By Randy Vogt, Director of Public Relations, Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association
July 30, 2026-Shawn Tarquinio never does anything halfway. He was a top player growing up in the Long Island Junior Soccer League (LIJSL), then became an “A” licensed coach with US Soccer. His coaching resume includes leading club teams, the St. Peter’s College women and he is well-regarded in the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) as he was an Olympic Development Program (ODP) coach and administrator for many years.
Shawn, whose “real job” is being a Salesman at United Fabrics based in Pennsauken, New Jersey, decided to become a referee two years ago.
“I wanted to stay connected to the game and earn some extra money so I became a ref as it was time for a new challenge,” Shawn explained. “I figured refereeing was a good way to continue to grow the game by seeing what’s happening up close on soccer fields. My experience could help young coaches and players.”
The 55-year-old East Islip resident has stayed busy on weekends as a referee and assistant ref on Suffolk County soccer fields.
Eastern New York Hall of Famer Jim Volpe has known Shawn since he was a boy, coaching him on the Oceanside Aztecs and said, “Shawn is all-in. He was with ODP and he wanted to become a referee so he resigned to concentrate on being a ref. No matter what he does, he’s always looking to improve and wants to be the best ref he can be.”
Thinking about being close to all the action and becoming a ref just like Shawn did? Eastern New York is seeking new referees to be in the middle and/or on the line as assistant referees in youth soccer games. The minimum age is 14 years old to become certified. You manage your availability so officiating works with all the rest that you do!
For more information, click here. If you have any questions, e-mail questions@enysreferee.org
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, east of Route 81. ENYYSA encourages 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 US Soccer and US Youth Soccer. For more information, please log on to http://www.enysoccer.com/