By Randy Vogt, Director of Public Relations, Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association
October 29, 2025-The Long Island Junior Soccer League (LIJSL), the largest league in the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA), has announced a new coaching initiative. Named the Young Coaches Alliance, the LIJSL is partnering with the American Soccer Club NY (ASCNY) and The Coaching Manual in serving coaches ages 18-30 who want to begin or further their development in coaching.
“I’m excited and proud to roll out this coach-centric program for young coaches in our area,” said John Fitzgerald, LIJSL Sporting Director and ASCNY Head Coach. “The collaborative commitment from the three organizations behind this project forms a solid foundation for the Young Coaches Alliance to be successful. We’ve been able to join coaching education, professional experiences, and coaching support, so that up-and-coming young coaches can have a positive and supportive start to their coaching journeys. This is a worthwhile venture that will solidly benefit the game.”
The goal is to provide a positive start for young coaching careers. The program offers several benefits including coaching education, experiential learning, access to a coaching app with training sessions and season plans plus mentoring. Some of the benefits are listed below:
• One tuition-free grassroots coaching education course
• Hands-on experiential learning with professional team
• Attend ASCNY training sessions
• Invitation to one free ASCNY home match, with total access
• Observe college training sessions
• Lessons on creating/structuring/preparing training sessions
• Three months free subscription to The Coaching Manual
• Mentorship
“American Soccer Club NY – ‘Fighting Tomcats,’ are proud to stand alongside the LIJSL and The Coaching Manual in shaping the next generation of coaches,” ASCNY General Manager Jim Kilmeade explained. “Through our soon-to-be-launched Sideline Club, we’re committed to creating pathways that not only elevate the game but also empower young leaders on Long Island who will carry the spirit of the sport forward. This initiative reflects our belief that investing in coaches is investing in the future of our players, our clubs, and our communities.”
“We’re proud to support this program,” said Terry Barton, CEO of The Coaching Manual. “At our core, we’ve always believed in the incredible coaching talent across the USA, and we’ve spent years helping it thrive. This initiative perfectly blends local delivery with a global mindset, giving young coaches the tools and knowledge to elevate the game and inspire the next generation of soccer talent.”
Application deadline: January 15, 2026 (candidates must be 18 years or older as of March 1, 2026)
The selection committee will pick 10 candidates for the program and you can apply here.
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/