Eastern NY Youth Soccer Association

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Human Interest

Eastern New York Now Accepting Teams For the 3v3 Summer Soccer Series

May 27, 2026-The 3v3 Summer Soccer Series is a statewide tournament platform built to energize local communities, deliver a festival-style soccer experience and create a clear pathway from local qualifying events to a state championship. Timed to capture the excitement of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the series brings together players, families, leagues and partners through a fast-paced small-sided game format. 

Qualifier Locations

·       Albany – Saturday, June 27th @ Afrim’s Sports Park

·       Hudson Valley – June 20th @ 12th Rock Sports

·       Westchester – TBA

·       New York City – Sunday, June 28th @ Governor’s Island Parade Grounds

·       Staten Island – Sat / Sun, June 27-28 @ Owl Hollow Soccer Fields

·       Long Island – Saturday, June 27 @ Peter C. Collins Soccer Park

Format

·       3–5 players per team roster

·       5 games guaranteed per team

·       15-minute game format

·       No goalkeepers

·       Boys and Girls divisions 

·       Competitive and fun-focused structure


More Than A Tournament

Aligned with the energy of the 2026 FIFA World Cup — a full festival atmosphere for players, families, and communities.

·       Music & DJs

·       Skills Challenges

·       Fan Zones

·       Community Engagement

Compete. Advance.

Teams in the Competitive Division can advance locally and earn the opportunity to compete at the 3v3 Summer Series State Championship on July 25 in Middletown, NY at 12th Rock Sports.

For more information or to register: click HERE

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, east of Route 81. ENYYSA encourages 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 US Soccer and US Youth Soccer. For more information, please log on to http://www.enysoccer.com/

Gotham FC and ENYYSA in 2026

May 6, 2026-We’re excited to officially announce a new partnership between the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA), our Member Leagues, and Gotham FC,  built around a shared goal of building the sport of soccer for youth players in our backyard.

Gotham FC, the reigning National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) champion, is working with ENYYSA to create unforgettable experiences for ENYYSA players, families, coaches, and leaders here in our community. There will be special opportunities for ENYYSA to attend Gotham FC matches and engage with the club through special events, clinics, and celebrations throughout the year. Want to stay in the loop? Sign up here to be the first to know. 

Up first? Gotham FC is planning a historic, record-breaking match at Citi Field on July 15th: The Queens Classic. This iconic match is an official ENYYSA Outing, complete with special offers, unique experiences, and discounted pricing, only for you.

Here’s why you’ll want to come: 

  • ENYYSA groups get discounted tickets (just $20!) to sit together and enjoy this 2025 Championship rematch at the iconic Citi Field. 
  • ENYYSA award winners and top players will be honored on the pitch in a special celebration.
  • Every member of the ENYYSA community will receive a special Gotham FC merch item.
  • The ENYYSA club that brings out the most fans will receive an autographed Gotham FC jersey and a suite at another Gotham FC home match.

Ready to get tickets? For a group of 10 or fewer, select your seats here. For a larger group, inquire here. 

We are also excited to partner with Gotham FC to offer FREE youth soccer clinics this spring and summer.

These clinics are a great opportunity for young players to develop their skills, stay active and have fun in a positive and supporting environment.

We look forward to bringing this exciting experience to our community and hope your players will join us.

More special opportunities are coming soon, only for ENYYSA families. Sign up here to be the first to hear about future Gotham FC x ENYYSA outings, clinics, and events. 

Here’s to continuing to build the next generation of players together. ¡Vamos!

Join the 3,000+ Refs in Eastern New York

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

May 19, 2026-The physician’s assistant asked me a pointed question I sometimes receive after I say that I’m a soccer referee.

“How are the parents?” he asked.

I replied, “Most parents are great but I will find an overly enthusiastic parent every once in a while.”

The overwhelming majority of players, coaches and parents are wonderful. I met some of my closest friends on soccer fields and how different, and less fulfilling, my life would be if I did not take up the whistle when I was 16 years old.

I was volunteering as a teenage coach in a summer intramural league, a league so informal that each head coach refereed half the match. I quickly realized that I was a much better ref than coach so my coaching career soon ended and I became a referee. 

My story is one of many as the reasons for refereeing are as diverse as the 3,000+ refs in the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA). Many referees are happy to become certified after their playing career ends or the team they are coaching ages out of youth soccer.

Randy Vogt refereeing the South Shore Bulldogs. Photo by Michael Blackton.

As a referee, you become (or stay) fit, learn to manage people, you are your own boss and go directly to the customer, all while earning money.

Eastern New York is seeking new referees to be in the middle and/or on the line as assistant referees in youth soccer games. The minimum age is 14 years old to become certified. You manage your availability so officiating works with all the rest that you do!

You never know the difference you could make until you begin. For more information, click here. If you have any questions, e-mail questions@enysreferee.org

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, east of Route 81. ENYYSA encourages 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 US Soccer and US Youth Soccer. For more information, please log on to http://www.enysoccer.com/

Sportsmanship Makes a Huge Difference on Youth Soccer Fields

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

May 6, 2026-It’s very simple, only one team can win a soccer game but both squads should be having fun. Especially on the youth level.

Lately, a few people have forgotten this, or that the children and teenagers are there to play a game and have fun, the coaches are there to coach, the refs are there to officiate and the spectators are there to cheer. Unsavory incidents receive headlines while there are many wonderful expressions of sportsmanship that do not garner the same attention. In the games I have officiated, I’ve seen:

• Kids helping up opposing players who have fallen to the ground

• Kids asking opposing players, “Are you all right?”, after fouling them

• Teams routinely kicking the ball out of play when a player is injured and the other squad throws the ball to the other team when play resumes.

• Coaches not fielding 11 players, just the same number of players as the other team until everybody shows up.

• Teams switching player positions, playing the ball back to their keeper upon getting possession, trying to score only on headers, etc., when playing against overmatched opponents so that the score does not get out of hand.

• Opposing players and coaches shaking hands after games. There are approximately 25 million handshakes after Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) matches annually.

In a 2025 Project Play survey of youth soccer players in the New York City metro area, 48% of kids said playing with their friends, 46% replied having fun and 45% said learning or improving skills were their reasons for playing youth soccer. Only 23% cited winning as the reason.

Our Zero Tolerance Policy has very stringent penalties but we would prefer that everybody behaves appropriately. As we continue the Spring Season, let’s not lose sight of why we are involved.

A number of refs have reported that games go much smoother when they see opposing coaches greeting one another before the match. Photo courtesy of the Cosmopolitan Junior Soccer League.

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, east of Route 81. ENYYSA encourages 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 US Soccer and US Youth Soccer. For more information, please log on to http://www.enysoccer.com/

CJSL to Kick Off Silent Support Weekend on April 25 and 26

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

April 13, 2026-The Cosmopolitan Junior Soccer League (CJSL), New York City originals since 1933, is starting its first Silent Support Weekend for all its games on April 25 and 26. This is part of the CJSL’s continued focus on building a stronger community and culture around the game. The goal is simple: reduce sideline noise so players can think, make decisions, communicate and enjoy the game in a more positive environment.

For that weekend:
👏 Applause and positive encouragement only
🗣️ No shouting or sideline coaching during play
⚽ Allow players to play, lead and learn

This initiative is not new and has been successfully implemented in youth leagues across the country and internationally for the past two decades, including programs run by English FA and local leagues such as the West Side Soccer League. These efforts have consistently shown improvements in player confidence, decision-making and overall game experience.

“At the CJSL, we are committed to creating the best possible environment for player development. Silent Support Weekend is part of that effort, encouraging a positive, respectful sideline where players can think for themselves, communicate, and grow through the game,” stated CJSL Executive Director Ron Restrepo. “As a league, we believe taking the lead in initiatives like this helps set the standard for what youth soccer should look like, focused on learning, confidence and a true love of the game.”

Matches will be monitored by referees, with any sideline issues handled through standard league procedures. Clubs are expected to ensure that coaches, parents and spectators understand and support these expectations.

Let them play. Let them learn. Let them enjoy the game.

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, east of Route 81. ENYYSA encourages 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 US Soccer and US Youth Soccer. For more information, please log on to http://www.enysoccer.com/

Eastern New York Places Four Players on the ODP National Team

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

April 21, 2026-The Olympic Development Program (ODP) is the highest level of play in every state association. The Eastern New York

 Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) has a particularly strong ODP and three current members of the US Women’s National Team––Sam Coffey, Claire Hutton and Phallon Tullis-Joyce––all developed their skills playing in our program.

On the boys side, four of our players––goalkeeper Austin Sheehan, midfielders Sean Mahoney and Nicholas Gentile and forward Angelo O’Connor––were recently selected to the ODP National Team. This is the second consecutive year that Austin, Sean and Nick have received this high honor while it is Angelo’s first time on this prestigious roster. 

While they credit ODP for enhancing their skills development in competing against kids with a similar lofty skill set, what also helped is all four played high school varsity soccer as underclassmen. Playing against teammates and opponents much older and bigger than them on a daily basis in the fall made them adapt and enhanced their skills even further. 

During Spring Break earlier this month, Austin, Sean and the rest of the 2008 ODP National Team played in the Eture Showcase in Valencia, Spain while Nick and the 2010 ODP National Team plus Angelo and the 2011 ODP National Team played in the IberCup in Lisbon, Portugal.

Eastern New York’s immense talent will be on display when we host the 6th Annual ODP Sub Regional on April 25 and 26 at Afrim’s Sports Park in Colonie.

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, east of Route 81. ENYYSA encourages 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 US Soccer and US Youth Soccer. For more information, please log on to http://www.enysoccer.com/

Staten Island TOPSoccer Hosts a Pre-Season Party

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

April 2, 2026-TOPSoccer, The Outreach Program for Soccer, is a recreational program for children and adults with intellectual, emotional or physical challenges that is offered through soccer leagues and clubs under the US Youth Soccer umbrella.

The TOPSoccer Program in the Staten Island Youth Soccer League (SIYSL) started two decades ago and, now under the enthusiastic and dedicated leadership of Jerrier Atassi, is one of the largest TOPS programs in the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA).

On Saturday, March 28, Staten Island TOPSoccer had a pre-season party at Simply Gathered that was hosted by the Richmondtown Soccer Club and featured arts and crafts, pizza plus presentation of medals. Richmondtown has been very generous and also suppled uniforms last year to all the players and parents.

“We had a wonderful turnout of players and their parents plus TOPSoccer buddies for two hours of bonding and fun. These assistant coaches, the Hayes brothers––Joe Jr., Adriano and Carlo––and Mark Vrapi, have been helping for several years and were recognized by our league for their outstanding effort and dedication,” Jerrier explained. “Everyone was very excited and the parents were incredibly grateful. Our players had a wonderful time and are looking forward to starting the Spring Season in a few weeks.”

That season kicks off on Saturday, April 18 from 2 to 3 pm at the Owl Hollow Soccer Complex and continues on Saturday afternoons this spring. For more info about Staten Island TOPSoccer and to inquire about your child participating, please contact Jerrier at 917-636-3180.

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, east of Route 81. ENYYSA encourages 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 US Soccer and US Youth Soccer. For more information, please log on to http://www.enysoccer.com/

Photos courtesy of the Staten Island Youth Soccer League

Four Longtime Volunteers Inducted Into the LIJSL Hall of Fame

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

March 31, 2026-The Long Island Junior Soccer League (LIJSL), the largest league in the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA), inducted four longtime members into the LIJSL Hall of Fame on Sunday, March 29 at the Stonebridge Country Club in Smithtown.

From left to right: Jim San Filippo, Pete Bussa, Ilana Strauch (daughter of Efi Domb) and Steve Padaetz

The Levittown Soccer Club is celebrating its 50th Anniversary in 2026 and Jim San Filippo has been volunteering for the club for 42 of those 50 years. He has been a longtime coach, referee and has served as Levittown Soccer Club President for the past decade. Most importantly, Jim has been a mentor for the many young athletes who have come through the club, teaching them not only about the game, but instilling valuable life lessons.

Pete Bussa coached three LIJSL teams and won a total of 15 LIJSL division titles and 7 Long Island Cups, then became a well-respected mentor for young coaches. Pete volunteered as Oceanside United’s President from 1994 to 2002. He started Oceanside’s Special Needs TOPSoccer Program 35 years ago when one of the boys he coached had a sister with Down syndrome who wanted to play soccer. Pete is currently volunteering as TOPSoccer Chairperson for Eastern New York.

Efi Domb passed away in 2017 from pancreatic cancer but his impact on Long Island soccer has not been forgotten. Efi coached his two daughters in the New Hyde Park Wildcats Soccer Club, where he was a beloved coach and trainer, and after they graduated from high school, he became a top referee, even being honored as the Long Island Soccer Referees Association (LISRA) Referee of the Year in 2016. His “real job” was running a successful locksmith company and after 9/11, he spent days at Ground Zero helping store owners lock their shops to protect against looters.  

Steve Padaetz served with Oceanside United for over 30 years, and he was President, Vice President, Secretary and then Director at Large. He developed and published club newsletter Net News, and then when the technology changed, he managed the redesign of the club website. He coached six travel teams, diverse intramural squads and created the Nassau Development Program, which comprised of 15 clubs playing non-results oriented Under-8 and Under-9 games. Steve then volunteered on the LIJSL and Eastern New York Board of Directors, he chaired many committees too numerous to list here and is now the Chief Club Administrator of the Massapequa Soccer Club.  

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, east of Route 81. ENYYSA encourages 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 US Soccer and US Youth Soccer. For more information, please log on to http://www.enysoccer.com/

Three Youth Leagues Compete in the Inaugural Kontonis Esperanza Cup

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

March 19, 2026-Selected Division 2 teams from the Cosmopolitan Junior Soccer League (CJSL), Big Apple Youth Soccer League (BAYSL) and Metrokids Youth Soccer League (MYSL) got together on Sunday, March 8 at Flushing-Meadows Park to play in the first-ever Kontonis Esperanza Cup.

“The Kontonis Esperanza Cup was named for the late Paul Kontonis, whose vision as President of the CJSL was rooted in unity, opportunity and community,” said Jonathan Puma, Second Vice President of the CJSL. “Paul believed deeply that the Beautiful Game can unite leagues and communities across New York City. This competition proudly carries forward his passion and his hope.”

This vision of unity was echoed across the other participating Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) leagues.

“I would like to thank the gentlemen organizing this tournament and for inviting Metrokids. This competition honors Kontonis—a father, brother and friend who dedicated himself to the youth as a soccer coach. Paul envisioned a Champions’ Championship that would unite our leagues. We welcome this new competition in his honor and are confident it will grow year after year with the support of our affiliated leagues,” explained Metrokids President Cesar Juca.

“The Big Apple Youth Soccer League was honored to participate in the Kontonis Esperanza Cup. We’re excited to join fellow leagues in celebrating youth soccer through sportsmanship, collaboration and meaningful competition, and we look forward to building lasting connections on and off the field,” stated BAYSL President Carlos Vergara.

While Paul Kontonis was a proud Greek-American, the “Esperanza” in the cup’s name comes from the Spanish word for hope. It is the hope of the three leagues playing that the Kontonis Esperanza Cup will expand in future seasons to include additional age groups and participation within the girls city program, creating more opportunities across leagues.

The champion teams were ARB SC 2013, FC Copa Academy Brooklyn B13 Black, Guerreros FC 2015, Mike’s FC 2015, South Brooklyn FC 2014 and Success Academy 2014B.

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, east of Route 81. ENYYSA encourages 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 US Soccer and US Youth Soccer. For more information, please log on to http://www.enysoccer.com/

All photos courtesy of the Cosmopolitan Junior Soccer League