Eastern NY Youth Soccer Association

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Human Interest

Deadline is June 1 to Apply to Eastern New York For a College Scholarship

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

May 20, 2024-Every summer, the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) awards college scholarships for deserving high school graduates. Four scholarships are for girls (named after Jack Baumann plus Patricia Louise Masotto and Brenda Driscoll) and there are two scholarships for boys (honoring Livio D’Arpino).

Criteria for Consideration

  • Must have a C average or better and graduate by August of the current year
  • Must plan on attending a school of Higher Education in the Fall. (Include name of University/College)
  • Must be a registered player of the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association
  • Must submit a 250-word essay on why you are deserving of the scholarship. The essay must include at the top of page 1, Your Name, Address, Phone Number, and the Scholarship applying to, indicated below.
  • Must submit a personal resume and a school transcript.
  • The essay, resume, and transcript must be submitted no later than June 1 to the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association, email to lfrancis@enysoccer.com or mail to:
    ENYYSA Attn: Scholarship Committee
    167 Nassau Blvd.
    Garden City South, NY 11530
  • Indicate at the top of the essay which scholarship you are applying to.

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/

After Much Success Playing and Coaching Soccer, Jerry Owenburg Becomes a Ref

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

May 23, 2024-There are many diverse reasons for becoming a soccer referee. For Jerry Owenburg, it was to stay involved with the Beautiful Game after a lengthy playing and coaching career.

Jerry grew up playing in the Long Island Junior Soccer League (LIJSL). Referees took an interest in him and taught him to always respect the rules.

“I was fortunate as a teenager playing in many international youth tournaments such as the Dana Cup in Denmark, the Gothia Cup in Sweden, the Germany Cup, Paris Cup and the Holland Cup,” Jerry explained. After that, Jerry started his college playing career at LIU Post and then became team captain and MVP at Farmingdale State.

As an adult player, Jerry won two State Cup championships with West Babylon and one with Carle Place of the Long Island Soccer Football League (LISFL) plus he also played for the New York Greek-Americans of the Northeast Super Soccer League.

By then, Jerry had started coaching and his teams included the Olympic Development Program (ODP) of the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA), where his side won the Regional ODP championship, as well as LIJSL Select, the Long Island Rough Riders, New York Surf, Atletico, St. Joseph’s University where his men’s team won the conference plus his alma mater, West Babylon High School, which had the highest team GPA in the nation.

“I’m especially proud that two of the players I coached, Sal Caccavale and Jerrod Laventure, were signed by the Red Bulls,” Jerry added.

“Last year, I took my first break from coaching in 30 years. During that year, I had time to reflect on my playing and coaching career. One of the areas that stood out was how this game impacted my life and made me the person I am today. The most significant memories were not necessarily the wins, losses or championships. It was the relationships and how people impacted my life and helped me along the way. Of course, coaches and teammates were among the list, but what also stood out were the referees,” Jerry explained. “So with my recent break from coaching, it became the perfect opportunity to take some time to enjoy the game from a different perspective and stay connected with the people in the soccer community that mean so much to me.”

So Jerry started refereeing this year and has done well, even being in the middle for Under-19 games in his first season. The Sayville resident, who is Principal at Bellmore JFK High School, said that he is disappointed when he sees adults treat young refs poorly.

“I’m so proud of some of the young game officials I’ve met who take on the role of referees. These young refs are the future of our game and they need adults to be patient and supportive.”

Jerry stated, “I like everything else about refereeing. This has been such a positive experience that I’ve already set my sights on working towards becoming a Regional Referee. I strongly encourage other former players and coaches who miss the game to consider the role of referee as a way to keep soccer in their life.” 

Are you interested in joining Jerry in becoming a referee or assistant ref? Eastern New York is looking for new Grassroots Referees and the certification class consists of both online and classroom learning. For more information, log on to https://enysreferee.org/how-to-become-a-referee/. If you have any questions, e-mail questions@enysreferee.org

For more info about becoming an official on Long Island, please contact Marty Foeppel at MartyFoeppel@gmail.com

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/

Richmondtown’s Jake Ryan Sells Out His Pens and Gives All Proceeds to Rocco Strong

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

May 9, 2024-Jake Ryan is a 12-year-old angel who plays for the Boys-Under-15 Richmondtown Rockets in the Staten Island Youth Soccer League (SIYSL).

On May 2, Jake went to Max’s Es-Ca Restaurant and Bar for the Mother’s Day Shop and Sip. He explained how he created his business, Jake’s Key Characters, as “I wanted to sell things after I went to vendor shows with my mom.”

Jake sold all the pens he had designed and with the biggest heart, gave all the money to Rocco Strong, for 6-year-old Rocco DiMaggio, suffering from a reoccurrence of childhood cancer.

Jake’s consideration for others is perhaps the best present he could have given to his mom Marissa Arcuri for Mother’s Day.

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/

Staten Island’s Growing TOPSoccer Program Has Kicked Off Its Spring Season

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

April 30, 2024-Over three dozen registered players and countless volunteers make up TOPSoccer in the Staten Island Youth Soccer League (SIYSL), the southernmost league in the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA).

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 clubs under the US Youth Soccer umbrella. Staten Island TOPSoccer started nearly two decades ago and is now being led by the very enthusiastic Jerrier Atassi, who coaches 39 registered players from ages 4 to 29.

They play every Saturday at 3 pm at Owl Hollow Fields, having kicked off on April 20 and continuing until June 8.

“I would like to recognize our volunteer coaches: James and Matthew Funk; Carlo, Joseph and Lessa Hayes; Mark and Stella Vrapi; my wife Loraine Atassi plus multiple parents,” Jerrier said.

For more information and to register your son or daughter, please contact him at jerrier.atassi@gmail.com 

If you live outside Staten Island and would like to register your child with a club closer to you or want info on how to start a program, e-mail ENYYSA TOPSoccer Chairperson Lauren Lee at llee@enysoccer.com

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/

LISRA Reaches the Milestone of 1,000 Active Referees

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

April 24, 2024-The pandemic affected everything, including the number of players and referees registered in organized soccer. But while the number of players returned to pre-pandemic levels, not so the number of refs as many decided to retire or spend much more time with their families on weekends.

The Long Island Soccer Referee Association (LISRA) is the largest ref organization by far in the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA). Three years ago, LISRA was down to approximately 650 referees and could not have in-person certification classes because of the pandemic. Assignors sent out lists of dozens of uncovered games every weekend during the Spring and Fall Seasons plus many refs officiated all day on weekends to help ensure that all games would be covered with a certified official(s).

“The return of soccer games on Long Island after the worst of Covid was like a breath of fresh air! We went back to assigning referees to games and felt some normality returning,” explained LISRA President Cathy Caldwell. “However, our number of available referees had dwindled. It was a tough time finding referees to work games. So we sent out e-mails and letters to college coaches, spoke to some high school coaches, put recruitment signs out at tournaments and asked clubs to send e-mails to parents whose kids were 14 and above and playing soccer.”

LISRA now has 1,169 certified officials and exactly 1,000 of them are active. 439 LISRA officials are 21+ years old and most of them serve mainly as referees. 730 LISRA officials are 14 to 20 years old and they generally are assistant referees although some are being promoted to referee through LISRA’s assessment and evaluation process. The list of uncovered games released by LISRA assignors Rich Baroniunas and EJ Schwarz is now much lower.

Games Under-13 and up utilize three officials, one ref and two assistant referees, on a large field while matches Under-12 and below have one ref on a small-sided field who is helped by club linesmen volunteering their time in raising the flag when the ball goes over the touchline.

LISRA Recruitment Director Marty Foeppel and LISRA Assistant Referee Director Jean-Marie Maio pointed out several factors for the number of LISRA officials increasing 80% during the past three years:

• The return of in-person certification classes

• A large 25% increase in referee game fees for most matches played on Long Island

• Referees talking to kids ages 14+ about becoming a certified referee when checking in players and handing out LISRA’s Become a Referee card

• Coaches and club presidents sending e-mails on how to become an official to their teenage players

• Recruitment signs at tournaments

• Enthusiastic assistant referees doing job fairs at their schools

• A streamlined and less cumbersome online recertification process developed by US Soccer that was easier to follow

“The LISRA Board of Directors were driven, as well as our referees. The success of all these actions was remarkable,” President Caldwell stated.

The certification class to become a referee or assistant referee consists of both online and classroom learning. For more information, log on to https://enysreferee.org/how-to-become-a-referee/. If you have any questions, e-mail questions@enysreferee.org

For more info about becoming an official on Long Island, please contact Marty Foeppel at MartyFoeppel@gmail.com

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 LIJSL’s Vibrant TOPSoccer Program Has Kicked Off Its Spring Season

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

April 16, 2024-The 10 leagues of the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) are in full swing and that also means the TOPSoccer Spring Season has also kicked off. 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 clubs under the US Youth Soccer umbrella. The Long Island Junior Soccer League (LIJSL) is the largest league in Eastern New York and also has the largest TOPSoccer program with 28 LIJSL clubs participating:

Special Children playing soccer in an organized league started first in the LIJSL in 1978 when the Huntington Boys Club and Massapequa Soccer Club separately started programs at a time when those with Special Needs playing sports is not as accepted as it is today. Using its longtime slogan of “Come Play With Me,” there are two big highlights of the LIJSL TOPSoccer Spring Season:

• Commack Festival/Tournament on Saturday, May 18 at the Burr Road Soccer Complex in Commack

• LIJSL Barbecue and Festival/Tournament on Saturday, June 1 at the Peter Collins Soccer Park in Plainview

Commack Festival/Tournament action

Additionally, the senior TOPSoccer teams will be traveling to play at other club’s home fields on occasion during the Spring Season.

For more information and to register your son or daughter, please contact LIJSL TOPSoccer Chairperson Ann Marie Toth at 516-694-3567. If you live outside Long Island and eastern Queens and would like to register your child with a club closer to you or want info on how to start a program, contact ENYYSA TOPSoccer Chairperson Lauren Lee at 516-538-7303.

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/

Three Longtime Volunteers Inducted Into the LIJSL Hall of Fame

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

April 8, 2024-The Long Island Junior Soccer League (LIJSL), the largest league in the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA), inducted three longtime volunteers into the LIJSL Hall of Fame. The ceremony took place on Saturday, April 7 at the Stonebridge Country Club in Smithtown.

From left to right: LIJSL Hall of Fame Chairperson Addie Mattei-Iaia, Victor Varonier, Violette Smith, Jeff Sinkiewicz and LIJSL President Andrew Seabury.

Victor Varonier has volunteered as a Club President for over two decades. He played soccer as a child, then became a coach and coached his Sound Beach team to the club’s only State Cup championship, an immense accomplishment for a very small community. Yet the Sound Beach Soccer Club, through Vic’s inclusive leadership, continues to grow. He also is always helping out to make sure the gameday experience is enjoyable for all players, from lining and setting up fields to cheering on the Sound Beach players from the touchline. 

Although Vic’s children graduated from youth soccer, the last one in 2018, he is now coaching his grandchildren!

Just like Vic Varonier, Violette Smith has been a Club President for over two decades. She has been the lifeblood of the Brentwood Youth Soccer Club as everybody knows Violette. She has steered the club with inclusivity, innovation and a genuine love for the sport, creating the atmosphere of a tight-knit family. This year, the club is also be celebrating its 50th anniversary and she is one of the many reasons why Brentwood High School has won five boys state soccer titles, including last year. 

In addition to leading a club of passionate soccer players, coaches and fans, Violette somehow finds the time to volunteer at the LIJSL office during the arduous but necessary registration process.

Jeff Sinkiewicz, known as “Mr. Middle Country Soccer,” has been involved with Middle Country Children’s Soccer for nearly three decades. Starting as a coach in the 1990’s, he served as Club President for five years and currently sits on the club’s board with the position of Head Referee. 

He is involved with many fundraising efforts in central Suffolk County and with many important days, from Memorial Day, the anniversary of 9/11, Halloween plus appearing as “Sinko’s Santa” aboard a Centereach fire truck and at the Centereach Tree Lighting. Jeff has also volunteered in the club’s TOPSoccer program that kicked off in 2021. He was honored as The Times of Middle Country’s Sports Person of the Year in 2012.

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/

Eight Youth Soccer Teams Are Particularly Enthusiastic About the Solar Eclipse

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

April 8, 2024-An earthquake, floods and an eclipse. It’s just another week in the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA). The solar eclipse will be particularly interesting to these eight teams:

Cold Spring Harbor/Huntington Eclipse, Long Island Junior Soccer League, Girls-Under-12

Commack Eclipse, Long Island Junior Soccer League, Girls-Under-15

Farmingdale Eclipse, Long Island Junior Soccer League, Girls-Under-11

Longwood Eclipse, Long Island Junior Soccer League, Girls-Under-13

Manhasset Eclipse, Long Island Junior Soccer League, Girls-Under-11

Sachem Eclipse, Girls-Under-8

Byram Hills Suns, Westchester Youth Soccer League, Boys-Under-12

Plattsburgh Suns, Capital District Youth Soccer League, Boys-Under-15

Interestingly, the six Eastern New York teams named Eclipse are girls squads on Long Island while the teams named Suns are boys squads north of New York City. The Plattsburgh Suns will be able to see a total eclipse, those other teams will not unless they go toward the Canadian border. Happy viewing!

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/

Eastern New York Presents a Recreational Skills Clinic on June 1

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

March 28, 2024-The Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) is very pleased to present a Recreational Skills Clinic in support of the Spring 2024 League America Festival. It is free-of-charge and will take place during the State Cup finals on Saturday, June 1 at Stringham Park in LaGrange.

The event will start with one age group: Boys-Under-10 and Girls-Under-10, recreational players only. League America kicks off with a 1-hour skills clinic followed by inter-league friendly games. Participation awards will be presented to all players.

It’s a Saturday for recreational players to sharpen their skills, meet our coaches and have fun playing friendly games so please share this opportunity with your clubs and teams. 

Squads that would like to sign up can e-mail lfrancis@enysoccer.com. Responses should be sent to that e-mail address by 4 pm (the close of business) on Monday, April 15.

Any questions, please call the Eastern New York office at 516-766-0849.

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/

Clifton Parks’ Ari George is Currently in England Training With Everton’s Soccer Academy

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

March 18, 2024-A Clifton Park teenager who competes in the Capital District Youth Soccer League (CDYSL) is currently in England training with Everton Football Club’s international academy until March 23.

13-year-old Ari George travelled to the Merseyside club along with his parents Marcus and Annie. Ari said before leaving, “I can’t wait to train with the International Academy coaches there and soak up everything they can teach me. It’s a great opportunity and I know I’m going to enjoy and just try to learn every second I’m there. The opportunity to go to Everton’s training ground and see how Premier League players and academy players train is just fantastic.”

Patrick Rabideau, who coaches Ari with the Boys-Under-14 Clifton Park Evolution, explained, “We’ve been part of Everton’s international affiliate program for two years now and it’s been an eye-opening opportunity for us to work with such a prestigious club in the English game and to learn from coaches who are training potential Premier League stars of the future, day-in and day-out.”

Coach Rabideau continued, “That access to the knowledge and coaching methodology that Everton has…has helped us to develop our own programs here at the Clifton Park Soccer Club, and this opportunity for one of our players to travel over is just another example of why this partnership is so beneficial to us as an organization.”

“We work really closely with Clifton Park to develop their academy program, to sharing best practices from our own academy but also through offering tailored support and training visits for both coaches and players to our training complex,” stated Patrick Byrne, Everton’s International Technical Manager. “We know from speaking to our other affiliate clubs across North America and beyond that these visits are really valuable in terms of strengthening our relationships with affiliates but also the learnings from seeing a Premier League environment up close.”

Byrne continued, “We look forward to welcoming Ari and his family to Finch Farm for a week with the hope that he will be inspired to keep working hard and keep loving his soccer.”

Ari is the first Clifton Park player to visit the 9-time English champions although Clifton Park coaches have gone before him as part of their affiliate program.

Ari will be back in Clifton Park to show what he learned at Everton when the Clifton Park Evolution play their second round State Cup match on April 6 against DV7 New York at Clifton Common. 

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/