Affiliate Leagues

The Exceptional Senior Games Are a Veterans Day Tradition in Guilderland

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

November 5, 2025-The Long Island Junior Soccer League (LIJSL) started the Exceptional Senior Games in 1981 so that top high school senior soccer players could be scouted by college coaches all in one venue. This all-star competition spread throughout the United States and continues on Long Island 44 years later, although it’s now organized exclusively by Nassau County Boys Soccer and the Suffolk County Boys Soccer Coaches Association.

One of the most successful Exceptional Senior Games takes place a long corner kick from the state capital in Albany every year. The Capital District Youth Soccer League (CDYSL) will be organizing its Exceptional Senior Games on Tuesday, November 11, continuing its tradition of playing these games on Veterans Day at DiCaprio Park in Guilderland. CDYSL volunteers have been partnering with NYSPHSAA Section 2 coaches in organizing this competition of both public and private schools annually during its three decades of existence with the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) providing financial support.

High school senior student/athletes are selected by their leagues/coaches to represent their individual conferences and showcase their talent by competing against other Section 2 players. Coaches from colleges and junior colleges from all over the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions have been invited to attend the games and evaluate local players who hope to continue their soccer careers next year.

Team photos from previous versions of the Exceptional Senior Games

The schedule:

Boys Games
10:00 am, Field 1, Western Athletic Conference (WAC) vs. Adirondack
11:30 am, Field 3, Wasaren League vs. Patroon Conference
1:00 pm, Field 2, Foothills vs. Colonial Council
2:30 pm, Field 1, Suburban Council White vs. Suburban Council Red

Girls Games
10:15 am, Field 2, Colonial Council vs. Foothills
11:45 am, Field 1, Wasaren League vs. Patroon Conference
1:15 pm, Field 3, Adirondack vs. Western Athletic Conference (WAC)

Please join us for an exceptional day of high school soccer!

For more info, please contact the CDYSL at 518-435-2325.

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 US Youth Soccer. For more information, please log on to http://www.enysoccer.com/

The Long Island Junior Soccer League Helps Launch the Young Coaches Alliance

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

October 29, 2025-The Long Island Junior Soccer League (LIJSL), the largest league in the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA), has announced a new coaching initiative. Named the Young Coaches Alliance, the LIJSL is partnering with the American Soccer Club NY (ASCNY) and The Coaching Manual in serving coaches ages 18-30 who want to begin or further their development in coaching.

“I’m excited and proud to roll out this coach-centric program for young coaches in our area,” said John Fitzgerald, LIJSL Sporting Director and ASCNY Head Coach. “The collaborative commitment from the three organizations behind this project forms a solid foundation for the Young Coaches Alliance to be successful. We’ve been able to join coaching education, professional experiences, and coaching support, so that up-and-coming young coaches can have a positive and supportive start to their coaching journeys. This is a worthwhile venture that will solidly benefit the game.”

The goal is to provide a positive start for young coaching careers. The program offers several benefits including coaching education, experiential learning, access to a coaching app with training sessions and season plans plus mentoring. Some of the benefits are listed below:

• One tuition-free grassroots coaching education course

• Hands-on experiential learning with professional team

• Attend ASCNY training sessions

• Invitation to one free ASCNY home match, with total access

• Observe college training sessions

• Lessons on creating/structuring/preparing training sessions

• Three months free subscription to The Coaching Manual

• Mentorship

“American Soccer Club NY – ‘Fighting Tomcats,’ are proud to stand alongside the LIJSL and The Coaching Manual in shaping the next generation of coaches,” ASCNY General Manager Jim Kilmeade explained. “Through our soon-to-be-launched Sideline Club, we’re committed to creating pathways that not only elevate the game but also empower young leaders on Long Island who will carry the spirit of the sport forward. This initiative reflects our belief that investing in coaches is investing in the future of our players, our clubs, and our communities.”

“We’re proud to support this program,” said Terry Barton, CEO of The Coaching Manual. “At our core, we’ve always believed in the incredible coaching talent across the USA, and we’ve spent years helping it thrive. This initiative perfectly blends local delivery with a global mindset, giving young coaches the tools and knowledge to elevate the game and inspire the next generation of soccer talent.”

Application deadline: January 15, 2026 (candidates must be 18 years or older as of March 1, 2026)

The selection committee will pick 10 candidates for the program and you can apply here.

John Fitzgerald to Receive the Mike Berticelli Excellence in Coaching Education Award

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

October 22, 2025-United Soccer Coaches has announced the selection of John Fitzgerald as the 2025 Mike Berticelli Excellence in Coaching Education Award recipient for his outstanding contributions to coaching education and his singular service to the game.

Fitzgerald becomes the 26th person to receive prestigious recognition from his peers. The award is named in honor of Mike Berticelli, the Association’s former Vice President of Education and men’s coach at the University of Notre Dame who passed away in 2000.

Fitzgerald is Sporting Director and Director of Coaching Education for the Long Island Junior Soccer League (LIJSL), the largest league in the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA).

“This is a fitting recognition for someone whom has a profound effect on Coaching Education and the development of coaching standards across Long Island,” stated LIJSL President Andrew Seabury. “There are not many coaches who coach in the LIJSL, both past and present, who have not benefitted from John’s influence and passion for the highest coaching education standards. This high honor is well deserved.”

Fitzgerald’s extensive experience and dedication to soccer make him a prominent figure in the coaching community, particularly on Long Island where he continues to influence the development of young players and the growth of the sport.

The Smithtown resident is a highly respected coach with over 35 years of experience spanning professional, collegiate and youth soccer. He is currently the head coach of the American Soccer Club New York, a newly established team competing in the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL). Fitzgerald brings an impressive depth of knowledge and a proven record of achievement to this position, having earned recognition throughout the New York soccer community.

“John embodies what the Berticelli Award is about and is truly deserving of this honor for his passion and dedication to coaching education,” United Soccer Coaches President Paul Payne explained.

John Fitzgerald coaching in Eastern New York’s Olympic Development Program.

Fitzgerald’s coaching journey includes several notable roles:

• Associate Head Coach, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy: In this role, Fitzgerald contributed to the team’s six NCAA Division 3 tournament appearances, helping the program achieve a strong reputation and consistent performance.

• Director of Coaching, New York Cosmos: Fitzgerald was responsible for overseeing training and player development programs. He also served as assistant coach for Cosmos B, who captured the 2015 NPSL national championship.

• Head Coach, Long Island Lady Rough Riders: Under his leadership, the Lady Rough Riders won a national championship in the W-League, further establishing his credentials.

• Longtime coach in Eastern New York’s Olympic Development Program (ODP), including Boys Director of Coaching.

• Current head coach of East Region ODP Boys 2009 team.

Fitzgerald has been recognized for his outstanding contributions to coaching. He was named the 2004 NSCAA/Adidas Northeast Regional Assistant Coach of the Year and the 1997 Newsday Coach of the Year, as well as head coach of that years’ Umbro W-League All-Star select team His involvement in coaching education includes serving as the NSCAA State Director for Long Island and as a National Staff Instructor as well as a US Soccer coach educator. Fitzgerald’s teams have accumulated significant successes, including a record of 228-100-20 at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy as well as multiple conference championships and NCAA tournament appearances.

The Berticelli Award will be presented at the association’s Awards Ceremony on Friday, January 16, 2026, in conjunction with the 86th Annual United Soccer Coaches Convention in Philadelphia.

Tom Frambach Hired By Eastern New York as Our Director of Marketing & Membership Programs

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

October 23, 2025-The Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) is pleased to announce that Tom Frambach has joined us as Director of Marketing & Membership Programs, a new position created with the state association. In this role, he will focus on supporting our players, coaches, referees, clubs and leagues by developing and leading initiatives to grow the Beautiful Game plus expand programming and education.

Frambach is a native of Washingtonville, NY and a product of Eastern New York. He recalls fond memories as a youth player, forging lifetime relationships and learning significant life lessons through the game. He also highlighted winning the State Cup championship his senior year of high school with Eastern New York.

Frambach went on to captain the SUNY Cortland Men’s Soccer team and received a BS. Ed. in Physical Education at Cortland. Upon graduation, he was awarded a Graduate Assistant Position with the Men’s Soccer Program at East Stroudsburg University, helping to lead the Warriors to a PSAC Conference Championship and a Division 2 NCAA tournament berth. Frambach received an MS. Ed. in Sports Management from East Stroudsburg University and interned with the New York/New Jersey Metrostars of Major League Soccer (MLS) that summer. As an intern, former Head Coach Octavio Zambrano caught his eye during a pick-up session and extended an invitation to train with the MetroStars first team. MetroStars’ Tab Ramos and Clint Mathis were on international duty with the US Men’s National Team and former Ballon D’or winner Lothar Mattheus was rostered with the MetroStars and inactive, which gave Frambach the opportunity to train with the first team.

Eventually, injuries forced Frambach to move into the coaching ranks full-time and he landed his first head coaching position as Head Men’s Soccer Coach at Division 2 St. Andrew’s College in North Carolina, and under his guidance, the Knights were recognized as the top 10 most improved teams in the country. He held additional college coaching positions as Assistant Women’s Coach at Division 1 North Carolina State University and Assistant Women’s Coach at Division 3 SUNY Purchase.

A love for teaching positioned Frambach to get more involved in the youth game as a coach with CASL, North Carolina FC and the North Carolina Olympic Development Program (ODP) during his tenure in Raleigh, NC. He later transitioned from coaching to management.

On the management side, Frambach was Director of Soccer at Asphalt Green in the Cosmopolitan Junior Soccer League (CJSL) from 2005 to 2008, Sports Director at Club Fit from 2008 to 2011 and General Manager for nearly a decade at Downtown United Soccer Club (DUSC), also in the CJSL, from 2012 to 2022.

Under his leadership, players have received numerous honors and gone on to represent US Soccer Youth National teams, professional clubs in MLS, NWSL and internationally, along with countless players participating in all levels of college and junior college soccer.

Frambach emphasized how much soccer has helped him grow as a person throughout his life.

“Soccer is a microcosm of life. There will be challenges that we all face. But perspective has helped me recognize that faith, family and futbol are beautiful things that we must cherish. I am grateful to the Eastern New York board for an opportunity to foster a love of the game and have a positive effect on the next generation on and off the field here in New York.”

Register For the NY Winter Tournament Kicking Off December 6

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

October 16, 2025-The Cosmopolitan Junior Soccer League (CJSL), the oldest league in the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) and all of American youth soccer, is pleased to announce the return of the NY Winter Tournament in partnership with Juventus Academy New York, continuing one of the city’s fastest-growing youth soccer traditions.

Open to all CJSL clubs as well as US Youth Soccer and US Club Soccer-affiliated teams from New York and New Jersey, the NY Winter Tournament gives players a rare opportunity to compete outdoors throughout the winter months.

This year, the competition will feature boys’ divisions from Under-9 through Under-16 and new girls divisions from Under-10 through Under-15 for the first time. Matches will be played primarily at Randall’s Island, Queens and Brooklyn, and with selected CJSL clubs also hosting matches. Play begins on December 6, runs through February, and concludes with playoffs on March 7–8 and the finals on March 14–15. First-place teams will receive championship trophies. Registration closes November 15, 2025.

Click here to register and view tournament details.

The NY Winter Tournament kicked off play in 2022. In 2024-2025, the tournament featured 70 teams, up from 50 the year before, and participation is expected to grow yet again for the upcoming 2025-2026 edition.

“Every year, the tournament grows in scale and competition,” said Giovanni Russo, Founder and President of Juventus Academy New York. “Our goal has always been to provide a professional, high-level winter platform where young players can continue to develop and compete even in the cold months. Seeing the enthusiasm and sportsmanship from so many clubs makes this collaboration truly special.”

Reflecting on the partnership, CJSL President Paul Kontonis emphasized the league’s commitment to elevating opportunities for players across the city. “The NY Winter Tournament has grown into a premier platform, paving the way for all-year soccer for boys and girls. This is a vision that the CJSL is committed to making a reality for every player in our community.”

The Long Island Futsal League Seeks Teams For Its 30th Anniversary Season This Winter

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

October 28, 2025-The Long Island Futsal League (LIFL) kicked off play in the winter of 1996-97 with tournaments at World Gym in Setauket and SUNY-Old Westbury. LIFL President John Branca saw through those tourneys that there was great enthusiasm for futsal on Long Island so league play began in January 1998.

The LIFL, sanctioned by the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA), is seeking teams to play in its 30th anniversary season this winter. With over 200 squads, the LIFL is one of the largest futsal leagues in the United States and will utilize gyms in central Suffolk County on Saturdays and Sundays once again.

The league’s 8-week season kicks off the weekend of January 3 and 4, 2026. The team fee is as follows:

Boys-Under-7 and Boys-Under-8: $475
Boys-Under-9 to Boys-Under-12: $975
Boys-Under-13 to Boys-Under-19: $995

Girls-Under-7 and Girls-Under-8: $475
Girls-Under-9 to Girls-Under-13: $975
Girls-Under-14 to Girls-Under-19: $995

Team discounts available for clubs or trainers who register multiple squads. There is an additional $10 individual player fee, which is paid just once even if that player is rostered on multiple teams.

To register or for more info, please click https://lifutsal.com or phone John Branca at 631-790-7481. The registration deadline is December 1.

Futsal is a great skill-developer, demanding quick reflexes, fast thinking and pin-point passing that players utilize when they return to playing outdoor soccer in March. Soccer superstars such as Pelé, Zico, Maradona, Ronaldo, Messi and Marta grew up playing a version of the game and credit futsal with developing their skills. Brazil defeated Argentina, 2-1, in Tashkent, Uzbekistan to win the 2024 Futsal World Cup, which is held every four years just like the Men’s and Women’s World Cups.

Remember that if your children are not playing in an ENYYSA-affiliated league or tournament, then they are not covered by our insurance, and chances are, they are not covered by any insurance. Always ask about the insurance coverage before registering your children or team. And unlike like most other indoor leagues, the LIFL has certified referees and heat in the gymnasiums.

Nominations Now Being Accepted For the Of the Year Awards

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

September 12, 2025-The Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) is asking that each member, club and league turn their attention inwards to their volunteers and outstanding members in an effort to acknowledge those whose contributions have truly made a difference. We’re seeking nominations for a variety of awards to demonstrate our appreciation for the hours of devotion these valued individuals donate to our players.

Eastern New York will select a person in each category who will receive our recognition at our Hall of Fame Banquet on Saturday, January 24, 2026 and possibly receive additional recognition at the National level. Last year, we received a nomination in nearly every category because our members took the time to nominate somebody.

The entries are on an online form that is linked below. Please complete as comprehensively as possible.

Awards will be presented in the following categories:

Young Male and Young Female Referee of the Year

TOPSoccer Buddy of the Year

TOPSoccer Coach of the Year

Volunteer of the Year

Administrator of the Year

Boys Recreation Coach of the Year

Girls Recreation Coach of the Year

Boys Competitive Coach of the Year

Girls Competitive Coach of the Year

Nominations for the above awards must be received by October 15, 2025 to be considered.

As with everything else, your nominees have to be in it to win it! Last year, Owen McCormack was honored as the National TOPSoccer Buddy of the Year, which made a big difference in the life of a teenage boy, but he won partly because the Manhasset Soccer Club took the time to nominate him.

Please take the opportunity to recognize the best and brightest through this great awards program.

LIJSL Expanding the Qualification for the IberCup

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

September 10, 2025-The largest league in the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) is the Long Island Junior Soccer League (LIJSL), which launched a competition to qualify for the IberCup in Cascais, Portugal.

This competition is open to LIJSL teams as well as squads outside the league through the Elite Clubs Alliance League (ECAL). The Girls-Under-11 Commack Crush played in the 2025 IberCup this past July by qualifying through the ECAL last spring.

ECAL is growing in 2026 as the competition will now have Under-9 to Under-13 divisions for both boys and girls.

“Expanding the age groups in ECAL provides a great opportunity for more clubs to compete for the experience of playing in the IberCup, something they will never forget,” LIJSL Technical Director Ronan Wiseman said. “Going to the IberCup not only gives the players a great soccer experience but also a great multicultural experience. In addition to our players interacting with the local Portuguese teams, they will have interactions with teams from all over the world.”

In the LIJSL’s agreement with the IberCup, squads that qualify through ECAL receive free accommodation during the trip as well as three meals per day. Transport to and from the airport in Portugal as well as to and from the tournament venues is provided.

All ECAL games to qualify for the 2026 IberCup must be played by April 1, 2026. For more info, please contact the LIJSL at 631-648-9020.

Soccer Coaches Can Apply to Help Keep Their Girls in the Game

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

August 29, 2025-Gotham FC of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) has opened up applications for coaches to join its Keep Her in the Game program. Please see the flyer on the right for more details and apply here by September 5.

Since launching last year, Keep Her in the Game has trained almost 100 coaches and reached over 1,700 girls across New York and New Jersey.

Keep Her in the Game provides Girls-Under-12 to Under-14 coaches with research-backed training to help support the growth and development of the girls on their teams on and off the field. The training includes helping girls build their confidence, develop a growth mindset and strengthen their relationships with their coaches and teammates. It also provides opportunities for youth players to have special access to Gotham FC.

Coach training: All coaches must complete a 2-hour training run by Girls Leadership in partnership with Gotham FC, where they will be trained on incorporating teamwork, confidence and resilience-building learning activities into their weekly soccer practices. The training is centered on building your team’s sense of community and athlete emotional intelligence and growth mindset.

Special access to Gotham FC: Keep Her in the Game teams and their families receive complimentary tickets to a Gotham FC home game with a special Keep Her in the Game celebration. Some Keep Her in the Game teams will also have the opportunity of Gotham FC player visits to their youth team practices.

Virtual parent workshop: Keep Her in the Game parents are invited to a free, optional workshop on the role they can play in raising resilient athletes and keeping their girls in the game, led by experts in social-emotional learning.

Early September: All Keep Her in the Game coaches attend a training session at Gotham FC’s headquarters (Exchange Place in Jersey City, New Jersey) led by Girls Leadership.

o There will be several dates/times offered.

o A virtual training will be offered for those who cannot attend in person.

For questions, please contact Corinne Counsell, Senior Manager of Community and Social Impact, at CCounsell@gothamfc.com.

Remembering Longtime Soccer Volunteer Claudio Bulian

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

August 23, 2025-The Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) is mourning the passing on August 20 of Claudio Bulian, who volunteered for over three decades as Treasurer of the Cosmopolitan Junior Soccer League (CJSL), the oldest league in American youth soccer. Claudio was 82 years old.

Claudio was one of only nine people to be honored as a CJSL Life Member, the equivalent of the Lifetime Achievement Award. His steady hand, integrity and unwavering commitment helped shape the CJSL’s legacy and ensured its strength for future generations. The Astoria resident was more than a board member as he was a pillar of the New York City soccer community.

Claudio’s passion for the game was evident through his lifelong connection to Istria SC, where he began as a player in 1970 and remained an active supporter of the club’s youth programs for decades. His contributions helped nurture the development of countless players, coaches and families.

“Claudio Bulian was with the CJSL for over three decades as a dedicated steward of the game,” CJSL President Paul Kontonis commented. “He was a quiet force behind the growth of youth soccer in our city. We are forever grateful for his service and friendship.”