Affiliate Leagues

Announcing Our 2025 Award Winners

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

December 11, 2025-The Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) is proud to announce the recipients of our 2025 Of the Year Awards. These individuals were selected from nominations received throughout our state association. They will be celebrated at our Hall of Fame Banquet on Saturday, January 24, 2026 at Marina del Rey in the Bronx.

Boys Competitive Coach of the Year-Alex Gunera, Puma FC (Newburgh)
Girls Competitive Coach of the Year-Victoria Sherry, Niskayuna Soccer Club
Boys Recreational Coach of the Year-Chris McDonald, Wappinger United Soccer Club
Administrator of the Year-Felicia Sheehan, Eastern Pike Soccer Club
Volunteer of the Year-Rebecca Palmatier, Highland United
TOPSoccer Coach of the Year-Bob Kinney, Smithtown Kickers
TOPSoccer Buddy of the Year-Ella Schwartz, Plainview/Old Bethpage Soccer Club
Young Male Referee of the Year-Jules Mehmet of Manhattan
Young Female Referee of the Year-Hannah Stahl of Walden

Congratulations to all!

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/

Youth Soccer Continues This Winter in Eastern New York

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

December 15, 2025-Although the spring and fall are the most active seasons in the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) as the temps are perfect then for soccer, there is activity in both winter and summer. Check out what our leagues are offering this winter:

Big Apple Youth Soccer League
Luis Montoya Indoor Tournament • Indoors from January 10 to March 7 at the Elmcor Gym • Boys from Under-8 to Under-15

Cosmopolitan Junior Soccer League
NY Winter Tournament • Outdoors from December 6 to March 15 at Randall’s Island, Brooklyn and Queens
Boys from Under-9 to Under-16, Girls from Under-10 to Under-15 • Organized by Juventus Academy New York

Hudson Valley Youth Soccer League
Jim Slater Memorial Tournament • Indoors January 10-11 at the Hudson Valley Sports Dome • Boys and girls, Under-9 to Under-18

President’s Cup Tournament • Indoors February 14-15 at the Hudson Valley Sports Dome • Boys and girls, Under-9 to Under-18

Long Island Futsal League
Indoors from January 3 to February 22 in central Suffolk County • Boys and girls, Under-7 to Under-19

Long Island Junior Soccer League
Winter Showdown • Indoors from January 17 to March 7 at Stony Brook University • Boys and girls, Under-9 to Under-12

New York Futsal
Indoors from December 6 to March 8 in Uptown Manhattan • Boys from Under-7 to High School

Remember that if your children are not playing in an ENYYSA-affiliated league or tournament, then they are not covered by our insurance, and chances are, they are not covered by any insurance. Always ask about the insurance coverage before registering your children or team.

Turkey Bowl Soccer Celebrated Across Long Island

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

December 2, 2025-The friendships started as kids on the soccer fields of the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) can last a lifetime. And at no time is this more apparent than at Thanksgiving, when people come home for the holiday. Turkey Bowl soccer games were played on Thanksgiving morning before the players ate turkey with all the trimmings.

We start in Baldwin at the Brookside Elementary School. Baldwin’s Turkey Bowl kicked off in 1979 when Doug Lyn (second from right in the photo above) began a pick-up game for the players he coached in the Long Island Junior Soccer League (LIJSL). One of those players in the inaugural match was 11-year-old Jimmy Walther, who has not missed a Turkey Bowl in the past 47 years, went on to play for the Long Island Rough Riders and currently organizes the Turkey Bowl in both Baldwin and Commack.

“Whoever wanted to play always has a home with Doug,” Walther said. “The Turkey Bowl has gone from the players that Doug coached, we have added their kids and anybody who wants to play.”

Walther (center in back row) now coaches numerous teams in the Commack Youth Soccer League and started Commack’s Turkey Bowl in 2022. This soccer hamlet is home to Commack High School, recently-crowned Class AAA state champions in both boys and girls soccer. The 4th Annual Commack Turkey Bowl was played at the Burr Road Soccer Complex. Walther did double-duty on Thanksgiving Day as he left his home in Commack for the 9 am kick-off in Commack, then drove nearly 30 miles to Baldwin (where he grew up), going from the youngest Turkey Bowl to the oldest.

The 38th Annual Brentwood High School Turkey Bowl was played by the alumni at the school’s new soccer stadium, home of the five-time state champions. Ron Eden (standing on far left) has been the head coach of this powerhouse team for the past 31 years. He said, “It has been a great day. This is one of my favorite days of the year as I see all of you guys again.”

Organized by coaches Noah Molina, JP Madden and Aaron Ahmad, St. John the Baptist High School restarted its alumni match this year after taking off in 2024 due to heavy rain. The 9th Annual Cougars Alumni Game was played at the home of the 4-time state champion in West Islip.

The 21st Annual Chaminade High School Turkey Bowl was played at Gold Star Stadium on the campus of the Catholic boys school in Mineola, home of the 10-time and current state champions. It kicked off in 2004 and took a year off in 2020 because of the pandemic. The Flyers alumni game was organized by Matt Chicavich, an assistant coach on the varsity team.

“We had 75 alumni attend. There was bagels and coffee, some good soccer and a lot of reminiscing. It was a good morning!” explained Chaminade head coach Brian Anselmo, standing above on the far right.

Oceanside United, founded in 1962 and where two dozen former professional players cut their teeth as kids, held their 36th Annual Turkey Bowl at wind-swept Oceanside Park. Promowear again supplied the shirts. Memories of Alfredo D’Antonio, a former pro player in Italy who was a fixture at many Turkey Bowls and passed at 91 last year.

Additionally, two other Long Island soccer clubs played their alumni games after Thanksgiving. Garden City Centennial played on Friday, November 28 and Rockville Centre played on Saturday, November 29. The friendships made on soccer fields as kids can last forever.

Mourning the Profound Loss of Paul Kontonis

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

November 26, 2025-The Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) is in mourning over the passing of Cosmopolitan Junior Soccer League (CJSL) President Paul Kontonis on November 25 at the age of 54. The Flushing resident volunteered for the past 1.5 years as President of the CJSL, founded in 1933 and the oldest youth league in American soccer.

Paul had been CJSL Vice President and succeeded Ron Restrepo as President in 2024. Paul served Eleftheria Pancyprian Soccer Club as a Director and Coach, where he devoted his time, energy and heart to the players and staff. Prior to Eleftheria, he spent many years as a respected coach with another CJSL club wearing blue-and-white, BW Gottschee, helping develop countless young athletes and contributing to one of the city’s most storied youth soccer programs.

In a statement, the CJSL wrote that “Paul served our league with dedication and integrity. His leadership, professionalism, and belief in the mission of youth soccer strengthened our league and positively impacted every club, coach, referee and player in our community.

Paul believed in what we were building together. He championed the growth of our league, supported the development of our players, and worked tirelessly to elevate our standards. His impact—both on and off the field—was meaningful, lasting and will continue to be felt throughout our community…

Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Paul’s family, friends and all who were fortunate enough to work alongside him. His legacy within CJSL and the wider youth soccer community will not be forgotten.“

The Eastern New York Soccer Referee Association added, “Paul supported and championed the cause of referees in every way he could. He brought cheer and energy to every interaction and valued the development and growth of each person’s character in pursuit of the game; even referees. His combination of calm during a match and passion for the game was second to none in New York City. He will be missed.“

The CJSL will have a moment of silence before all remaining Fall Season games plus additionally, on Monday night, December 1, there will be a moment of silence before the first match of the CJSL College Showcase kicks off at 7 pm.

Memorial visitation is at the Frederick Funeral Home, 192-15 Northern Boulevard in Flushing on Thursday, December 4 from 6-9 pm and on Friday, December 5 from 10 am-1 pm.

We have lost a very good man. May he rest in peace!

TOPSoccer Integrates With Unified Players For the First Time on Long Island

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

November 20, 2025-Children With Special Needs playing soccer in an organized league first started in the Long Island Junior Soccer League (LIJSL) in 1978 when the Huntington Boys Club and Massapequa Soccer Club separately started programs at a time when those with Special Needs playing sports is not as accepted as it is today. That was the first seeds of what is now TOPSoccer, The Outreach Program for Soccer, for children and adults with intellectual, emotional or physical challenges, all under the US Youth Soccer umbrella.

Three dozen Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) clubs now have TOPSoccer teams.

Smithtown TOPSoccer coach Bob Kinney, recently selected by Eastern New York as our 2025 TOPSoccer Coach of the Year, explained that “when Smithtown TOPSoccer player Steven Heimerle moved to Charlotte, North Carolina, I helped him find a new team through Emily Mohlin of the Special Olympics Long Island. Steven ended up playing on a Unified Soccer team, and enjoyed it so much that he contacted me to talk about it. Steven’s input on his experience led to several discussions within the Smithtown Kickers on how we could do something similar.”

Unified teams consist of those with and without challenges playing on one squad. It’s inspired by the simple principle that playing together is a quick path to friendship and understanding.

This led to a 3-day soccer camp last July at Moriches Fields in St. James where 12 TOPSoccer players were integrated with five college and adult players, all under the direction of Miquel Gasparin, the Smithtown Kickers’ Director of Boys Training.

“The camp was a huge success. The players enjoyed it tremendously and in the Unified setting, they were able to work on more refined soccer concepts like ball possession. Everyone did not want the camp to end and asked to do it again,” Bob stated.

At the Special Olympics’ Fall Games on September 20 at Cantiague Park in Hicksville, Bob met Michael and Kristen Carolan, who had been involved in Unified Sports in Florida and are currently volunteering with Huntington Boys Club (HBC) TOPSoccer. Together with Sachem TOPSoccer coach Brian Pontecorvo, they planned their first Unified event on Saturday, November 15 at Moriches Fields as the TOPSoccer Fall Season concluded.

Photos of Sachem vs. Smithtown in a TOPSoccer and Unified game

Unified players were on each team as Smithtown played against Sachem. The partner players’ goal was not to star on either squad but to aid each teammate in getting the ball down the field so everybody touched the ball and had a good time. For the more advanced TOPSoccer players, the higher level of play enabled them to be at their best while for the less experienced kids, they saw how soccer should be played and gave them ideas and a pathway to improve.

Bob concluded by saying, “Our partner players did a great job involving all the players plus helped them with positioning. Everyone had a great time and is very interested in pursuing Unified play when we resume next spring.”

CJSL to Host Its Winter College Showcase on December 1 at Queens College

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

November 18, 2025-The players of the Cosmopolitan Junior Soccer League (CJSL) are held in such high esteem by college and junior college coaches that they are even scouting the tryouts for the CJSL Winter College Showcase.

Welcome to the 9th Annual CJSL Winter College Showcase, organized by andGo Sports and the CJSL, founded in 1933 and the oldest league in American youth soccer. The showcase receives financial support from the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA). Tryouts for high school senior boys are currently being held at Manhattan University and Queens College.

“We utilize multiple locations to have players from different parts of the city for this recruiting opportunity,” explained Max Watson, the CJSL First Vice President who is organizing the showcase. “We are definitely excited for the event this year!”

The selected players will be playing in the showcase on Monday night, December 1, kicking off at 6 pm at Queens College. Three teams will be playing 45-minute matches.

College and junior college coaches from Division 1 to Division 3 are once again expected to scout the CJSL Winter College Showcase.

For more information, please log on to the CJSL website.

Hudson Valley Youth Soccer League Inducts Scott Carruthers and Emmanuel Nneji Into its Hall of Fame

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

November 18, 2025-The Hudson Valley Youth Soccer League (HVYSL) held its Annual Awards Dinner on Saturday, November 8 at Villa Borghese in Wappingers Falls to honor those who have particularly made a difference on youth soccer fields in the Hudson Valley. The league, affiliated with the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) since its founding in 1974, brings together clubs from Dutchess, Orange, Ulster, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan and Westchester counties in New York plus Pike County in Pennsylvania.

“We had a great time with a room full of people,” explained Ken Gulmi, HVYSL Awards Chairperson and Eastern New York Hall of Famer. “15 Hudson Valley Hall of Famers were there and it was nice to see and visit with old friends.”

Scott Carruthers and Emmanuel Nneji were inducted into the HVYSL Hall of Fame during the festive day.

Scott Carruthers is in the center on left-hand photo and Emmanuel Nneji is in the center on right photo.
Ken Gulmi is on the left in both photos and HVYSL President Chris Decker is on the right.

Poughkeepsie resident Scott Carruthers became a coach in the Town of Poughkeepsie Soccer Club (TOPSC) four decades ago, then helped establish girls soccer in Dutchess County when he started coaching the Dutchess United Girls Soccer (DUGS) club. Scott became a ref and advanced to Regional Referee status and is now a well-regarded assessor too.

Emmanuel Nneji is the District Attorney for Ulster County. His coaching journey began over 35 years ago when he started coaching in the Kingston Area Soccer League. The Kingston resident has stepped up whenever a team needed a coach. Manny is a volunteer coach, his teams have played well but most importantly, he makes all his players feel good about themselves.

Also honored were the following outstanding individuals:

• Boys Competitive Coach of the Year-Alex Gunera, FC Puma

• Girls Competitive Coach of the Year-Hugo Alzate, Beacon Soccer Club

• Administrator of the Year-Felicia Sheehan, Eastern Pike Soccer Club

• Volunteer of the Year-Rebecca Palmatier, Highland United

Congratulations to all!

The Exceptional Senior Games Are a Veterans Day Tradition in Guilderland

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

November 5, 2025-The Long Island Junior Soccer League (LIJSL) started the Exceptional Senior Games in 1981 so that top high school senior soccer players could be scouted by college coaches all in one venue. This all-star competition spread throughout the United States and continues on Long Island 44 years later, although it’s now organized exclusively by Nassau County Boys Soccer and the Suffolk County Boys Soccer Coaches Association.

One of the most successful Exceptional Senior Games takes place a long corner kick from the state capital in Albany every year. The Capital District Youth Soccer League (CDYSL) will be organizing its Exceptional Senior Games on Tuesday, November 11, continuing its tradition of playing these games on Veterans Day at DiCaprio Park in Guilderland. CDYSL volunteers have been partnering with NYSPHSAA Section 2 coaches in organizing this competition of both public and private schools annually during its three decades of existence with the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) providing financial support.

High school senior student/athletes are selected by their leagues/coaches to represent their individual conferences and showcase their talent by competing against other Section 2 players. Coaches from colleges and junior colleges from all over the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions have been invited to attend the games and evaluate local players who hope to continue their soccer careers next year.

Team photos from previous versions of the Exceptional Senior Games

The schedule:

Boys Games
10:00 am, Field 1, Western Athletic Conference (WAC) vs. Adirondack
11:30 am, Field 3, Wasaren League vs. Patroon Conference
1:00 pm, Field 2, Foothills vs. Colonial Council
2:30 pm, Field 1, Suburban Council White vs. Suburban Council Red

Girls Games
10:15 am, Field 2, Colonial Council vs. Foothills
11:45 am, Field 1, Wasaren League vs. Patroon Conference
1:15 pm, Field 3, Adirondack vs. Western Athletic Conference (WAC)

Please join us for an exceptional day of high school soccer!

For more info, please contact the CDYSL at 518-435-2325.

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/

The Long Island Junior Soccer League Helps Launch the Young Coaches Alliance

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/

John Fitzgerald to Receive the Mike Berticelli Excellence in Coaching Education Award

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

October 22, 2025-United Soccer Coaches has announced the selection of John Fitzgerald as the 2025 Mike Berticelli Excellence in Coaching Education Award recipient for his outstanding contributions to coaching education and his singular service to the game.

Fitzgerald becomes the 26th person to receive prestigious recognition from his peers. The award is named in honor of Mike Berticelli, the Association’s former Vice President of Education and men’s coach at the University of Notre Dame who passed away in 2000.

Fitzgerald is Sporting Director and Director of Coaching Education for the Long Island Junior Soccer League (LIJSL), the largest league in the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA).

“This is a fitting recognition for someone whom has a profound effect on Coaching Education and the development of coaching standards across Long Island,” stated LIJSL President Andrew Seabury. “There are not many coaches who coach in the LIJSL, both past and present, who have not benefitted from John’s influence and passion for the highest coaching education standards. This high honor is well deserved.”

Fitzgerald’s extensive experience and dedication to soccer make him a prominent figure in the coaching community, particularly on Long Island where he continues to influence the development of young players and the growth of the sport.

The Smithtown resident is a highly respected coach with over 35 years of experience spanning professional, collegiate and youth soccer. He is currently the head coach of the American Soccer Club New York, a newly established team competing in the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL). Fitzgerald brings an impressive depth of knowledge and a proven record of achievement to this position, having earned recognition throughout the New York soccer community.

“John embodies what the Berticelli Award is about and is truly deserving of this honor for his passion and dedication to coaching education,” United Soccer Coaches President Paul Payne explained.

John Fitzgerald coaching in Eastern New York’s Olympic Development Program.

Fitzgerald’s coaching journey includes several notable roles:

• Associate Head Coach, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy: In this role, Fitzgerald contributed to the team’s six NCAA Division 3 tournament appearances, helping the program achieve a strong reputation and consistent performance.

• Director of Coaching, New York Cosmos: Fitzgerald was responsible for overseeing training and player development programs. He also served as assistant coach for Cosmos B, who captured the 2015 NPSL national championship.

• Head Coach, Long Island Lady Rough Riders: Under his leadership, the Lady Rough Riders won a national championship in the W-League, further establishing his credentials.

• Longtime coach in Eastern New York’s Olympic Development Program (ODP), including Boys Director of Coaching.

• Current head coach of East Region ODP Boys 2009 team.

Fitzgerald has been recognized for his outstanding contributions to coaching. He was named the 2004 NSCAA/Adidas Northeast Regional Assistant Coach of the Year and the 1997 Newsday Coach of the Year, as well as head coach of that years’ Umbro W-League All-Star select team His involvement in coaching education includes serving as the NSCAA State Director for Long Island and as a National Staff Instructor as well as a US Soccer coach educator. Fitzgerald’s teams have accumulated significant successes, including a record of 228-100-20 at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy as well as multiple conference championships and NCAA tournament appearances.

The Berticelli Award will be presented at the association’s Awards Ceremony on Friday, January 16, 2026, in conjunction with the 86th Annual United Soccer Coaches Convention in Philadelphia.

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/