Eastern NY Youth Soccer Association

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Human Interest

Rheyan Cader Inducted Into the Eastern New York Soccer Hall of Fame

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

January 29, 2025-The Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) is pleased to announce that Beacon’s Rheyan Cader has been inducted into the Eastern New York Hall of Fame. The induction ceremony took place at our Hall of Fame Banquet on Saturday, January 25 at Marina del Rey in the Bronx.

ENYYSA President Richard Christiano on left with Hall of Fame inductee Rheyan Cader

As a kid growing up in Zimbabwe, Rhey played soccer for Arcadia United and Prince Edward Academy plus the Zimbabwe Youth National Team before emigrating to New York in 1998.

Rhey then started coaching his oldest son’s intramural team in the Beacon Soccer Club, quickly moving them to travel and eventually a State Cup championship. He has continued coaching travel teams for nearly three decades, long after his own children aged out. He recently started coaching a Boys-Under-10 squad that had no coach so that the team did not have to disband.

The good people of the Beacon Soccer Club saw Rhey’s potential early on and recruited him to volunteer on the Board of Directors and he soon became President, a position that he has held for the past 15 years. Rhey revitalized the club and has grown registrations to nearly 700 children.

Rhey created an Angel Fund to provide financial assistance to those who would otherwise not be able to play and he started Volunteer Recognition Awards plus a Beacon Hall of Fame which has contributed significantly to increasing volunteerism. He leads by example and can often be found lining fields, working the snack bar and negotiating with vendors. He is a very much respected volunteer in the Hudson Valley soccer community.

Additionally, Rhey was honored as Eastern New York’s Personality of the Month in October 2015 and inducted into the Hudson Valley Youth Soccer League (HVYSL) Hall of Fame in 2019 for his many contributions to youth soccer.

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/

Peter Bralower Inducted Into the Eastern New York Soccer Hall of Fame

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

January 28, 2025-The Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) is very pleased to announce that longtime volunteer Peter Bralower has been inducted into the Eastern New York Hall of Fame. The induction ceremony took place at our Hall of Fame Banquet on Saturday, January 25 at Marina del Rey in the Bronx.

From left to right: ENYYSA President Richard Christiano, Hall of Fame inductee Peter Bralower, ENYYSA Second Vice President Bill Smith.

Peter was a founding coach of the Rockville Centre Soccer Club in 1971. He helped grow the club as a Board Member for over four decades plus as President from 1989 to 1991.

Peter brought cutting edge programs such as small-sided games as a player development tool to the club long before US Soccer adopted it. He initiated Rockville Centre’s player giveback program, Kids Helping Kids, and helped start the club’s TOPSoccer Program. Additionally, Peter has organized Rockville Centre’s Alumni Games for the past generation of the six decades that it has been played over Thanksgiving weekend.

He has a United Soccer Coaches National Diploma and has coached over 1,750 youth soccer and high school games in the past 54 years. Peter led the Rockville Centre Royals to State Open Cup and Regional titles plus Sacred Heart Academy to the 2016 state high school championship, the same year that he was honored as Newsday Soccer Coach of the Year. Additionally, Peter coached men’s and women’s teams made up of college players to 13 summer championships in the Long Island Soccer Football League (LISFL), retiring the Pat Ryder Cup in 1989. 

As another sign of the impact he’s had, Peter was inducted into the Long Island Junior Soccer League (LIJSL) Hall of Fame in 2000 and Peter Bralower Field in Rockville Centre was dedicated 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/

Chris Ingwersen Honored as Eastern New York’s Girls Competitive Coach of the Year

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

January 29, 2025-The Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) is pleased to state that Chris Ingwersen of Northport has been honored as the Eastern New York Girls Competitive Coach of the Year. The ceremony was at the Eastern New York Hall of Fame Banquet on January 25 at Marina Del Rey in the Bronx.

From left to right: ENYYSA President Richard Christiano, Girls Competitive Coach of the Year Chris Ingwersen, ENYYSA Second Vice President Bill Smith.

Chris is currently the head coach of the South Huntington Wolves and South Huntington Fire plus the assistant coach of the South Huntington Storm. His teams have won the Long Island Junior Soccer League (LIJSL) division championship plus advanced to the Long Island Cup finals.

The four nominating letters from South Huntington Soccer Club members stated that Coach Chris routinely engages his players in discussion about respect, both for their opponents plus the rules. He encourages the girls to recognize that every game is an opportunity to show good sportsmanship, regardless of the outcome. He demonstrates this by remaining even-tempered, displaying the behavior that he expects his players to emulate.

Chris’ ability to manage personalities within his teams ensures that every girl feels included and valued. Yet every player understands that playing time is earned through hard work and commitment. He challenges his girls by placing them in different positions during matches plus every practice and game is approached with a sense of purpose.

Chris is also actively engaged in the community as President of the Beverly Beach Association, he’s the former chief of the Cold Spring Harbor Volunteer Fire Department and was an Eagle Scout.

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/

Maiken Bursig Honored as Eastern New York’s TOPSoccer Coach of the Year

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

February 3, 2025-The Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) is pleased to announce that Maiken Bursig of Glen Oaks has been honored as the Eastern New York TOPSoccer Coach of the Year. TOPSoccer stands for The Outreach Program for Soccer, providing an opportunity for children with intellectual, physical and/or social characteristics that may require modified educational practices and services in order to develop to their potential. The ceremony took place during the Eastern New York Hall of Fame Banquet on January 25 at Marina Del Rey in the Bronx.

From left to right: ENYYSA President Richard Christiano, TOPSoccer Coach of the Year Maiken Bursig, ENYYSA Second Vice President Bill Smith.

Maiken joined the New Hyde Park Wildcats’ TOPSoccer Program in 1998 when she was a young girl, and at the age of 35 today, she is still very much actively involved and continues to have a fresh approach to the athletes. She is a caring, compassionate woman who is always there for each individual player and the team. The nominating letter from three different club volunteers mentioned that she always has a smile on her face and is able to cheer up players when they’re sad.

Maiken grew up in the Wildcats program, from intramurals to travel team soccer in the Long Island Junior Soccer League (LIJSL), all while coaching TOPSoccer as a kid. She continues to play soccer as an adult. She’s the coach of the New Hyde Park Memorial High School girls varsity soccer team and has been instrumental in having her Gladiators volunteer for TOPSoccer. Additionally, as a lifeguard at the New Hyde Park community pool, she invites the Special Children she sees to attend a TOPSoccer practice.

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/

Aristotelis Kougemitros Honored as Eastern New York’s Volunteer of the Year

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

January 30, 2025-The Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) is pleased to announce that Aristotelis Kougemitros of Huntington has been honored as the Eastern New York Volunteer of the Year. The ceremony took place the Eastern New York Hall of Fame Banquet on January 25 at Marina Del Rey in the Bronx.

Telly has been the backbone of the Elwood Soccer Club for nearly a decade. He coaches multiple teams, wrote a coaching checklist for new coaches, lines fields, is in charge of uniforms and helps fellow Board members when they are overwhelmed with their responsibilities. He connected with the local PTA to help promote registration and created an active presence for the Elwood Soccer Club on Facebook.

Telly built a relationship with a local sod farm so the club can obtain cheaper seed and fertilizer by purchasing opened or damaged sod bags.

Before Telly became involved, the club was at a low, its fewest registered number of players ever and in financial debt. Now the Long Island Junior Soccer League (LIJSL) club is at its highest registration ever for Pre-K and K players plus is financially stable once again.

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/

Beth Tiffany Honored as Eastern New York’s Boys Competitive Coach of the Year

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

January 27, 2025-The Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) is pleased to announce that the Niskayuna Soccer Club’s Beth Tiffany has been honored as the 2024 Eastern New York Boys Competitive Coach of the Year. Beth was honored along with Luis Lewis for this award as the Of the Year Committee could not exclude outstanding candidates like these two coaches.

Beth was nominated by three people who all wrote about her outstanding character with words such as “deeply passionate coach” and “truly inspiring role model.” Coach Beth cultivates a culture of respect, integrity and camaraderie in training and games that reaches beyond the players to their families and fans. Many small actions contribute to building this culture, but above all, Beth is a leader who brings out the best in others.

One example given was connecting with a boy who missed living in his native country. Prior to a Capital District Youth Soccer League (CDYSL) game, you’re likely to see that Beth is one of the first to arrive and in all probability, chatting with the referee and the opposing coach as players arrive. This small action is effective to setting a positive tone.

Additionally, all her players are on the field for at least half the game as building confidence is central to her coaching philosophy. She has taken a Boys-Under-9 squad which won just a few games to what’s now a Boys-Under-12 team that is one of the most competitive in the area.

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 New York Elite’s Brandon Da Costa Named One of the 25 Best High School Soccer Players in America

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

January 16, 2025-Brandon Da Costa had a marvelous senior season for Ichabod Crane Central High School in leading the Riders to a 13-4-0 record. Brandon recorded 46 goals and 13 assists, scoring three or more goals in nine games, an amazing tally. His 46 goals were the most by any high school player in New York State last year and he was honored as the Colonial Council Conference MVP.

In the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA), the Valatie resident played for Capital District Youth Soccer League (CDYSL) clubs Alleycats and now for New York Elite. He has also played for Eastern New York’s Olympic Development Program (ODP).

Sports Illustrated named Brandon won of the Top 25 Boys High School Soccer Players in the United States this past fall. They are conducting a survey to vote for the National High School Player of the Year. Please take a minute to vote before the January 23 deadline.

The New Yorkers represented on the girls side are Maddie Costello of Ward Melville High School and Teigan Cunnane of Albertus Magnus High School and you can vote 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. 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/

Hudson Valley Youth Soccer League Partners With the Sideline Project to Improve Sportsmanship

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

January 21, 2025-The Hudson Valley Youth Soccer League (HVYSL) and Soccer Parenting Association announce a partnership agreement to make youth soccer better by providing members within their league with educational resources. With an emphasis on curriculum and collaboration, the partnership focuses on the gameday experience for all participants, ultimately improving the sideline environment. 

“The HVYSL Board of Directors and staff are excited about this new partnership and being able to support our member clubs in making the youth soccer experience in the Hudson Valley better for the players, parents, coaches, officials and all involved,” explained HVYSL President, Chris Decker. “This partnership is an investment and commitment to growing the Beautiful Game through the educational opportunities and support provided by Soccer Parenting. Whether it be the training pitch, sidelines on game day or the car ride home, Soccer Parenting has the resources to help make it a better experience for all involved.” 

Additionally, HVYSL will join as a Sideline Project Partner (TheSidelineProject.com), and will encourage all parents, coaches, referees and spectators to join the Sideline Project movement by taking the Sideline Project Pledge. 

“This curriculum partnership between the Hudson Valley Youth Soccer League embodies the Soccer Parenting mission by addressing sideline behavior and engaging and supporting members of our youth soccer eco-system. We are encouraged by their commitment to ensure a positive youth soccer experience of players, families, dedicated coaches and referees.” said Skye Eddy, Founder of the Soccer Parenting Association and the Sideline Project. 

The league brings together nearly 15,000 players in clubs from Dutchess, Orange, Ulster, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan and Westchester counties in New York State plus Pike County in Pennsylvania.

The HVYSL is the second league in the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) to partner with Soccer Parenting. The Cosmopolitan Junior Soccer League (CJSL) has improved the gameday experience in New York City in their relationship with Soccer Parenting for the past three years.

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 Brentwood Soccer Club Celebrates Its Golden Anniversary

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

January 10, 2025-Brentwood loves soccer. It’s by far the most popular sport in the mainly Latino town and all this enthusiasm has resulted in five state championships for the Brentwood High School boys varsity team.

Those players cut their teeth playing for the Brentwood Soccer Club at Brentwood State Park. The club celebrated its 50th Anniversary on December 13 at the American Legion Hall in Lindenhurst.

“My deepest appreciation extends to all our volunteers, coaches, and staff, past and present,” Brentwood Soccer Club President Violette Smith said. “Your dedication transforms plans into action and dreams into reality. Looking at what we’ve achieved together, not just this year, but over the past decades, I feel humbled that we will continue to strive no matter the changes in the soccer landscape.”

Key contributors from the club’s past and present were in attendance, including former club presidents Bruce Fabrizio and Norma Gorman as well as the Long Island Junior Soccer League (LIJSL) Programs and Events Manager Stephanie Hernandez, who grew up playing for the club along with her husband Joe.

“It was a special evening for both Joe and I,” Hernandez explained. “We both fondly remember playing games at the Pilgrim State Fields, now Brentwood State Park. This night truly felt like a homecoming and we’re both so proud of how the club has grown and how it continues to grow.”

The night full of celebration was capped off with honoring those who bleed green and black for Brentwood Soccer Club and have laid the groundwork for the club’s milestone. Smith was inducted last year into the LIJSL Hall of Fame for her pivotal role in helping make Brentwood soccer what it is today.  

“Thank you for making our mission your own,” Smith said. “Let’s carry this energy forward as we continue working toward our shared goals for another 50 years.”

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/

Playing Club Soccer in College

By Pat Grecco

January 14, 2025-In my more than three decades of placing high school athletes into colleges and universities to play soccer, there have been times when the decision to attend the high-profile university superseded the opportunity to playing soccer at the collegiate level. The decision then had to be made, “Do I play club soccer in college?”

In the pecking order of college sports there is 1. Varsity, 2. Club and 3 Intramural. If you love the game of soccer, don’t give up if were not recruited by the coach at the school you plan to attend. Like many types of club programs, they have President, Vice-President and Treasurer as club programs are student-run and student-led. Club soccer is not governed by the NCAA or any sanctioning organization.  

What club soccer can do for you:

• Keep you in the game that you love

• Obtain leadership skills

• Maintain fitness level 

• Make friends and develop commitment 

Fundraising is an important part of club sports. In order to provide funding, events are hosted, donations requested, usually from parents and family. This money attempts to make the club program independent and self-supporting.  Depending on your college’s funding structure, you might have to pay some of the costs associated with participating in a club sport. This can include equipment, uniforms and even travel costs for away games. 

Keep in mind that playing club soccer in college is most likely not a bridge to getting onto the Varsity the following year. There is usually a faculty member who is in charge of club and intramural sports at a college, but please understand that most of the club sport activity is student-run. 

Some college club teams might be highly competitive, feeling almost like a varsity team, while others might be more relaxed. You’ll want to check in with the team culture and commitment level at your school and ensure it fits with your expectations and course schedule. Club sports are less demanding of your time but a great way to make friendships and feel a part of the campus community.

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Pat Grecco is an Eastern New York and Long Island Junior Soccer League Hall of Famer who is CEO of the College-Bound Athlete Scholarship Service. For more info, log on to www.collegeboundathlete.com or contact Pat directly at soccervol@aol.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/