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.
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/