By Randy Vogt, Director of Public Relations, Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association
January 6, 2025-The Long Island Futsal League (LIFL) kicked off play at the World Gym in Setauket in 1996. Always affiliated with either US Futsal or US Soccer, the LIFL then started using school gymnasiums in central Suffolk County for league play and slowly increased the number of teams that registered. The league received a jolt in the number of registered teams in 2018 when it affiliated with the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA). That winter, nearly 50% of its teams were new to the LIFL as ENYYSA can easily communicate directly with 100,000-plus registered players in the state, unlike other groups.
The LIFL went from 196 squads in 2017 before affiliating with ENYYSA to the 312 that have registered this winter, an all-time high, despite losing one season in 2021 due to Covid with all players, coaches, refs and spectators needing to wear masks upon futsal’s return in 2022. The LIFL is now one of the largest futsal leagues in the United States.
“Affiliating with Eastern New York provides great recognition and credibility and it’s equally important that we are registered with the Long Island Junior Soccer League as a recreational club as that provides similar benefits in our status,” stated LIFL President John Branca. “Having certified referees in both US Soccer and futsal is a big plus too.”
In addition to all these benefits, affiliating with ENYYSA provides insurance plus the coaches and referees have passed background checks. Contrast this with other indoor leagues, many which struggle to attract teams and that cut corners with no heat, no insurance for players, coaches or referees and the game being officiated by the guy behind the desk.
For more information on how to affiliate your league or tournament with ENYYSA, please contact our 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/