By Randy Vogt, Director of Public Relations, Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association
January 23, 2025-The origins of Special Children playing soccer can be traced back to the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) in 1978. Today, the Capital District Youth Soccer League (CDYSL), Hudson Valley Youth Soccer League (HVYSL), Long Island Junior Soccer League (LIJSL) and Staten Island Youth Soccer League (SIYSL) in Eastern New York all have Special Children’s programs, which is now known as TOPSoccer, The Outreach Program for Soccer.
TOPSoccer is a US Youth Soccer initiative that offers children and adults with intellectual, emotional and physical challenges the chance to play soccer in a supportive and structured environment.
Now, America’s oldest soccer league, the Cosmopolitan Junior Soccer League (CJSL), is getting in on all the fun. New York City originals since 1933, the CJSL is happy to announce that registration is now open for their new TOPSoccer Program.
Whether you’re registering as a Participant or a Buddy, this is an event you won’t want to miss!
CJSL 1-Day TOPSoccer Pilot Event
Sunday, February 23, 2025 from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm
At the SoccerRoof in Sunset Park (14b 53rd St, Brooklyn, NY)
For Boys and Girls players, 7–12 years old
Entirely FREE of charge
Wear:
· Soccer cleats or sneakers
· Shin guards (if possible)
· Weather-appropriate athletic wear for indoor soccer (player T-shirts will be provided!)
Bring:
· A soccer ball (if you have one, otherwise the good folks of the CJSL will provide one)
· Water for breaks
Register
· Participant Registration: REGISTER HERE
· Buddy Registration: REGISTER HERE
Buddy Details:
· Buddies must be in 6th grade or older.
· Responsibilities include assisting players, keeping them engaged and ensuring they have fun!
· Buddy Training: Required online and before the pilot event.
Buddies will receive a letter for Volunteer/Community Service hours, perfect for meeting school requirements. Encourage the older players in soccer clubs to join this very rewarding experience!
For more info, please contact the CJSL at 718-491-4009.
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/