By Randy Vogt, Director of Public Relations, Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association
September 17, 2026-Perhaps because the World Cup was played here this past summer but there are now many soccer coaches advertising their training and tutoring ability to soccer families. Parents certainly need to ask what their credentials are before hiring them. A good place to start would be to ask to see their coaching or training pass from the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA).
Every person must complete a coaching course before receiving a pass to coach in an Eastern New York league.
Additionally, Eastern New York conducts background checks on coaches before they can be rostered in any of our leagues. They must pass this background check every two years to continue to be involved in our competitions.
Eastern New York coaches must watch periodic videos on preventing abuse, bullying and assault from the US Center for Safe Sport as well as receive concussion awareness training from the Center for Disease Control (CDC). Additionally, coaches who have completed advanced courses also watch annual videos from US Soccer on head injuries, mental illness and how to respond to medical emergencies at the field.
So if local coaches do not have a pass from Eastern New York or an affiliated league, you don’t know exactly what you are getting when you hire them.
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/