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Remembering Legendary Coach George Vizvary

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

June 13, 2023-The Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) is mourning the passing of longtime coach George Vizvary who died on June 10 at the age of 87.

“We at the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association are very sad to hear about the passing of George, who did so much for the game,” ENYYSA President Richard Christiano stated.

Nicknamed “the Maestro,” Vizvary is best known for his tenure as the head men’s soccer coach at Ulster County Community College from 1968 to 2010. During this time, he created and coached teams that were nationally-recognized as perennial powerhouses, winning two National Junior Collegiate Athletic Association (NJCAA) national championships and earning a place in 17 national tournaments. Vizvary’s record at SUNY Ulster was a remarkable 534-159-28, the most wins by a single coach in junior college history. The Highland resident also coached his Ulster teams to 24 Mid-Hudson Conference titles and 17 Region XV titles. In 2007, Vizvary was inducted into the NJCAA Soccer Coaches National Hall of Fame.

Vizvary stated that Ulster’s consecutive national championships in 1977 and ‘78 were his greatest moment ever on a soccer field.

52 of his players were named All-American by the NJCAA and the United Soccer Coaches, 45 went on to play in the professional ranks and four (Tom Mulroy, Njego Pesa, Niels Guldbjerg and Joe Ulrich) were selected as members of the NJCAA Millennial Team of the Century.

Vizvary also coached the University of Albany women’s soccer program (1996 to 99), was the men’s assistant coach of SUNY-New Paltz (2015) and the first head coach of the minor league Kingston Stockade FC (2016).

On the youth side, Vizvary served as Eastern New York Olympic Development Program (ODP) Director from 1983 to ‘89. He coached Eastern New York youth teams from Westchester to Albany, including Alleycats, FC Somers, New York Scorpions, Quickstrike, Soccer Plus Academy and Washingtonville.

At the 2015 United Soccer Coaches Convention in Philadelphia, he received the prestigious Walt Chyzowych Lifetime Achievement Award.

Vizvary emigrated from Hungary in 1956, leaving behind a promising soccer career as a player for Tatabanya FC and even the Hungarian National Team during the magical years when Hungary was a world power. They were so good that Vizvary could only earn one cap for Hungary, playing left defender in a 1955 game, one year after his native country played in the World Cup final. He completed his US Soccer coaching licenses in 1974 and was immediately named a member of the coaching staff of US Soccer coaching schools. While at Ulster, Vizvary was an engineering professor and department chair, having earned his engineering degree from the Technical Institute in Gyor, Hungary. He also served as interim coach of the 1973 Ulster CC baseball team.

“George Vizvary was a brilliant coach and teacher. He was rarely satisfied, believing a player or student always had more to offer and was never reluctant to call them out if he felt they were cheating their talent. He used sometimes scathing but always humorous metaphors as motivation and he reveled in the success of the players and coaches he mentored,” Eastern New York Hall of Famer Ken Gulmi stated. “I will always treasure his counsel and friendship during my 22 years as East Hudson Youth Soccer League President. Rest in peace, Maestro!”

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 onto http://www.enysoccer.com/

Manorville Soccer Club Honored as Club of the Month in Eastern New York

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

July 15, 2021-The Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) is very pleased to announce that the Manorville Soccer Club is being honored as our Club of the Month for July.

The Long Island Junior Soccer League (LIJSL) club in central Suffolk County has 639 registered players—362 boys and 277 girls, 346 of whom are travel team players and 293 intramural players. The club uses the Dayton Avenue and Eastport elementary schools as their fields.

When the LIJSL divided its Academy Program into East and West to help make it easier for players to train, it chose the Manorville Soccer Club to host Academy East.

“We are blessed to work with such an iconic soccer organization in the LIJSL,” stated Manorville Soccer Club President Christina Starr. "We have worked closely with the LIJSL Board of Directors both in person as well as over the phone to develop a program that truly enhances the East End’s growing population. We look forward to being on the forefront of this Academy Program for the East End soccer talent.”

All 23 Manorville travel teams are coached by volunteers but the intramural program is trained by Storm Soccer Trainers owned by David Price.

“We had a recent very large increase in our 3-year-old age groups. This age group is also professionally trained by Storm,” Christina added.

The oldest age group play intramurals on Saturdays with the other age groups on Sunday. The Saturday intramural teams play a round-robin schedule with its neighboring clubs: Moriches Youth Organization, Center Moriches and Mastic Sports Club.

Christina stated, “This format is a few years old and gives our intramural players a taste of travel without being overwhelming. We are a community-based organization and strive to promote togetherness and kindness.”

Additionally, Manorville provides two soccer scholarships for deserving high school seniors and has Halloween costume games with pizza and snacks.

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/

Staten Island’s Robert Libertelli Honored as Eastern New York Personality of the Month

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

November 9, 2018-The Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) is very pleased to announce that Staten Island Youth Soccer League (SIYSL) First Vice President Robert Libertelli is being honored as our Personality of the Month for November.

Robert became involved with soccer like many Americans when his kids started to play. Nearly a generation ago, his older daughter Victoria started school at the Academy of St. Dorothy, where he also went to school. Victoria signed up for soccer, there were not enough coaches so the nuns asked Rob to coach the team. Besides coaching, he has served on the Academy of St. Dorothy Sports Committee since 2002.

Rob then also coached his younger daughter, Katherine (Katie). The Rossville resident coached his daughters with Staten Island United, Victoria on the Fury and Katie on the Fusion. His girls have graduated from youth soccer but Rob is now coaching the Cedar Stars Reign of the Eastern Development Program (EDP). On the school side, he coached the Boys JV at St. Peter’s High School and now coaches the Girls Varsity at St Joseph Hill Academy High School.

Rob was the Director of the Our Lady Star of the Seas Soccer Program a decade ago and been a licensed referee for the past dozen years. He climbed the ladder at the SIYSL, serving on the Executive Board for the past decade, and is now First Vice President. He received the SIYSL President’s Award from SIYSL President Bill Smith last year.

”Rob has worked endless hours for the SIYSL. He has no kids playing in the league anymore but that doesn’t stop him as he is all about the children of the league,” commented President Smith. ”I personally count on Rob for many of the projects and events the league does and he always gets the job done. Pee wees and our high school league just to name a few.”

But arguably Rob’s greatest contribution to youth soccer is his perseverance in getting a soccer complex approved in the Hurricane Sandy-ravaged section of Oakwood Beach, where homes once stood. Four fields will be created on four acres and Rob hopes to hire an architect soon and put shovel to ground in 2019.

“We've been working on this with local politicians and former Family Court Judge Ralph Porzio for more than a year as well as the Governor's Office of Storm Recovery,” Rob explained. “The state wanted to give the land to the city, but someone told the state about the Staten Island Youth Soccer League and that we have no official home and when they found out we were a non-for-profit organization, they thought it would be a good idea to see if we can work something out.”

And also this soccer is in addition to his “real job” as Assistant Security Director of the Staten Island Mall after 23 years as a New York City Police Detective. Congratulations to Eastern New York's November Personality of the Month, Robert Libertelli!

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.

Readiness

Readiness

“The age at which players can realistically, due to physical and intellectual development, be expected, with sensible effort, to master certain techniques and tactics.”

Tim Bradbury, ENYYSA Director of Coaching Instruction

The readiness debate, due to the following characteristics of the game and how it is taught in America, is one which all professional soccer educators, club officials and soccer parents should be aware of. The following factors should all be considered in forming any training curriculum for youth players.

? Practice Time/Soccer Time

The majority of youth players between the ages of 5 and 10 practice a maximum of twice a week for approximately 60 to 90 minutes. Due to such time restrictions, as well as the sporadic nature of “soccer time” (the total amount of time that a player has spent with a ball in practice, recreation and games) prior to this age, most professional coaches could agree on a curriculum which examines moves, first-touch, passing and possession at the core of the curriculum. Conversely, if the practice schedule was four sessions per week and the “soccer time” prior to this age was high, perhaps instep striking, overhead kicks and zonal defense could be taught instead.

? Educational Theory

In devising a soccer curriculum for youth players, it is essential to consider their cognitive development. The theories of Piaget and the manner in which it is possible for a 7-year-old to see and understand the world, MUST affect how and what we teach. For example, it is simply counterproductive for a 6-year-old to focus on possession work when they cannot yet fully grasp the concept of space or sharing.

? Physical Development

In devising a soccer curriculum for youth players, it is essential to consider their physical development. Although the debates on levels of physical fitness and flexibility regimes seem to be cyclical in nature, certain truisms must be reflected in how and what we teach. For example, if it is probable that formally stretching 5- and 6-year-olds does more damage to their bodies than it does good, then formal stretching for players of this age should be removed form any suggested training programs.

? The Modern Game

Perhaps the easiest way to look at how the game has evolved is to look at the ball itself. Fifty years ago in England, the professional game was played with a leather ball which when wet became heavier than lead. At such a time, to swerve the ball with the outside of the foot was practically a physical impossibility. Now a team of “nuclear physicists” designs the World Cup ball over a period of four years using synthetic materials that NASA would be proud of. This expert knowledge and scientific advancements produce a modern day ball that is tolerant to any amount of rain, temperature and pressure swings, and can be swerved (by the likes of Beckham and Carlos) to degrees that leave goalies and spectators bewildered.

Changes in attitudes towards nutrition, and advancements in training methods for modern athletes have all helped produce quicker more athletic players at all ages. In the glory days of fifty years ago (with the lead ball), the idea of a player like Mia Hamm flicking-up the ball, skipping a tackle, taking off on a sprint and then toe-poking a precision pass to a teammate would have been ludicrous. After all, the ball was way too heavy to flick-up, so why teach them that? And of course, passing with the toe is a big no-no! If our forefathers only knew!

? Cultural Impact

Newspapers, magazines, television shows, and of course, teachers have all attempted to document what they consider to be radical changes in attitudes. Apparently, the days of being able to play in the street and leave the door open are now a fond memory. We now live in a time where locking our children up safely in the house with blinds closed is sadly the norm (thus, impacting the frequency of “soccer time.”)

One of the most current social attitudes of all is the desire for immediate rewards or winning at all costs. And it is perhaps this attitude that drives parent coaches to bring unrealistic objectives to practice as they strive for the next big win with their U-6 team.

If professional players run six miles before practice and work on free kicks for 2 hours each day, can we accelerate our 6-year-olds to this level by simply doubling the work? This perspective is sadly prevalent today and contradicts the fundamental premise that soccer learning should be an extended “journey” and not a quick trip.

Simply because you saw the New York Power play 3 V. 1 in their warm up, does not mean it is suitable for your 5-year-olds.

? Coaching Impact and Current Knowledge

There can be no debate that the game has indeed evolved significantly and continues to do so. Better athletes, better equipment, comprehensive video analysis of techniques, combined with a more acute understanding of educational theory are but a few of the factors that have led to new techniques being tried, learned and applied. No “good” coach can rest on his or her laurels and assume that the way they were taught and what they were taught MUST be the only way to learn and teach the game. The days of one ball at practice and long lines of players waiting in turn to have “their go” are gone forever.

? Family Matters

As previously stated, the amount of “soccer time” undoubtedly affects a player’s ability to master new techniques and concepts. Those youngsters lucky enough to have been socially immersed in the game from an early age, playing in the garden against an older brother or sister, ultimately have had a huge amount of “soccer time” compared to the first-born of a family with a mom and dad who have never kicked a ball.

Mixed-ability teams (which differ greatly in their levels of “soccer time”) should be approached with a customized teaching method and adaptable curriculum. Any experienced youth coach working with 5- or 6-year-olds will have designed practices and games that are easily adaptable to different levels. All players participating within a mixed-ability group should be ultimately challenged at their own individual level.

? Low Expectations

The majority of volunteer parents with little or no playing experience often have difficulties performing many of the basic techniques of the game. This lack of playing experience (and demonstration ability), frequently leads to low expectations being set for the players. Parent coaches who cannot demonstrate a drag back turn are reluctant to teach it and far too frequently jump to the belief that the suggested skill is far too difficult for the 5-year-old player.

Therefore, it is essential that any parent coach designing their own training programs refuse to be captured by the limits of their own playing and demonstration ability. Simply because you cannot juggle does not mean it is a skill that should not be introduced to even the youngest players.

? Why the Debate?

Any debate on “readiness” is good for the game, coaches and players. Informed discussion and passionate disagreement can only serve to ensure that we continue to provide contemporary ideas on appropriate training methods, techniques and tactics, and when and how they should be taught.

Staten Island Youth Soccer League Inducts Its Hall of Fame Class of 2014

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From left to right: John Cipoletti, Bill Smith, Ben Pistilli

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

January 24, 2014-The Staten Island Youth Soccer League (SIYSL), with 395 teams in New York City’s most southern borough, has much to celebrate in the past year as it actually had a season in 2013 after the widespread destruction of Hurricane Sandy in October 2012. At its Annual Awards Dinner on January 9 at Li Greci’s Staaten Restaurant, the league inducted three longtime volunteers into its Hall of Fame:

John Cipoletti started coaching his daughter Michelle’s soccer team at St. Patrick’s School in 1984 and co-founded the Richmondtown Soccer Club in 1989. Richmondtown was one of the first soccer clubs on Staten Island to exist without the support of a school or Catholic parish. He served as Director of Richmondtown until 1994 plus he served on SIYSL’s Executive Board for over two decades. John supervised games every weekend and he very much enjoyed watching all the children playing soccer. He served as a friend and mentor to a countless number of players, coaches and other volunteers. As John passed away a few years ago, his family accepted the award in his honor.

Bill Smith began his coaching career 21 years ago, serving as an assistant coach for the Girls-Under-6 Wildcats in the Richmondtown Soccer Club. In 1994, he began as head coach of the Girls-Under-6 Rockets and planned Richmondtown’s first annual picnic. In 1995, Bill was elected 4th Vice President of the SIYSL and one year later, he became Director of Richmondtown Soccer, growing the club to nearly 400 players in a very short time. Bill became SIYSL President in 2004, a role he continues to this day. As President, Bill has initiated a TOPSoccer Special Children’s Program, a Select Program, indoor recreation soccer tourneys and started a Senior Day to recognize the league’s graduating 8th graders. After Staten Island was devastated by Hurricane Sandy in 2012, the league ended its Fall Season early and organized a Season of Giving, making sure that affected players received holiday gifts of soccer and electronic equipment. He has been working countless hours getting the fields reopened for soccer games during the past 15 months. If all this volunteering was not enough, Bill has served as a Vice President for the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) for the past four years.

Ben Pistilli coached intramural, travel and Select teams from 1981 to 2005. His Girls-Under-14 Staten Island United Fever won Eastern New York’s Challenge Cup, now named the Arch Capital Group Cup, in 2001. Ben served as the Director of the Our Lady of the Sea Soccer Club from 1994 to 2001. During his tenure, the club became one of the largest on Staten Island, growing to 700 players. Ben also volunteered for the Staten Island United Soccer Club, served on the SIYSL Executive Board for six years and served as the league’s Registrar in addition to his other responsibilities of scheduling games and planning tournaments.

Congratulations to these three worthy inductees!

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.

Dix Hills Juventus Coach Rocco Avallone Honored as the Italian-American Man of the Year

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Rocco Avallone and his family

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

February 3, 2015-Congratulations to the 2015 Italian-American Man of the Year, Rocco Avallone, who started his coaching career at the age of 15. He was honored by the Italian-American Soccer League of New York (IASL) in a ceremony on January 25 at Russo’s on the Bay in Howard Beach.

Our honoree was born in Italy (Morra De Santis in the Province of Avellino) and emigrated at the age of three with his family to one of the most international towns in the world––Flushing, Queens––living there from 1966 to 1999. Rocco has lived in Dix Hills, Long Island since just before the turn of the millennium. He started playing for S.S. Cosma & Damiano in 1980, first as a defender and midfielder on the team which played in the IASL and now as a goalkeeper and forward on the squad playing in the Second Division of the Long Island Soccer Football League (LISFL). He’s toured his native country twice with S.S. Cosma & Damiano. Rocco also played as a defender for two years with the LISFL’s Dix Hills Apaches.

Rocco’s experience playing every position on the field comes in handy as a coach. As a teenager at the age of 15, he began coaching a Boys-Under-8 team for the Auburndale Soccer Club in 1979 and in 2002, he started coaching in the Dix Hills Soccer Club. Both Auburndale and Dix Hills play in the Long Island Junior Soccer League (LIJSL). He currently coaches Boys-Under-18 Dix Hills Juventus, which plays in the LIJSL’s First Division as well as the Eastern New York Premier League (ENYPL).

“The news of Rocco winning the award did not come as a surprise to us, having seen the amount of hard work he puts into everything he does,” commented Jo Ann Linden, whose son, Connor, played on Dix Hills Juventus and is now a freshman in college. “This award is recognition of his talents, dedication, sincerity, kindness and generosity. Since the very beginning of Dix Hills Juventus, we have all seen him try hard to achieve the best results for the team and for each and every one of our boys. He made a huge impact in Connor’s life and, I am certain, so many of the boys!”

Rocco volunteered as Executive Secretary for the IASL from 1997 to ‘99 and is in his third year as Trustee for the LISFL. Rocco also serves as the Vice President of the United Youth Soccer Stars of New York, a youth group affiliated with the IASL that sends some of the most talented Boys-Under-17 to Boys-Under-19 soccer players in the New York metro area to Viareggio, Italy every year to play in one of the most prestigious youth tournaments in the world. Additionally, he was the General Manager for the 2004 Viareggio All-Star Team that played in Italy.

His “real job” is practicing law in New York and Connecticut and is a partner with Avallone & Bellistri, LLP in New Hyde Park. He’s done numerous pro-bono projects for many local soccer leagues and teams.

Rocco’s son Matthew plays on Dix Hills Juventus as well as the LIJSL’s Player Development Program and Half Hollow Hills High School West varsity. Like father, like son as Matthew has also been a guest player for S.S. Cosma & Damiano and played in the LISFL summer league for Oceanside.

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.

Massapequa’s James Nealis Chosen By Eastern Conference Champ Houston Dynamo in MLS Draft

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

January 23, 2013-The Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) is very pleased that James Nealis from Massapequa Terminators United of the Long Island Junior Soccer League (LIJSL) has been chosen in the 2013 MLS Draft at the Indiana Convention Center. As the 37th overall selection, Jimmy became the newest member of the Eastern Conference champion Houston Dynamo. A 6-0, 162-lb. midfielder/defender, he grew up playing with the Massapequa Soccer Club and also starred at Massapequa High School before moving on to a successful career at Georgetown University.

Jimmy started 71 matches at Georgetown, including every game over his last three seasons after breaking in as a part-time starter his freshman year. Over his time with the Hoyas, he tallied two goals and 15 assists, earned All-Northeast honors twice from the NSCAA, was named to the All-Big East team as a junior, and helped key the team’s run to the NCAA final this past season.

On Long Island, he was a four-year starter at Massapequa High School, finishing with 33 goals and 34 assists for his career. A three-time All-Conference and two-time All-State honoree, he was named the New York State Player of the Year as a senior in 2008. He played his club soccer with the Massapequa Terminators United for eight years, captaining the squad every season and leading the team to the 2007 Northeast Regional Premier League (NERP) Championship. A LIJSL Scholarship helped fund his education at Georgetown. Jimmy also played for the Long Island Rough Riders during the 2011 Premier Development League season.

Next up for Jimmy is training camp, which begins this week.

"I am super excited and can’t wait to get to camp," he said. "The Dynamo have had a lot of recent success and I look forward to learning from Dominic Kinnear."

The 21-year-old showed off his skills to the 19 MLS teams at the league’s combine in Lauderhill, Florida this month and Dynamo coach Dominic Kinnear obviously liked what he had seen.

"Jimmy is a good player and he showed well at the combine," Coach Kinnear said. "He is a left back who likes to attack. And from what we know about him we like and hopefully we’ll see more over the next couple of weeks."

With 123,843 youth soccer players––68,587 boys and 55,256 girls––and more than 25,000 volunteers, the non-profit Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) stretches from Montauk Point, Long Island to the Canadian border. Members are affiliated with 12 leagues throughout the association, which covers the entire state of New York east of Route 81. ENYYSA exists to promote and enhance the game of soccer for children and teenagers between the ages of 5 and 19 years old, and to encourage the healthy development of youth players, coaches, referees and administrators. All levels of soccer are offered––from intramural, travel team and premier players as well as Special Children. No child who wants to play soccer is turned away. ENYYSA is a proud member of the United States Soccer Federation and United States Youth Soccer Association. For more information, please log on to http://www.enysoccer.com/, which receives nearly 300,000 hits annually from the growing soccer community.

Rosedale All-Stars Bring the Boys-Under-19 Eastern New York Premier League Title Home to Queens

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

June 29, 2016-It took overtime but the Rosedale All-Stars defeated Hicksville Elite, 4-2, to win the Boys-Under-19 Eastern New York Premier League (ENYPL) championship. This Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) title match-up between two Long Island Junior Soccer League (LIJSL) teams was played on Saturday, June 18 at the Peter Collins Soccer Park in Plainview.

Chris McLoughlin scored a hat trick for Rosedale while Kashane Ashmead added the other goal.

“We had many opportunities and finally put our chances away toward the end of regulation and in overtime,” stated Rosedale coach Patrick O’Connor. “The red card to their player at the end of the first half changed the game as we were having problems possessing the ball up to that point.”

The ENYPL, the Gateway to Regional Play, is the oldest continuous Premier League in the United States and is 16 years old in 2016.

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 teenagersbetween 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 turnedaway. 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.

Westchester Youth Soccer League Rejoins Eastern New York

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

July 18, 2022-The Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) is thrilled to announce that the Westchester Youth Soccer League (WYSL) is affiliated once again with Eastern New York. The WYSL was previously affiliated under the Eastern New York umbrella from the league's inception in the mid-1970’s until 2014.

“Eastern New York has a lot to offer, including the State Open Cup and the Challenge Cup, which are good fits for our players and teams, as well as more squads to play against,” explained WYSL President Samuel Arnoff. “Our league has many multi-sport athletes that do not just want to play soccer year-round and they play other sports or perhaps they also concentrate on playing a musical instrument too. We have been speaking to Eastern New York President Richard Christiano and US Youth Soccer President Skip Gilbert over the past couple of years about making the switch back to Eastern New York.”

The WYSL registers approximately 15,000 players under the age of 19 in 50 clubs, mainly in Westchester but also in New York City plus Putnam and Dutchess counties. These teams are registered in the WYSL and play in the Westchester Cup, Westchester Premier, Summer League and Camps.

“We are very excited to have the Westchester Youth Soccer League return to Eastern New York,” commented Eastern New York President Richard Christiano. “Centrally-located in Eastern New York, the WYSL programming is as diverse as the many players they serve.”

WYSL President Arnoff. concluded, “The right thing for the kids was to come back to Eastern New York. We’re excited to be back!”

Farmingdale Legacy Are the New Girls-Under-18 State Open Cup Champs

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

June 13, 2016-The Farmingdale Legacy left a legacy for themselves as they became the State champions in their last competitive local match before going to college.

In the Girls-Under-18 State Open Cup final between two Long Island Junior Soccer League (LIJSL) teams, Farmingdale outlasted the HBC Strikers, 3-1. Sam Francucci, Trista Seara and Jen Wallach scored Farmingdale’s goals on June 5 at Stringham Park in LaGrange.

“The girls really wanted to win the State championship in their last season before heading off to college,” explained Farmingdale coach Rafael Morais.

Farmingdale also received the Howard Rubenstein Sportsmanship Award as determined by the game officials. Now living in Kentucky, 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 NewYork, the US Amateur Soccer Association and the LIJSL.

Farmingdale will be representing the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) in the Regional championships 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 teenagersbetween the ages of 5 and 19 years old, and to encourage the healthy development of youth players, coaches, referees and administrators. All levels of soccer are offered––from intramural, travel team and premier players as well as Children With Special Needs. No child who wants to play soccer is turned away. ENYYSA is a proud member of the United States Soccer Federation and United States Youth Soccer Association. For more information, please log on to http://www.enysoccer.com/, which receives nearly 300,000 hits annually from the growing soccer community.

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