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LIJSL Teams Donate to Breast Cancer Research at the Pink Ribbon Soccer Festival

By Randy Vogt, Director of Public Relations, Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association

August 15, 2025-The Pink Ribbon Soccer Festival continues to gain momentum on the Long Island soccer calendar.

Eight Long Island Junior Soccer League (LIJSL) teams played friendly games against one another in the 19th Annual Pink Ribbon Soccer Festival on Saturday, August 9 at the Peter Collins Soccer Park in Plainview. The Saturday date was new this year as the previous editions were played on Sunday.

LIJSL Academy 2017, Albertson, Lynbrook/East Rockaway and Massapequa all had fun in the Girls-Under-9 and 10 age group while LIJSL Academy 2015, Islandia, Northport/Cow Harbor and Wantagh/Seaford did the same in the Girls-Under-11 and 12 age group. Additionally, four adult coed teams made up of Estée Lauder employees from their offices on Long Island and in New York City were part of the action as well.

Also new this year was Juan Castillo, Estée Lauder’s Executive Director of Quality Assurance at the Melville office, was organizing the event on the Estée Lauder side as Carlos Ospina has retired from the firm. Yet Carlos is still very much involved in playing at the Pink Ribbon Soccer Festival as well as volunteering as the Lynbook/East Rockaway Soccer Club President and coaching the Lynbrook/East Rockaway TOPSoccer Program.

Carlos said, “This tournament just keeps getting better! The energy at the Collins Soccer Park was amazing with Estée Lauder players on one side of the park and young girls wearing pink on the other side. All having a blast doing their part for such a great cause! As always, it’s such an honor to be part of it.”

Through player entry fees, breast cancer support merchandise sales and raffle tickets, over $5,000 was raised for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, founded by Evelyn Lauder in 1992. A huge thanks to sponsors American Challenge Soccer Store, HiC ERG, Refurbco Inc, NextDine Café and Trio Packaging Corp.

Refs from the Long Island Soccer Officials (LISO) donated their time in officiating from 9 am to 2 pm and a special thanks to assignor Anthony Desimone (not pictured as he was busy taking the above photo). 

The LIJSL, through its partnership with the Estée Lauder Companies and Breast Cancer Research Foundation, has donated the use of the Peter Collins Soccer Park since the inaugural Pink Ribbon Soccer Festival in 2004. This wonderful event took a break from 2020 to 2022 because of the pandemic.

“The LIJSL is honored to part of this special event and the relationship between LIJSL and Estée Lauder continues to grow year after year together supporting Breast Cancer Research Foundation,” LIJSL Events Manager Stephanie Hernandez stated. ”It is so rewarding having so many players participating and bringing awareness at such a young age. We thank all the coaches, players and families for all their support.”

Teams from the LIJSL, the largest league in the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA), are also encouraged to wear pink and play with pink soccer balls throughout October, which is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. 

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/

Liberty Cup Reboots With a New Tournament on Long Island

By Randy Vogt, Director of Public Relations, Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association

July 31, 2025-The Long Island Junior Soccer League (LIJSL) has gone Back to the Future!

The largest league in the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) organized the Liberty Cup on Long Island from 1990 to 1996. Sister tournaments that spawned were Liberty Cup Ireland, Liberty Cup Italy and Liberty Cup Moscow, which truly earned its name when it was played during the aborted August 1991 Soviet military coup. Eventually, the cultural exchanges ended and what was left of the Liberty Cup were friendships restored through social media.

“The Liberty Cup began in the LIJSL, and it fast became a popular and diverse event,” LIJSL Sporting Director John Fitzgerald explained. “Almost 30 years after it ended its run on Long Island, it’s still a tournament that people talk about. LIJSL Technical Director Ronan Wiseman thought it would be a great idea to reignite the tournament, and it was met with a good deal of enthusiasm. This year was a great start, and we hope to grow it even more over the next few years.”

46 teams, both boys and girls squads from Under-9 to Under-12, had fun on July 26 and 27 at Brentwood State Park in Liberty Cup 2.0. It was the second tournament event of the summer for the LIJSL Academy East and West squads.

“It was great to see the Liberty Cup return,” LIJSL Technical Director Ronan Wiseman said. “It brought out some good teams and provided some exciting games. I’m looking forward to a bigger and better event next year.”

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/

CJSL to Enter a Men’s Team in the Cosmopolitan Soccer League This Fall

By Randy Vogt, Director of Public Relations, Eastern New York Youth Soccer Assocaition

July 30, 2025-The Cosmopolitan Junior Soccer League (CJSL), the oldest youth soccer league in the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) and all of American youth soccer, is proud to announce the formation of its first-ever men’s team—the New York Cosmopolitans—set to debut in the Second Division of the Cosmopolitan Soccer League (CSL) this fall.

This moment marks a powerful return to the league’s roots. Founded in 1933, the CJSL was originally established as the youth division of the CSL, which launched in 1923 as the German-American Soccer League. The CJSL is reuniting its youth legacy with the senior game, creating a dedicated amateur and semi-professional pathway for New York City’s top soccer talent. Additionally, a 2024 CJSL survey of coaches and administrators found that 70% of youth players in the Five Boroughs do not plan on playing college soccer. This new men’s team will serve those who want to continue playing competitively without going the college route.

“The launch of the New York Cosmopolitans is about building a sustainable pathway that connects the dreams of youth soccer players to the realities of the adult game,” said CJSL President Paul Kontonis. “We are proud to be more than a league, a platform for lifelong soccer development in New York City.”

“Bringing the men’s and youth programs together under one banner reaffirms our purpose and history,” stated Mike Fitzgerald, President of the CSL. “This is the evolution of the original vision behind the CJSL and CSL. We are excited to unite the past, present, and future of New York City soccer in one community.”

The New York Cosmopolitans will be composed of players ages 18 and up, with priority given to CJSL alumni. All players who have played a minimum of three years in the CJSL will be eligible to register for free. Non-CJSL players may register for a fee of $250 for the combined Fall 2025 and Spring 2026 CSL seasons.

The team’s official shield will be the current CJSL logo, reinforcing the direct connection between the league’s historic foundation and its future in adult amateur competition.

Tryouts will take place in early August, with all alumni players invited to attend. In an unprecedented effort to connect talent across leagues, clubs from the CSL, APSL, NPSL and USL systems will be invited to attend the trials to scout players for potential upward movement. The CJSL is committed to helping players rise through the ranks by creating visibility and access to higher-level clubs and opportunities.

The initiative is supported by the New York Pancyprian Freedoms, 2024 National Amateur Cup Champions, who are folding their reserve program into the CJSL men’s team to build a stronger player pipeline. The CJSL will soon announce coaching and back-office staff, as well as home field, training schedules and the official uniform reveal.

The New York Cosmopolitans will also feature mentor players—experienced senior-level athletes who will help guide and elevate the younger players as they adapt to the demands of men’s competition. Off the field, players will gain access to real-world professional development through CJSL programs focused on media, operations, internships and career growth.

The debut of the New York Cosmopolitans solidifies CJSL’s role as a complete soccer ecosystem in New York City, offering a full-circle development model from grassroots to adult amateur play and beyond.

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/

27 Student-Athletes Receive Long Island Junior Soccer League Scholarships

By Randy Vogt, Director of Public Relations, Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association

July 22, 2025-The Long Island Junior Soccer League (LIJSL), the largest league in the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA), has the largest scholarship program in Eastern New York. The league distributed 27 scholarships at the LIJSL Scholarship Breakfast on Sunday, July 20 at the Huntington Hilton. These well-rounded teenagers, selected based on academic and athletic excellence plus community service, exemplify the mission of the league and its idealistic slogan of “Building Character Through Soccer.”

The LIJSL Scholarship Program began in 1981 when one boy and one girl each received a scholarship and it has grown exponentially over the past 44 years just as soccer has grown in the United States. Nearly $30,000 in scholarships were awarded this year. Almost half of the scholarships are named after longtime league volunteers and the program is under the direction of Matt McElwee. 

LIJSL Scholarship Committee member Lynn Scarpati, in noting that six of the scholarships are named after teenagers tragically killed by drunk drivers, advised the scholarship recipients that “as you move on to college, seek kids who have the same values as you.”

Congratulations to all the LIJSL Scholarship recipients:

• Emily Love attending Providence College, Bill Peet Memorial Scholarship

• Alex Cerrotta attending Providence College, Marc Stein Memorial Scholarship

• Andrew Greco attending Stony Brook University, Jerry and Sally Marinan Memorial Scholarship

• Samantha Solar attending the University of Scranton, Brittney Walsh Memorial Scholarship

• Peter Udilovich attending Cornell University, Brittney Walsh Memorial Scholarship

• Iyoshua Baxter attending SUNY North County CC, Sean Urda Memorial Scholarship

• Patrick Himmel attending Cortland State, Rocco Amoroso Sportsmanship Award Scholarship

• Dana Scruggs attending Cortland State, Peter C. Collins Presidential Scholarship

• Emma Cross attending Utica University, Addie Mattei-Iaia Presidential Scholarship

• Maura Reilly attending Stetson University, Pat Grecco Scholarship

• Christine Lombardi attending Siena College, Tania Bonilla Memorial Scholarship

• Nicholas Genna attending St. John’s University, LIJSL Merit Scholarship

• Nicholas Tonorezos attending the University of Maryland, LIJSL Merit Scholarship

• Guilia Zingone attending the University of Buffalo, Joseph Lombardo Memorial Scholarship

• Owen Sacket attending Indiana University, Matthew Scarpati Memorial Scholarship

• Sophia McCord attending SUNY-ESF, Michael Scarpati Memorial Goalkeeper Scholarship

• Oscar Dalton attending Swarthmore College, Miles For Matt Foundation Scholarship

• Michael Donovan attending Binghamton University, Miles For Matt Foundation Scholarship

• Avery Whitehouse attending Penn State University, Miles For Matt Foundation Scholarship

• Samantha Donovan attending William Paterson University, Carolyn Page Memorial Scholarship

• Jadyn Hsu attending Hofstra University, Sandra Atlas Bass Scholarship

• David Scala attending Boston University, Frank Gorman Memorial Scholarship

• Itai Hershko attending Indiana University, John Pinezich Memorial Scholarship

• Jack Visnius attending the University of South Carolina, Michael Secko Memorial Scholarship

• Manal Layachi attending St. John’s University, LIJSL TOPSoccer Volunteer Scholarship

• Jonah Drew attending Syracuse University, George Hoffman TOPSoccer Volunteer Scholarship

• Thomas Mark attending Mount Saint Mary College, George Hoffman TOPSoccer Volunteer Scholarship

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/

Back row, left to right: Andrew Greco, Nicholas Tonorezos, Jonah Drew, Patrick Himmel, Itai Hershko, Alex Cerrotta, Emma Cross, Sophia McCord, David Scala, Jack Visnius, Oscar Dalton, Thomas Mark, Iyoshua Baxter
Front row, left to right: Emily Love, Giulia Zingone, Peter Udiolovich, Samantha Solar, Maura Reilly, Avery Whitehouse, Dana Scruggs, Samantha Donovan
Camera shy: Michael Donovan, Nicholas Genna, Jadyn Hsu, Manal Layachi, Christine Lombardi, Owen Sacket

The Tyler Adams Soccer Pitch is Dedicated in Wappinger

By Randy Vogt, Director of Public Relations, Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association

July 21, 2025-Tyler Adams grew up playing for the Town of Poughkeepsie Soccer Club (TOPSC) of the Hudson Valley Youth Soccer League (HVYSL). With him leading the way, his team won an Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) State Cup. Kevin Longacre was the trainer and Andy Stamper was his coach.

The Red Bulls recognized his incredible talent and potential so he left TOPSC in his early teens to train with them. Those long car rides from his home in Poughkeepsie to New Jersey with his mother Melissa Russo and stepfather Darryl Sullivan were worth it as Tyler debuted with the reserve team, Red Bulls II, at the age of 16 and with the MLS side at 17.

It was then on to RB Leipzig in Germany, Leeds United and now Bournemouth in England, where he’s an important part of the Cherries’ hopes for the upcoming English Premier League season.

Tyler has 50 caps (appearances) for the US Men’s National Team and captained the red, white and blue at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Tyler, now 26 years old, returned to the Hudson Valley on July 8 for the dedication of his childhood soccer field, Martz Field in Wappinger, as it became the Tyler Adams Soccer Pitch. We wish our prized alumnus much more continued success!

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/

All photos courtesy of the Hudson Valley Youth Soccer League

Five Outstanding Teenagers Receive CJSL Scholarships

By Randy Vogt, Director of Public Relations, Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association

June 26, 2025-The Cosmopolitan Junior Soccer League (CJSL), the oldest league in the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) and in all of American youth soccer, has announced the recipients of the 2025 Emil Cohill Scholarship, an annual honor awarded to top student-athletes who have demonstrated excellence both on the field and in the classroom while also giving back to their communities.

This year’s scholarship recipients are:

  • Caoimhe Crowe – SC Gjøa
  • Brandon Codallos – Eastern Queens FC
  • Isaiah Harrison – SC Gjøa
  • Alec McDonald – Manhattan Kickers Soccer Club
  • Carlos Munoz Tamay – Eleftheria Pancyprian

Each of these outstanding individuals has been awarded a $4,000 scholarship, distributed as $1,000 per year over four years of college enrollment.

The Emil Cohill Scholarship is named in memory of the Eastern New York Hall of Famer and league leader who dedicated his life to youth development and education through soccer. This year, the CJSL received a record number of applications, each one reflecting the passion, discipline and heart that defines the league.

The five teenagers represent the very best of what the CJSL strives to foster: Well-rounded individuals prepared for success in life and sport.

“The Emil Cohill Scholarship is recognition of character, resilience and potential,” said Dimitrie Draguca, CJSL League Director. “We are proud of this year’s recipients, who exemplify the values of the CJSL both on and off the field. They are great players and they are leaders in the making.”

Each scholarship is renewable annually. To receive their yearly installment, recipients must provide a copy of their college transcript along with a brief academic progress update.

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/

Jadyn Hsu Receives Eastern New York’s Masotto-Driscoll Scholarship

By Randy Vogt, Director of Public Relations, Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association

July 9, 2025-The Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) is pleased to announce that Plainview resident Jadyn Hsu is receiving the Masotto-Driscoll Scholarship. 

The scholarship’s namesakes, Patricia Louise Masotto and Brenda Driscoll, were best friends and top women’s soccer players from Massapequa, Long Island. Eastern New York set up a scholarship in their name after they were killed by a drunk driver in 1985. The scholarship is determined by success in high school as well as community service.

At Bethpage High School, Jadyn had an amazing 106.3 GPA, was an AP Scholar With Distinction and received the Johns Hopkins Dean’s Summer Scholarship, the Long Island Science Congress Honors Award plus the Seal of Biliteracy in English and Spanish. She was a member of the National Honor Society as well as the honor societies in Math, Social Studies and World Languages. Additionally, she was President of the Science Honor Society and Vice President of the Student Civics Key Club.

This season, Jadyn played for the New York Surf as well as both of Bethpage PAL’s Under-19 teams, boys and girls. The Plainview resident somehow found the time to volunteer for Habitat For Humanity, the Red Cross, Sunrise Day Camp, CYO Basketball, Bethpage PAL and many other local organizations.

Jadyn wrote in her essay that “working with younger players is incredibly rewarding. Seeing their faces light up when they learn a new skill reminds me why I love this sport. I help with Bethpage PAL tryouts and practices, making sure every player feels welcome.”

We wish Jadyn well in studying exercise physiology on a pre-med track at Hofstra University this fall.

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/

Emma Murray Receives the Masotto-Driscoll Scholarship From Eastern New York

By Randy Vogt, Director of Public Relations, Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association

July 10, 2025-The Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) is pleased to announce that Emma Murray of Gansevoort is receiving the Masotto-Driscoll Scholarship. 

At Saratoga Springs High School, Emma was on the High Honor Roll all four years, served as captain of the girls varsity soccer team in leading the Blue Streaks to its first Regional championship in 35 years, was a State champion in Alpine Skiing, won the Sportsmanship Award in that sport plus is an accomplished triathlete and cyclist. She was a member of and volunteered for the National Honor Society and French Honor Society, volunteers for numerous other local organizations plus plays the French Horn.

Emma was a member of the Eastern New York and Regional Olympic Development Program (ODP) teams. She wrote in her essay that “soccer is more than a sport, it’s an opportunity to demonstrate leadership, sportsmanship and responsiblity for my actions. As someone who continually yearns for improvement, it is an opportunity to quench my thirst for feedback to improve myself not only as a genuine person but as a soccer player.”

The scholarship’s namesakes, Patricia Louise Masotto and Brenda Driscoll, were best friends and top women’s soccer players from Massapequa, Long Island. Eastern New York set up a scholarship in their name after they were killed by a drunk driver in 1985. The scholarship is determined by success in high school as well as community service. 

We wish Emma the best studying and playing soccer at Haverford College this fall.

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/

Tamara Honcharuk Receives the Jack Bauman Scholarship From Eastern New York

By Randy Vogt, Director of Public Relations, Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association

July 8, 2025-The Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) is very pleased to announce that the Bronx’s Tamara Honcharuk is receiving a Jack Bauman Scholarship. 

Tamara wrote in her essay that “the roaring engines before take-off is a stark contrast to the silence that has settled over my heart. Staring at panoramic scenery through an airplane window, I’m leaving behind more than my country, but my whole life. War has ruined everything. There is a painful emptiness where my soccer team, my home and my sense of normalcy once existed. My teammates are scattered across the globe, pushed away by the same circumstances that put me on this plane. School, old classmates, native streets full of cultural belonging––all these fragments of my life in Ukraine––now feel like far-off echoes. Who will I be so far away from all I’ve known?

Soccer is a passion which I brought through a thorny pathway here. I started to play six years ago, and ever since I appeared on the field, I have fallen in love with the sport. Ball kicking and drills became my everyday routine, where I found enthusiasm, determination and love…

During my first weeks in the new school, we discussed the Cold War using a picture of a European map. Suddenly, a classmate asked the teacher about Ukraine, who responded, ‘Well, it’s a good question. What do you guys know about Ukraine? Can we justify Russia’s actions or not?’

Tears welled up in my eyes, a blend of grief for my homeland and outrage at the thought of anyone trying to justify what was happening. It was shocking to see the world through the eyes of someone who didn’t now the devastation I felt. But then, a flicker of resolve ignited within me. If the soldiers in Ukraine could bravely fight there, I could fight for my dreams here. If civilians could remain steadfast and hopeful, I could overcome any obstscles with belief. This classroom, this foreign language I was studying, this unfamiliar city––they all became battlefields and tests of resilience. I wouldn’t let heartache break me. Instead, it would fuel me to conquer these challenges and prove my strength and spirit.”

Tamara was an Honor Roll student at the Kingsbridge Academy in the Riverdale section of the Bronx and in Odesa. She plays club soccer for Asphalt Green and her team advanced to the State Cup final the past two years.

The scholarship’s namesake, Jack Bauman, is considered the father of women’s soccer on Long Island. He was devoted to the Massapequa Soccer Club and Eastern New York. The scholarship is based on success in high school as well as community service.

We wish Tamara the best studying and playing soccer at SUNY Brockport this fall.

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/