Eastern NY Youth Soccer Association

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Affiliate Leagues

The Long Island Futsal League Seeks Teams For Its 30th Anniversary Season This Winter

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

October 28, 2025-The Long Island Futsal League (LIFL) kicked off play in the winter of 1996-97 with tournaments at World Gym in Setauket and SUNY-Old Westbury. LIFL President John Branca saw through those tourneys that there was great enthusiasm for futsal on Long Island so league play began in January 1998.

The LIFL, sanctioned by the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA), is seeking teams to play in its 30th anniversary season this winter. With over 200 squads, the LIFL is one of the largest futsal leagues in the United States and will utilize gyms in central Suffolk County on Saturdays and Sundays once again.

The league’s 8-week season kicks off the weekend of January 3 and 4, 2026. The team fee is as follows:

Boys-Under-7 and Boys-Under-8: $475
Boys-Under-9 to Boys-Under-12: $975
Boys-Under-13 to Boys-Under-19: $995

Girls-Under-7 and Girls-Under-8: $475
Girls-Under-9 to Girls-Under-13: $975
Girls-Under-14 to Girls-Under-19: $995

Team discounts available for clubs or trainers who register multiple squads. There is an additional $10 individual player fee, which is paid just once even if that player is rostered on multiple teams. 

To register or for more info, please click https://lifutsal.com or phone John Branca at 631-790-7481. The registration deadline is December 1. 

Futsal is a great skill-developer, demanding quick reflexes, fast thinking and pin-point passing that players utilize when they return to playing outdoor soccer in March. Soccer superstars such as Pelé, Zico, Maradona, Ronaldo, Messi and Marta grew up playing a version of the game and credit futsal with developing their skills. Brazil defeated Argentina, 2-1, in Tashkent, Uzbekistan to win the 2024 Futsal World Cup, which is held every four years just like the Men’s and Women’s World Cups. 

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. And unlike like most other indoor leagues, the LIFL has certified referees and heat in the gymnasiums.

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/

Nominations Now Being Accepted For the Of the Year Awards

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

September 12, 2025-The Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) is asking that each member, club and league turn their attention inwards to their volunteers and outstanding members in an effort to acknowledge those whose contributions have truly made a difference. We’re seeking nominations for a variety of awards to demonstrate our appreciation for the hours of devotion these valued individuals donate to our players.  

Eastern New York will select a person in each category who will receive our recognition at our Hall of Fame Banquet on Saturday, January 24, 2026 and possibly receive additional recognition at the National level. Last year, we received a nomination in nearly every category because our members took the time to nominate somebody. 

The entries are on an online form that is linked below. Please complete as comprehensively as possible. 

Awards will be presented in the following categories: 

Young Male and Young Female Referee of the Year 

TOPSoccer Buddy of the Year

TOPSoccer Coach of the Year

Volunteer of the Year

Administrator of the Year

Boys Recreation Coach of the Year

Girls Recreation Coach of the Year

Boys Competitive Coach of the Year

Girls Competitive Coach of the Year

Nominations for the above awards must be received by October 15, 2025 to be considered.

As with everything else, your nominees have to be in it to win it! Last year, Owen McCormack was honored as the National TOPSoccer Buddy of the Year, which made a big difference in the life of a teenage boy, but he won partly because the Manhasset Soccer Club took the time to nominate him.

Please take the opportunity to recognize the best and brightest through this great awards program.

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/

LIJSL Expanding the Qualification for the IberCup

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

September 10, 2025-The largest league in the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) is the Long Island Junior Soccer League (LIJSL), which launched a competition to qualify for the IberCup in Cascais, Portugal.

This competition is open to LIJSL teams as well as squads outside the league through the Elite Clubs Alliance League (ECAL). The Girls-Under-11 Commack Crush played in the 2025 IberCup this past July by qualifying through the ECAL last spring.

Commack Crush

ECAL is growing in 2026 as the competition will now have Under-9 to Under-13 divisions for both boys and girls.

“Expanding the age groups in ECAL provides a great opportunity for more clubs to compete for the experience of playing in the IberCup, something they will never forget,” LIJSL Technical Director Ronan Wiseman said. “Going to the IberCup not only gives the players a great soccer experience but also a great multicultural experience. In addition  to our players interacting with the local Portuguese teams, they will have interactions with teams from all over the world.”

In the LIJSL’s agreement with the IberCup, squads that qualify through ECAL receive free accommodation during the trip as well as three meals per day. Transport to and from the airport in Portugal as well as to and from the tournament venues is provided. 

All ECAL games to qualify for the 2026 IberCup must be played by April 1, 2026. For more info, please contact the LIJSL at 631-648-9020.

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/

Soccer Coaches Can Apply to Help Keep Their Girls in the Game

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

August 29, 2025-Gotham FC of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) has opened up applications for coaches to join its Keep Her in the Game program. Please see the flyer on the right for more details and apply here by September 5. 

Since launching last year, Keep Her in the Game has trained almost 100 coaches and reached over 1,700 girls across New York and New Jersey.

Keep Her in the Game provides Girls-Under-12 to Under-14 coaches with research-backed training to help support the growth and development of the girls on their teams on and off the field. The training includes helping girls build their confidence, develop a growth mindset and strengthen their relationships with their coaches and teammates. It also provides opportunities for youth players to have special access to Gotham FC.

Coach training: All coaches must complete a 2-hour training run by Girls Leadership in partnership with Gotham FC, where they will be trained on incorporating teamwork, confidence and resilience-building learning activities into their weekly soccer practices. The training is centered on building your team’s sense of community and athlete emotional intelligence and growth mindset.

Special access to Gotham FC: Keep Her in the Game teams and their families receive complimentary tickets to a Gotham FC home game with a special Keep Her in the Game celebration. Some Keep Her in the Game teams will also have the opportunity of Gotham FC player visits to their youth team practices.

Virtual parent workshop: Keep Her in the Game parents are invited to a free, optional workshop on the role they can play in raising resilient athletes and keeping their girls in the game, led by experts in social-emotional learning.

Early September: All Keep Her in the Game coaches attend a training session at Gotham FC’s headquarters (Exchange Place in Jersey City, New Jersey) led by Girls Leadership.

o    There will be several dates/times offered.

o    A virtual training will be offered for those who cannot attend in person.

For questions, please contact Corinne Counsell, Senior Manager of Community and Social Impact, at CCounsell@gothamfc.com.

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 onto http://www.enysoccer.com/

Remembering Longtime Soccer Volunteer Claudio Bulian

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

August 23, 2025-The Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) is mourning the passing on August 20 of Claudio Bulian, who volunteered for over three decades as Treasurer of the Cosmopolitan Junior Soccer League (CJSL), the oldest league in American youth soccer. Claudio was 82 years old.

Claudio was one of only nine people to be honored as a CJSL Life Member, the equivalent of the Lifetime Achievement Award. His steady hand, integrity and unwavering commitment helped shape the CJSL’s legacy and ensured its strength for future generations. The Astoria resident was more than a board member as he was a pillar of the New York City soccer community.

Claudio’s passion for the game was evident through his lifelong connection to Istria SC, where he began as a player in 1970 and remained an active supporter of the club’s youth programs for decades. His contributions helped nurture the development of countless players, coaches and families.

“Claudio Bulian was with the CJSL for over three decades as a dedicated steward of the game,” CJSL President Paul Kontonis commented. “He was a quiet force behind the growth of youth soccer in our city. We are forever grateful for his service and friendship.”

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 onto http://www.enysoccer.com/

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