Eastern NY Youth Soccer Association

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Affiliate Leagues

Three Youth Leagues Compete in the Inaugural Kontonis Esperanza Cup

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

March 19, 2026-Selected Division 2 teams from the Cosmopolitan Junior Soccer League (CJSL), Big Apple Youth Soccer League (BAYSL) and Metrokids Youth Soccer League (MYSL) got together on Sunday, March 8 at Flushing-Meadows Park to play in the first-ever Kontonis Esperanza Cup.

“The Kontonis Esperanza Cup was named for the late Paul Kontonis, whose vision as President of the CJSL was rooted in unity, opportunity and community,” said Jonathan Puma, Second Vice President of the CJSL. “Paul believed deeply that the Beautiful Game can unite leagues and communities across New York City. This competition proudly carries forward his passion and his hope.”

This vision of unity was echoed across the other participating Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) leagues.

“I would like to thank the gentlemen organizing this tournament and for inviting Metrokids. This competition honors Kontonis—a father, brother and friend who dedicated himself to the youth as a soccer coach. Paul envisioned a Champions’ Championship that would unite our leagues. We welcome this new competition in his honor and are confident it will grow year after year with the support of our affiliated leagues,” explained Metrokids President Cesar Juca.

“The Big Apple Youth Soccer League was honored to participate in the Kontonis Esperanza Cup. We’re excited to join fellow leagues in celebrating youth soccer through sportsmanship, collaboration and meaningful competition, and we look forward to building lasting connections on and off the field,” stated BAYSL President Carlos Vergara.

While Paul Kontonis was a proud Greek-American, the “Esperanza” in the cup’s name comes from the Spanish word for hope. It is the hope of the three leagues playing that the Kontonis Esperanza Cup will expand in future seasons to include additional age groups and participation within the girls city program, creating more opportunities across leagues.

The champion teams were ARB SC 2013, FC Copa Academy Brooklyn B13 Black, Guerreros FC 2015, Mike’s FC 2015, South Brooklyn FC 2014 and Success Academy 2014B.

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/

All photos courtesy of the Cosmopolitan Junior Soccer League

Frankie Pampin Selected as the National Boys Competitive Coach of the Year

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

February 27, 2026-The Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) is very proud to announce that Frank Pampin, our 2022 Boys Competitive Coach of the Year, has been named the 2025 US Youth Soccer National Boys Competitive Coach of the Year. In 2022, the Jackson Heights resident also received Regional Boys Competitive Coach of the Year so National honors complete a rare trifecta.

Frankie took over the Boys-Under-10 Gunners Soccer Kids team in the fall of 2020. It was a low-income team with few resources at the time yet Frankie made an impact right away with the boys by teaching them fundamentals. Now known as the Long Island Slammers, he has led them to two State Open Cup championships (2023, 2025), two East Region championships (2023, 2025) and the US Youth Soccer National Pro League Championship (2024). In the 2025 Regionals, the Slammers outscored their opponents 18-0 in five games and did not concede a goal. And proving that nice guys do not finish last, the squad received the Rocco Amoroso Sportsmanship Award at the 2025 State Cup finals.

Frankie in inset and with his Boys-Under-16 Long Island Slammers

The team has won division championships in the Big Apple Youth Soccer League (BAYSL), Metrokids Youth Soccer League plus the Cosmopolitan Junior Soccer League (CJSL) and they won titles in CJSL Divisions 3, 2 and 1 as they improved and took on more difficult competition. The boys did the same thing as they transitioned to the Eastern Development Program (EDP) and won titles in Division 2, then Division 1 as well as the EDP Champions Cup.

“This group has proven that when you grow organically through hard work, passion, discipline and a clear sense of purpose, anything is possible,” Frankie stated. “With commitment and belief in the process, success will always follow.”

This success was noticed and in December 2025, the Long Island Slammers announced that Frankie has been appointed their Boys Director of Coaching. Congratulations to Frankie for all these accolades!

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/

Felicia Sheehan Honored as the Eastern New York Administrator of the Year

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

From left to right: ENYYSA Hall of Fame Chairperson Ken Gulmi, Felicia Sheehan, HVYSL President Chris Decker

February 4, 2026-The Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) is pleased to announce that Felicia Sheehan of the Eastern Pike Youth Soccer Club was honored as our 2025 Administrator of the Year. As Eastern Pike is in Pennsylvania but plays in the Hudson Valley Youth Soccer League (HVYSL), Felicia is the first non-New Yorker to receive one of our Of the Year Awards. 

The ceremony took place at our Hall of Fame Banquet on Saturday, January 24 at Marina del Rey in the Bronx.

The club wrote that “Felicia has magic powers when it comes to the Got Sport registration platform, and she uses it for good at the local club level and in her role as league registrar for HVYSL. Felicia is always there for other clubs with questions about registering players, submitting rosters and sorting out issues. She takes her personal time to help because her goal is making sure kids get to play.

Felicia has also served on the Delaware Valley School District school board, which is far from a small volunteer role, over the last several years! She also helps with the Eastern Pike recreational soccer program on Sundays and volunteers with the boosters for whichever teams her kids have been on.”

Felicia was previously honored as the 2025 HVYSL Administrator of the Year on November 8, 2025.

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/

Rebecca Palmatier Selected as the Eastern New York Volunteer of the Year

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

February 5, 2026-The Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) is very pleased to announce that Highland United’s Rebecca Palmatier was honored as our 2025 Volunteer of the Year at our Hall of Fame Banquet on Saturday, January 24 at Marina del Rey in the Bronx.

From left to right: ENYYSA Hall of Fame Chairperson Ken Gulmi, Rebecca Palmatier, HVYSL President Chris Decker

Rebecca was also honored as the 2025 Hudson Valley Youth Soccer League (HVYSL) Volunteer of the Year on November 8. 

Highland United FC Board member Daniel Navins wrote that “Rebecca grew up playing for Highland United and has been a leading force to rebuild our club from a tiny skills clinic-based operation into a full recreational league that serves players as young as two all the way up to 12…

Rebecca is always giving of her time and energy into our club program and soccer as a whole. Her consistent message in coaching her players is to ‘Be a Good Person First.’ This drive to instill values, ethics and leadership improves our community in multiple ways. Many of her players volunteer with Highland United as support coaches and trainers for our youngest players. Rebecca also serves as a support coach for the program as well assisting in planning our curriculum for each age group. You can also find Rebecca and the players she has coached take on continued volunteer efforts in our community.”

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/

Jules Mehmet Honored as the Eastern New York Young Male Referee of the Year

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

February 8, 2026-The Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) is very proud to announce that Jules Mehmet has been honored as our 2025 Young Male Referee of the Year. 

The ceremony took place at Eastern New York’s Hall of Fame Banquet on Saturday, January 24 at Marina del Rey in the Bronx.

From left to right: US Youth Soccer Chairperson Tina Rincon, Jules Mehmet, ENYYSA 2nd Vice President Bill Smith

Jules is a 15-year-old Manhattan resident who started refereeing three years ago. He started off with Under-6 and Under-7 recreational games and is now a member of the New York Soccer Referees Association (NYSRA).

NYSRA First Vice President Harris Rasheed wrote that “Jules serves as an inspiring example of dedication and achievement within the US Soccer Referee community. His approach to officiating retains the perspective gained through years as a player, consistently applying lessons and values from the field to his role as a referee. His time spent with referees at all levels, notably guided by mentors such as Arthur ‘Chip’ Reed, has been integral to his rapid development and unwavering enthusiasm for the role… 

A hallmark of his career is his dedication to community involvement. Since first picking up a whistle, he continues to referee, coach and volunteer for the local recreational league where his journey began. Jules ensures time for refereeing early morning youth matches each weekend, demonstrating his genuine commitment to Grassroots soccer. Beyond officiating, he is active in helping organize his team’s logistics and uniform distribution, and eagerly participates in training and educational sessions, often as the sole youth participant among adults.”

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/

Ella Schwartz Honored as the Eastern New York TOPSoccer Buddy of the Year

By Randy Vogt, Director of Public Relations, Eastern New York Youth Soccer AssociationFebruary 7, 2026-The 

Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) is very pleased to announce that Ella Schwartz of the Plainview/Old Bethpage Soccer Club was honored as our 2025 TOPSoccer Buddy of the Year. 

TOPSoccer, The Outreach Program for Soccer, is for children and adults with intellectual, emotional or physical challenges, all under the US Youth Soccer umbrella. 

The ceremony took place at Eastern New York’s Hall of Fame Banquet on Saturday, January 24 at Marina del Rey in the Bronx.

From left to right: US Youth Soccer Chairperson Tina Rincon, Ella Schwartz, ENYYSA 2nd Vice President Bill Smith

Longtime club volunteer Peter Chavkin wrote in his nominating letter that “Ella was an active member of the Plainview/Old Bethpage Soccer Club since she was 4 and joined TOPS when she was 13. TOPS has taught her how to listen and patiently guide children with challenges. This is a rare talent for Ella to possess, yet she has it in abundance. Ella started working one-on-one with the youngest players to learn the program, and then she transitioned to working with the older, more physical players, teaching them advanced skills.

She is so skilled and caring that she is now responsible for teaching new trainers how to work with the players, showcasing how to communicate with children who barely speak and how to introduce more advanced teachings at the right time. She does this while being in charge of multiple players as well.”

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/

Eastern New York Honors Bob Kinney as Our 2025 TOPSoccer Coach of the Year

By Randy Vogt, Director of Public Relations, Eastern New York Youth Soccer AssociationFebruary 6, 2026-The Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) is proud to announce that the Smithtown Kickers’ Robert Kinney was honored as our 2025 TOPSoccer Coach of the Year at our Hall of Fame Banquet on Saturday, January 24 at Marina del Rey in the Bronx. 

TOPSoccer, The Outreach Program for Soccer, is for children and adults with intellectual, emotional or physical challenges, all under the US Youth Soccer umbrella.

From left to right: US Youth Soccer Chairperson Tina Rincon, Bob Kinney, ENYYSA 2nd Vice President Bill Smith

The Smithtown Kickers’ Ernesto Cabello wrote that “Bob started volunteering 13 years ago with the Smithtown Kickers TOPSoccer. He has elevated and expanded our TOPSoccer program by increasing the original Saturday program both in number of players and buddies over the last dozen-plus years. The players have increased from 15-20 to more than 60 registered players and the buddies have increased from around 20 to over 70-80 available buddies today.”

Bob coached his team to the gold medal at the 2021 Special Olympics, financed a summer camp, initiated indoor training in the winter and held many training sessions with Sachem. The TOPSoccer players that he coaches reach their potential under Bob’s positive guidance. 

He also coached two of his children from intramurals all the way up to travel soccer while they were in high school and he has been selected as the Smithtown Kickers’ Volunteer of the Year in the past.

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/

Chris McDonald Honored as the Eastern New York Boys Recreational Coach of the Year

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

February 2, 2026-The Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) is very pleased to announce that Chris McDonald of the Wappinger United Soccer Club was honored as our 2025 Boys Recreational Coach of the Year at our Hall of Fame Banquet on Saturday, January 24 at Marina del Rey in the Bronx.

From left to right: US Youth Soccer Chairperson Tina Rincon, Chris McDonald, ENYYSA 2nd Vice President Bill Smith

The club wrote that “Chris represents everything that is right about recreational soccer. He leads with integrity, empathy and a deep belief in the power of the game to bring out the best in kids. Whether he’s coaching on the field, mentoring other volunteers or leading at the club level, Chris never loses sight what matters most: Creating a positive, inclusive environment where all players feel supported, challenged and inspired to grow. His steady presence and unwavering commitment make him a model coach and a trusted leader in our community…

A new player joined his team last year after previously participating only in TOPSoccer. This boy, who has autism, wanted to try and play on a mainstream rec team. Chris welcomed him without hesitation. He made thoughtful adjustments, set the right tone with teammates and ensured the player felt fully part of the group from day one. Because of Chris’ support, that boy had a tremendously positive season where he was able to build confidence, make friends and experience the game in a new way…

Chris exemplifies what youth soccer is truly all about.”

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/

Victoria Sherry Selected as the Eastern New York Girls Competitive Coach of the Year

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

February 1, 2026-The Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) is very proud to announce that the Niskayuna Soccer Club’s Victoria Sherry has been honored as our 2025 Girls Competitive Coach of the Year. 

The ceremony took place at our Hall of Fame Banquet on Saturday, January 24 at Marina del Rey in the Bronx.

Tori is currently coaching two teams for Niskayuna, U13G Select and U15G Select, plus also serves as the Girls Director of Coaching.

Team parent Judith Fenlon stated, “Tori is a coach, a mom, a friend and an all-around good human being. I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Coach Tori for the past six years when she started coaching my daughter at age 8. Over the years, I’ve witnessed the many ways how she encourages her players to be the best versions of themselves. While Coach Tori is a competitive and skilled technical coach, proven by her winning record, what I admire most about her is her dedication to the social and emotional growth of her players. She ensures that her players have respect for each person on the field from teammates to opposing players, coaches and officials. She does this in leading by example and valuing kindness, hard work and commitment over any single win.”

One of her players, Maddie Trant, explained, “Coach Tori always makes you feel so welcome at practices. She always knows what to say and is always there for us. She’s never missed a practice and has sacrificed many things in her life just to be here with us. Being a player on Coach Tori’s team is a huge part of my life.”

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/

Alex Gunera Honored as the Eastern New York Boys Competitive Coach of the Year

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

January 30, 2026-The Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) is very pleased to announce that Alex Gunera of the Newburgh Puma FC Falcons has been honored as our 2025 Boys Competitive Coach of the Year. The ceremony took place at our Hall of Fame Banquet on Saturday, January 24 at Marina del Rey in the Bronx.

From left to right: US Youth Soccer Chairperson Tina Rincon, Alex Gunera, ENYYSA 2nd Vice President Bill Smith

Team manager Jessica Cardoso wrote, “Coach Gunera exemplifies everything a great coach should be as he is passionate, knowledgeable, dedicated and truly invested in the development of his players both on and off the field. Under his leadership, the team has not only achieved remarkable success in competitions but has also grown significantly in terms of discipline, teamwork and sportsmanship…

Players always come to Coach Gunera for advice, whether it be for improvement or just for their personal issues. He always has an open ear. Even parents ask Coach Gunera to speak to kids if they are misbehaving. The relationship between Coach Gunera, players and parents is just remarkable!”

Team parents Jose and Lisa Cardoso wrote, “Our son had little understanding of the sport and the importance of each player’s role but knew this was something he wanted to learn and grow into. Coach Alex accepted him on the team with this understanding and worked with him endlessly until he grasped the concept of soccer. He is extremely patient with not only our son but all players on his team.”

In the past 12 years of coaching, Coach Alex led the Condors and Revolution to first place in their division. With the Falcons, he has taken them from Division 3 to Division 1 in two years.

Alex was also honored as the 2025 Hudson Valley Youth Soccer League (HVYSL) Boys Competitive Coach of the Year on November 8, 2025.

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/