By Randy Vogt, Director of Public Relations, Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association
February 4, 2025-The Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) is pleased to announce that Parker Jackson has been honored as the Eastern New York Young Male Referee of the Year. The ceremony took place during the Eastern New York Hall of Fame Banquet on January 25 at Marina Del Rey in the Bronx.
Parker joined the ranks of referee a few days after turning 14 in 2022, and since that time has developed into one of the Hudson Valley’s most improved referees. The Highland resident seeks the advice of other referees to increase his capacity as an official and has participated in a number of Hudson Valley Youth Soccer League (HVYSL) indoor and outdoor tournaments. Recently, Parker has joined the Hudson Valley Soccer Referee Association (HVSRA) Referee Academy and HVSRA anticipates that the additional support and education will afford him greater opportunities in the future as an official.
Despite training, playing or officiating five to seven days per week, Parker consistently maintains an A average in school. Playing soccer has been his passion and officiating has allowed him to grow as a player and as a person. He volunteers with the Highland United Soccer Club at their weekend training sessions, where he hopes to cultivate a new generation of soccer players and teach a younger generation to love the sport. Parker can also frequently be found in his backyard with his eight-year old sister, running her through soccer drills. Parker is well-liked and well-respected by peers and coaches, having been named as the team captain for two of his club teams. As a current sophomore, was recently named to the Section IX, Class B All-Class team.
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/