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Andrew So leading a team cheer

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

May 29, 2015-The slogan of UEFA Champions League finalist Barcelona FC is “Més que un club” or “More than a club.” South Bronx United uses the same ideal to improve the lives of its players and their families in the poorest Congressional district in the United States.

Andrew So founded the non-profit organization in 2009 along with his wife Stephanie to build leaders and scholars through soccer and now serves as its Executive Director.

“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.”  

The seven boys travel teams of South Bronx United play in the Cosmopolitan Junior Soccer League (CJSL) while the three girls travel teams look to join the CJSL if the league resurrects its girls program. Over 800 kids from the South Bronx are registered in the club and they play on Randalls Island plus at Macombs Dam Park (the former site of Yankee Stadium), Mott Haven High School and South Bronx High School.

Along with Downtown United, another CJSL club, South Bronx United co-hosts the City Showcase Tournament every spring on Randalls Island which features teams from throughout the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA).

“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 $80 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.” 

“Transportation is a big issue. If we cannot reach a game by public transportation, we rent vehicles to get there, which is costly, and requires a significant commitment of coaches, volunteers and staff. Parents either do not drive or are unable to be at games.”  

Andrew coached two teams, then cut it to one squad last year and is not coaching in 2015 to concentrate on fundraising. He also served as a CJSL Trustee but not this year, also due to time constraints.

South Bronx United programs include academic enrichment, college prep, tutoring, mentoring, leadership development, immigration legal services and other social services. Through the SBU Academy, the organization provides a pathway from middle school to high school to college for the kids of the South Bronx. It’s working as 98% of SBU Academy players since 2012 have graduated high school compared to 56% of public school students in the South Bronx. Additionally, 97% of SBU Academy players had attendance rates over 90% and all were promoted to the next grade.

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.

By Randy Vogt, Director of Public Relations, Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association
 
June 10, 2016-The Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) continues its unprecedented video series in educating Soccer Moms and Dads with an interview with Long Island Junior Soccer League (LIJSL) product Carlos Mendes, the captain of the New York Cosmos of the North American Soccer League (NASL). Carlos grew up playing with the LIJSL clubs in Albertson, New Hyde Park and Dix Hills as well as Eastern New York’s Olympic Development Program (ODP). At Wheatley High School, he was awarded the 1997 Jim Steen Award as Nassau County’s best player. He then went on to play for Old Dominion University. Carlos’ professional career started with the Long Island Rough Riders of the USL Pro Soccer League in 2002, then he moved up a division to play for the Rochester Rhinos. The Mineola resident played eight seasons in Major League Soccer (MLS) with the New York Red Bulls and Columbus Crew, then became the first player to sign with the rebooted Cosmos in 2012.

The video is linked here:

https://youtu.be/7U_YXwBJcmU

“The key is having a good support system. My parents always supported me and obviously it’s a big commitment,“ Carlos explained. “ODP at that time was so important to me, playing with the best players in the area and trying out for the National Team. That’s a big part of it, having the right people around you, the right coaches and the right support system.“

Advice from the Cosmos captain on how to advance as a player include “if you don’t love the game, it’s very hard to get to the next level,“ “stay humble and not be arrogant,“ plus “enjoy the game, work hard and have fun.“

Eastern New York is providing this video series, as a service to its 11 member leagues throughout New York State and its over 100,000 players, in response to the increased pressure on parents and players regarding college scholarships.

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.

Bill Peet with his grandchildren

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

August 6, 2015-The Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) salutes Bill Peet as he winds down his four decades of volunteering with the Long Island Junior Soccer League (LIJSL).

“Bill Peet has established an amazing legacy of volunteering with the LIJSL,” commented Eastern New York President Richard Christiano. “From the days of the LIJSL office in Hicksville, then Plainview and now the office in Ronkonkoma today, Bill would spend many nights there volunteering so that the league could continue to provide a top soccer program for all its players.”
 
Bill became involved with the sport just after the start of the youth soccer boom in the mid-1970s when he registered his twin sons, Billy and Mike, in the Brentwood Soccer Club. He would eventually become their coach with the Brentwood Jets and the travel team played in the LIJSL. Bill went on to coach numerous Brentwood teams, both boys and girls, as well as the LIJSL Select Program. He also received the National “C” Coaching License.

Bill volunteered on the LIJSL Board of Directors for 30 years including a quarter-century as Treasurer. The Brentwood resident also volunteered as LIJSL Registrar and still serves on the Appeals Committee and the Rules Committee today. He was inducted into the LIJSL Hall of Fame in 1999.

This is in addition to his “real job” owning Lundgren & Mause, a Property and Casualty Insurance Agency in Jericho.

“I met a lot of wonderful people who helped me as Treasurer,” Bill stated. “And I loved to watch the kids play.”

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.

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

July 1, 2017-“United we stand, divided we fall” could have been the theme of the Eastern New York Premier League (ENYPL) this spring as Boys-Under-14 Patchogue/Medford United, Girls-Under-14 Rotterdam United and Girls-Under-17 Saratoga/Wilton United all won division titles. The boys from Patchogue and Medford, who play in the Long Island Junior Soccer League (LIJSL), had a 5-2-0 record, scoring 21 goals and giving up only 5 in ENYPL play.

“It was our hard work, dedication to training and collective sacrifice toward achieving team goals that led us to a successful season,” explained Patchogue/Medford United coach James Bentley.    

The ENYPL, organized by the non-profit Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA), is America’s oldest continuous Premier League, having originally kicked off play in 2001. 

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.

Researchers at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and the University of Pittsburgh have developed a simple new test that can detect symptoms of a concussion current tests often miss.  Read More.  For more information on concusssion awareness including fact sheets –  click here.

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

January 12, 2023-As a seventh grader after being moved up to varsity soccer, Payton Galuski hoped to avoid sitting on the bench. It soon became clear that Payton’s place was on the field and she helped lead Waterford-Halfmoon High School to the Class C state championship and was named Athlete of the Year for Girls Soccer Small Schools by the Albany Times-Union. The midfielder also was named Section II and Class C State Player of the Year.

12-year-old Payton ended up producing 39 goals and 21 assists for the Fordians against much older opponents but she was topped by older sister Addyson, a junior forward at 16 years old, who had 46 goals and 17 assists. Payton scored the first three goals, then Addyson had a hat trick too in the 6-3 state championship game win over Sauquoit Valley in November. 

Photo of Addyson (left) and Payton Galuski after winning the state championship

Their father, Kory Galuski, explained, “Payton has Addyson to chase, which only helps her because her older sister is a very good soccer player as well and just set the all-time school scoring record this year for both boys and girls. We have much to celebrate with the year they had and look forward to getting back to the training pitch with them for continued development and maybe a repeat this year.” 

Both sisters are excelling in the classroom as well.

In the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA), Payton plays for our Olympic Development Program (ODP) and was recently selected for the National ODP Team while Addyson previously played ODP.  

Both photos courtesy of the Galuski family

Both siblings play for the Alleycats Soccer Club in the Capital District Youth Soccer League (CDYSL), competing in the US Youth Soccer National League. Payton with Alleycats 2009G and Addyson with Alleycats 2006G.

“I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know Addyson, Payton, and the Galuski family–youngest sister Alexis, dad Kory and mom Stephanie–for several years since they came to the Alleycats in the 2018-19 season,” Alleycats Director of Coaching Chris Le, an ENYYSA Trustee, stated, “To say that the girls and their family are soccer junkies is an understatement; they live and breathe the game and it is no surprise the success that Addyson and Payton have had given the time and passion they put into what they do. Both girls are crafty, technical and savvy players, but most importantly, they are very humble, thoughtful and kind young ladies. Truly a pleasure to be around them all and to be a small part of supporting their growth and development."

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/

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

October 3, 2018-In order to say “soccer,” you have to start with “sock,” so it makes perfect sense that a young man playing in the Long Island Junior Soccer League (LIJSL) is known for his crazy theme socks.

Huntington resident John Cronin started playing for the Huntington Boys Club TOPSoccer Program when he was five years old and it was the first organized sport he played. He is now 22 years old.

John Cronin receiving a trophy for HBC as a kid. Photo courtesy of the Cronin family.

John has Down Syndrome but that did not stop him from graduating from Huntington High School when he was 21 years old last year. He had the entrepreneurial spirit and wanted to go into business with his father Mark and they decided on theme socks, which John has worn his entire life. John’s Crazy Socks opened for business in Huntington in December 2016. After videos of John went viral, the orders started pouring in, selling more than 40,000 pairs of socks and raking in more than $2 million in their first year of operation.      

As Chief Happiness Officer, John sends a thank-you note and candy with every order as part of their goal of “Spreading Happiness.” 5% of their profits go to the Special Olympics and other charities plus 18 of the 35 employees have differing abilities just like John. 

John and his father spoke in a Senate hearing room on Capitol Hill last Monday about “A Truly Inclusive Society: Encouraging the Ability in Disability.”

It’s been a very busy past 10 days for John because at Cantiague Park in Hicksville on Saturday, September 22, he helped lead HBC TOPSoccer to the silver medal at the Special Olympics. Since opponents Sachem were wearing unforgettable black socks with large yellow polka dots, John was asked what he thought of Sachem’s socks and he said, “I like them!”

HBC TOPSoccer during the Special Olympics. John Cronin is directly behind his coach.

He also currently plays basketball, snowshoe plus track and field and previously competed in floor hockey and bowling. John does a Special Olympics Plunge every year.

His father Mark explained, “John has learned many of the same lessons that his two brothers and others have learned through sports. When John started playing soccer, he could barely kick the ball. Over the years, he has improved as an athlete and as a soccer player, developing skills and understanding the game. He has learned teamwork, discipline, sportsmanship, competition and the value of having long-term goals. He would not have the confidence to start his own business or make the appearances that he does without this experience.“       

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.

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

October 29, 2020-The Olympic Development Program (ODP) has a long history and it's the highest level of play in each state association. The geographic area of the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) is so large that ODP is divided into North and South teams.

25 years ago in July 1995, a Boys-Under-12 ODP North team made up of players who live north of New York City travelled to Scotland to play in the Aberdeen Football Festival, an experimental 7v7 tournament. THE YANKS ARE COMING read a headline in an Aberdeen newspaper and the team became a toast of the town, touring castles, going through a maze, meeting the Lord Provost plus professional players and even visiting a local jail. The team was led by head coach Cesare Maniccia and assistant Dave Bundy. 

“The Scots did not expect us to be that good. Three of our players were scouted by three professional teams and, I believe, they talked to their parents in trying to convince them about enlisting in their youth academies,” Coach Maniccia recalled. “At the award ceremony on July 22 hosted by the City of Aberdeen, the Master of Ceremonies remarked, ‘I did not think that the Yanks could play football.’ “

Upon arrival, Eastern New York ODP arranged a friendly with a local team that placed second in the region. Although Eastern New York lost, they learned a good deal.

“Our first problem was the goalkeeper position. None of the keepers on our team could make the trip and so we picked one of the field players, Neal Keating, who performed superbly in goal,” Maniccia stated.

In a period of five days, Eastern New York ODP played a total of five games. The boys were behind at halftime in every game, the coaches made halftime adjustments and they wound up coming back in all five matches to be undefeated and become Aberdeen Football Festival champions.

“Dave and I were very impressed with the high level of community involvement. Our games were very little attended at the beginning, but the presence of spectators kept increasing with each game,” Maniccia concluded. “The Festival community was hugely impressed with the high level of our games and we received many compliments.” 

The City of Aberdeen went out of their way to make it a memorable experience. The climax of the week was the Award Banquet which included a sit-down, four-course meal followed by a Festival video that included highlights from each of the 24 older teams plus the Eastern New York ODP squad.