By Randy Vogt, Director of Public Relations, Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association
December 7, 2023-The Cosmopolitan Junior Soccer League (CJSL), the oldest league in the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) and in all of American youth soccer, has announced the appointment of Darren Marshall as the first Director of Education (DOE) of the league. This newly established position underscores the CJSL’s commitment to elevating player and coach development plus providing a world-class soccer development platform for clubs in New York City. As the CJSL celebrates its 90th Anniversary, the addition of Coach Marshall demonstrates the league’s ongoing commitment to excellence and growth in partnership with US Youth Soccer, where Skip Gilbert, CEO of US Youth Soccer, addressed the milestone celebration.
In his role as Director of Education, Darren will collaborate closely with CJSL clubs, fostering personalized player development plans plus overseeing talent identification and growth evaluations. Key responsibilities of the DOE include maintaining up-to-date coaching education pathways, teaching courses tailored to league coaches, offering guidance and support to clubs plus monitoring coaching needs.
“The establishment of the Director of Education position represents a major milestone for our league,” CJSL President Ron Restrepo stated. “We are dedicated to providing our clubs and players with the highest level of coaching education and development opportunities. Darren’s appointment reaffirms our commitment to enhancing all our clubs and to be ‘more than a league.’ “
Darren has served as a staff coach at US Soccer’s National Training Centers, contributed to club development and coached diverse age groups. His impressive coaching background includes time with the Boston Breakers, leading Olympic Development Program (ODP) teams in international tournaments and evaluating ODP Regional Pools. He holds the US Soccer “A” License, US Soccer Premier Diploma and Grass Roots Instructor qualifications among others.
“As the Director of Education for the CJSL, I hope to open pathways on player and coach development and create a lasting support network within the league,” Darren said. “I want to use my soccer education and experience to contribute to the league’s mission of providing top-tier soccer development for all clubs and players.”
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 United States Youth Soccer. For more information, please log on to http://www.enysoccer.com/