to include directors of coaching and a professional training staff for both recreation and travel.

“From the time Frank stepped on the field at Shrub Oak, we knew he would be excellent in a leadership role. He has a strong family-oriented personality, and asked all the right questions to let us know that he understands our philosophy that recreation soccer is for every child to leave with a smile on his or her face and learn a little about soccer every week,” commented EHYSL Age Group Coordinator Dan Kelly. “He had to take over an organization that had outgrew its home, and keep it strong and stable. He has done that well, and kept our family-friendly focus. I don’t know where we would be right now if he didn’t step in to help.”

Frank has served as an assistant coach for Brianna’s Shrub Oak Xtreme and Sparta Shrub Oak teams that play in the East Hudson Youth Soccer League (EHYSL). Plus he has coached recreational teams, including those going by such memorable names as Bumblebees, the Wild Blueberry Bears, and Play Like That! Frank will be making his debut as a travel team head coach this fall when he coaches Katie’s Shrub Oak Storm FC Girls-Under-10 team.

And leading teams does not end with soccer because Frank leads teams that manage financial systems in his “real job” as a Director of Finance for Thomson Reuters. He has worked there for the past 19 years.

Congratulations to Mr. August, Frank Scalzo!

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.

Eastern New York is Celebrating Youth Soccer Month

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

September 4, 2018-The Fall Season kicks off this weekend in many of our youth leagues and the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) will hold a giveaway which goes to the end of the month in celebrating September as Youth Soccer Month. All you need to do to win is show us how you celebrate Youth Soccer Month! Open to ENYYSA members only.

Here are a few ideas of how you can celebrate Youth Soccer Month:

Make your own soccer ball on Make Your Own Ball Day (September 21, 2018)

Make a soccer ball with whatever materials you can find at home
Share a picture or video of the ball you made
Be sure to tag @MakeYourOwnBall in your post using #ENYCelebratesYSM

Make it a team effort

Share video/photos from your team practices.

Show off your skills

Try the #HeaderBinChallenge
Practice your dribbling
Show off something you like to do before playing a game.

September Birthday?

Throw a soccer-themed party

Share your photos and/or videos showing us how you celebrate Youth Soccer Month using #ENYCelebratesYSM to enter*!

Be sure to tag @enysoccer on Instagram or Twitter using #ENYCelebratesYSM to enter your photos/videos! Look out for special posts on Eastern New York's Facebook page to enter on Facebook.

1 post = 1 entry with UNLIMITED ENTRIES!

Prizes:

• Eastern New York gear
• New York Red Bulls tickets
• Capelli pop up goals
• Capelli soccer balls
• SportPins crystal soccer ball
• Bownet 3×5 goal

Winners will be announced via social media.

Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to win!

Final Day to enter is September 30.

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

Eastern New York ODP Graduate Shannon Horgan Named to the Under-20 US Women’s National Team For World Cup Qualifying

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Photo courtesy of Clemson University

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

December 1, 2015-Shannon Horgan, who played three years in the Olympic Development Program (ODP) of the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA), has been named to the US Women’s Under-20 National Team by coach Michelle French for World Cup qualifying.

The qualifying rounds will be played from December 3 to 13 in San Pedro Sula, Honduras. The 2015 CONCACAF Women’s Under-20 Championship features eight nations divided into two groups of four teams. The top two finishers in each group will qualify for the tournament semifinals, with the winners of those games along with the winner of the third-place match earning berths to the 2016 Under-20 Women’s World Cup in Papua New Guinea.

Shannon, a 19-year-old resident of Long Beach, grew up playing for the Albertson Soccer Club in the Long Island Junior Soccer League (LIJSL). She was named to the 2013 Newsday All-Long Island Team and honored as the 2013 Albertson Player of the Year, the same year that Shannon helped lead the Albertson Silver Fury ‘94 to the State Open Cup title and Region 1 league final.

“Shannon is a dynamic, quick skillful player with the ability to change a game at any time. She has a field personality and a swashbuckling approach that makes her really fun to watch. She has all the ingredients needed to be a future US Women’s National Team player,” commented Paul Riley, Director of Coaching for the Albertson Soccer Club. “Her tactical and technical development has been staggering over the last couple of years and her cultured left foot makes her an exceptional footballer. Her commitment to the game as a youngster is paying off and we are tremendously proud of her at the Albertson Fury.”

After youth soccer, it was on to Clemson University, where Shannon was named to the 2014 Atlantic Coast Conference All-Freshman Team and honored by Clemson as the Newcomer of the Year. Although she plays in the midfield and at forward for the Tigers, Shannon plays defender for 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 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.

Alleycats Academy Red Are State Cup Champs for the Second Consecutive Year

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

June 6, 2019-Yogi Berra would know what to say as the Girls-Under-13 State Open Cup on June 1 at Stringham Park in LaGrange was “deja vu all over again.”

Last year, Alleycats Academy Red defeated SDA East Kicks, 4-2, and the Albany-based team won again this year, shutting out SDA East, 3-0.

Casey Holstein scored two goals, Ani Safaryan added another and keeper Hailey Blake had the shutout in goal. Holstein also scored in last year’s final.

Alleycats coach Chris Le explained, “We were able to control the pace of the game. SDA East pushed us hard in the second half but we were able to push right back.”

Alleycats will represent the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) at the Regionals from June 28 to July 4 in Charleston, West Virginia as part of the National Championship Series.

SDA East 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 Long Island Junior Soccer League (LIJSL) and Eastern New York plus was honored as a Life Member by U.S. Soccer. Amoroso started the LIJSL Sportsmanship Program in 1980, it has since been copied around the world and he spoke about the benefits of Fair Play across the United States.

USA teammates Crystal Dunn and Allie Long plus Jamaica goalkeeper Nicole McClure, training for the Women's World Cup in France, all played on youth teams that won Eastern New York’s State Open Cup when they were kids.

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.

It Was in the Cards as the Massapequa Aces Win Their Second Consecutive State Championship

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

June 13, 2016-The Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) Boys-Under-17 final game on June 5 at Stringham Park in LaGrange featured two Long Island Junior Soccer League (LIJSL) teams who know one another well. This game was also a rematch of last year’s final that the Massapequa Aces won, 4-0, over the Smithtown Galaxy.

The rematch was much closer with Massapequa becoming State champs for the second consecutive year with a 2-1 victory.

“We won the midfield battle as the guys in midfield were outstanding,” commented Massapequa coach Shaun Foster. “But we did not close out the game and gave them life.”

Matt Sloan and Nial Coffey scored for Massapequa while Jared Percoco replied for Smithtown.

Massapequa brought the Boys-Under-17 Jose Vargas Cup back to Long Island. Vargas was an enthusiastic ref who served as State Referee Administrator, State Youth Referee Administrator and State Director of Assessment as well as President of the East Hudson Youth Soccer League and East Fishkill Soccer Club.

Massapequa also added the Howard Rubenstein Sportsmanship Award, as determined by the game officials, to their growing trophy case.

Massapequa will be representing Eastern New York in the Regional championship from June 30 to July 5 in Barboursville, West Virginia and Eastern New York will help pay for their costs.

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.

Bill Smith Honored By Staten Island Youth Soccer League Before He Passes the Torch

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Bill Smith on right with SIYSL Third Vice President Rich Nellis on left and Michael Ollis Scholarship Award recipient Michael James Russo in center

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

June 2, 2021-The Staten Island Youth Soccer League (SIYSL) was set to honor President Bill Smith at the Staff Sgt. Michael Ollis Senior Night on May 26 at the Owl Hollow Soccer Complex but it was rained out just as the ceremony started. Instead, Smith was honored at a dinner that night at Millie’s of Staten Island.

Smith is retiring as SIYSL President at the end of June and he will be replaced by First Vice President Rob Libertelli on July 1. Libertelli has some big shoes to fill as the following highlights occurred during Smith’s 16 years as SIYSL President:

• A high enrollment of 6,000 players registered across the borough.

• Creation of the SIYSL Hall of Fame and Awards Dinner in 2007.

• Creation of the SIYSL’s Staten Island Soccer Club, the loop’s travel organization.

• Creation of a recreational summer league for high school players, which usually has an enrollment of 300 kids.

• Creation of the Beach Soccer Tournament.

• Creation of the Owl Hollow Soccer Complex, built in conjunction with NYC Parks thanks in part to a $450,000 grant by former Congressman Vito Fossella

• Creation of a permanent SIYSL office, located across the street from Miller Field at 704 New Dorp Lane.

• Incorporating independent soccer clubs into the league, including New World Prep, Markham Intermediate School and the Islamic Cultural Center.

“Obviously, Bill put in a tremendous amount of volunteer time to create and execute all of these things for the league,’’ SIYSL Third Vice President Rich Nellis told the Staten Island Advance. “He spent a lot of hours to make sure things came to fruition for the kids and I think it really says something that he’s had a tenure as long as he has and he was able to make so many things happen.’'

Smith, inducted into both the SIYSL Hall of Fame and Eastern New York Hall of Fame in 2014, will continue as First Vice President of the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA). He will also remain active with the Richmondtown Soccer Club that his children used to play for and now it’s where his grandchildren play.

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