Eastern NY Youth Soccer Association

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Affiliate Leagues

Chris Ingwersen Honored as Eastern New York’s Girls Competitive Coach of the Year

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

January 29, 2025-The Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) is pleased to state that Chris Ingwersen of Northport has been honored as the Eastern New York Girls Competitive Coach of the Year. The ceremony was at the Eastern New York Hall of Fame Banquet on January 25 at Marina Del Rey in the Bronx.

From left to right: ENYYSA President Richard Christiano, Girls Competitive Coach of the Year Chris Ingwersen, ENYYSA Second Vice President Bill Smith.

Chris is currently the head coach of the South Huntington Wolves and South Huntington Fire plus the assistant coach of the South Huntington Storm. His teams have won the Long Island Junior Soccer League (LIJSL) division championship plus advanced to the Long Island Cup finals.

The four nominating letters from South Huntington Soccer Club members stated that Coach Chris routinely engages his players in discussion about respect, both for their opponents plus the rules. He encourages the girls to recognize that every game is an opportunity to show good sportsmanship, regardless of the outcome. He demonstrates this by remaining even-tempered, displaying the behavior that he expects his players to emulate.

Chris’ ability to manage personalities within his teams ensures that every girl feels included and valued. Yet every player understands that playing time is earned through hard work and commitment. He challenges his girls by placing them in different positions during matches plus every practice and game is approached with a sense of purpose.

Chris is also actively engaged in the community as President of the Beverly Beach Association, he’s the former chief of the Cold Spring Harbor Volunteer Fire Department and was an Eagle Scout.

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/

Maiken Bursig Honored as Eastern New York’s TOPSoccer Coach of the Year

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

February 3, 2025-The Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) is pleased to announce that Maiken Bursig of Glen Oaks has been honored as the Eastern New York TOPSoccer Coach of the Year. TOPSoccer stands for The Outreach Program for Soccer, providing an opportunity for children with intellectual, physical and/or social characteristics that may require modified educational practices and services in order to develop to their potential. The ceremony took place during the Eastern New York Hall of Fame Banquet on January 25 at Marina Del Rey in the Bronx.

From left to right: ENYYSA President Richard Christiano, TOPSoccer Coach of the Year Maiken Bursig, ENYYSA Second Vice President Bill Smith.

Maiken joined the New Hyde Park Wildcats’ TOPSoccer Program in 1998 when she was a young girl, and at the age of 35 today, she is still very much actively involved and continues to have a fresh approach to the athletes. She is a caring, compassionate woman who is always there for each individual player and the team. The nominating letter from three different club volunteers mentioned that she always has a smile on her face and is able to cheer up players when they’re sad.

Maiken grew up in the Wildcats program, from intramurals to travel team soccer in the Long Island Junior Soccer League (LIJSL), all while coaching TOPSoccer as a kid. She continues to play soccer as an adult. She’s the coach of the New Hyde Park Memorial High School girls varsity soccer team and has been instrumental in having her Gladiators volunteer for TOPSoccer. Additionally, as a lifeguard at the New Hyde Park community pool, she invites the Special Children she sees to attend a TOPSoccer practice.

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/

Aristotelis Kougemitros Honored as Eastern New York’s Volunteer of the Year

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

January 30, 2025-The Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) is pleased to announce that Aristotelis Kougemitros of Huntington has been honored as the Eastern New York Volunteer of the Year. The ceremony took place the Eastern New York Hall of Fame Banquet on January 25 at Marina Del Rey in the Bronx.

Telly has been the backbone of the Elwood Soccer Club for nearly a decade. He coaches multiple teams, wrote a coaching checklist for new coaches, lines fields, is in charge of uniforms and helps fellow Board members when they are overwhelmed with their responsibilities. He connected with the local PTA to help promote registration and created an active presence for the Elwood Soccer Club on Facebook.

Telly built a relationship with a local sod farm so the club can obtain cheaper seed and fertilizer by purchasing opened or damaged sod bags.

Before Telly became involved, the club was at a low, its fewest registered number of players ever and in financial debt. Now the Long Island Junior Soccer League (LIJSL) club is at its highest registration ever for Pre-K and K players plus is financially stable once again.

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/

Beth Tiffany Honored as Eastern New York’s Boys Competitive Coach of the Year

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

January 27, 2025-The Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) is pleased to announce that the Niskayuna Soccer Club’s Beth Tiffany has been honored as the 2024 Eastern New York Boys Competitive Coach of the Year. Beth was honored along with Luis Lewis for this award as the Of the Year Committee could not exclude outstanding candidates like these two coaches.

Beth was nominated by three people who all wrote about her outstanding character with words such as “deeply passionate coach” and “truly inspiring role model.” Coach Beth cultivates a culture of respect, integrity and camaraderie in training and games that reaches beyond the players to their families and fans. Many small actions contribute to building this culture, but above all, Beth is a leader who brings out the best in others.

One example given was connecting with a boy who missed living in his native country. Prior to a Capital District Youth Soccer League (CDYSL) game, you’re likely to see that Beth is one of the first to arrive and in all probability, chatting with the referee and the opposing coach as players arrive. This small action is effective to setting a positive tone.

Additionally, all her players are on the field for at least half the game as building confidence is central to her coaching philosophy. She has taken a Boys-Under-9 squad which won just a few games to what’s now a Boys-Under-12 team that is one of the most competitive in the area.

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 Cosmopolitan Junior Soccer League to Start a TOPSoccer Program

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

January 23, 2025-The origins of Special Children playing soccer can be traced back to the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) in 1978. Today, the Capital District Youth Soccer League (CDYSL), Hudson Valley Youth Soccer League (HVYSL), Long Island Junior Soccer League (LIJSL) and Staten Island Youth Soccer League (SIYSL) in Eastern New York all have Special Children’s programs, which is now known as TOPSoccer, The Outreach Program for Soccer.

TOPSoccer is a US Youth Soccer initiative that offers children and adults with intellectual, emotional and physical challenges the chance to play soccer in a supportive and structured environment.

Now, America’s oldest soccer league, the Cosmopolitan Junior Soccer League (CJSL), is getting in on all the fun. New York City originals since 1933, the CJSL is happy to announce that registration is now open for their new TOPSoccer Program.

Whether you’re registering as a Participant or a Buddy, this is an event you won’t want to miss!

CJSL 1-Day TOPSoccer Pilot Event
Sunday, February 23, 2025 from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm
At the SoccerRoof in Sunset Park (14b 53rd St, Brooklyn, NY)
For Boys and Girls players, 7–12 years old
Entirely FREE of charge

Wear:

·       Soccer cleats or sneakers

·       Shin guards (if possible)

·       Weather-appropriate athletic wear for indoor soccer (player T-shirts will be provided!)

Bring:

·       A soccer ball (if you have one, otherwise the good folks of the CJSL will provide one)

·       Water for breaks

Register

·       Participant Registration: REGISTER HERE

·       Buddy Registration: REGISTER HERE 

Buddy Details:

·       Buddies must be in 6th grade or older.

·       Responsibilities include assisting players, keeping them engaged and ensuring they have fun!

·       Buddy Training: Required online and before the pilot event.

Buddies will receive a letter for Volunteer/Community Service hours, perfect for meeting school requirements. Encourage the older players in soccer clubs to join this very rewarding experience!

For more info, please contact the CJSL at 718-491-4009.

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/

Hudson Valley Youth Soccer League Partners With the Sideline Project to Improve Sportsmanship

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

January 21, 2025-The Hudson Valley Youth Soccer League (HVYSL) and Soccer Parenting Association announce a partnership agreement to make youth soccer better by providing members within their league with educational resources. With an emphasis on curriculum and collaboration, the partnership focuses on the gameday experience for all participants, ultimately improving the sideline environment. 

“The HVYSL Board of Directors and staff are excited about this new partnership and being able to support our member clubs in making the youth soccer experience in the Hudson Valley better for the players, parents, coaches, officials and all involved,” explained HVYSL President, Chris Decker. “This partnership is an investment and commitment to growing the Beautiful Game through the educational opportunities and support provided by Soccer Parenting. Whether it be the training pitch, sidelines on game day or the car ride home, Soccer Parenting has the resources to help make it a better experience for all involved.” 

Additionally, HVYSL will join as a Sideline Project Partner (TheSidelineProject.com), and will encourage all parents, coaches, referees and spectators to join the Sideline Project movement by taking the Sideline Project Pledge. 

“This curriculum partnership between the Hudson Valley Youth Soccer League embodies the Soccer Parenting mission by addressing sideline behavior and engaging and supporting members of our youth soccer eco-system. We are encouraged by their commitment to ensure a positive youth soccer experience of players, families, dedicated coaches and referees.” said Skye Eddy, Founder of the Soccer Parenting Association and the Sideline Project. 

The league brings together nearly 15,000 players in clubs from Dutchess, Orange, Ulster, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan and Westchester counties in New York State plus Pike County in Pennsylvania.

The HVYSL is the second league in the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) to partner with Soccer Parenting. The Cosmopolitan Junior Soccer League (CJSL) has improved the gameday experience in New York City in their relationship with Soccer Parenting for the past three years.

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 Challenges of the Elite Player Pathway

Or Dealing With Alphabet Soup!

By Tim Bradbury, Director of Coaching, Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association

Perhaps the question I am asked most frequently by soccer parents is, “How do we make sense of the Elite player pathway so we can make good decisions for our child?”

I wish there were a clear and definite answer that I could provide but sadly there is not. I believe that the following criteria power a player’s developmental journey in soccer:

  1. The attitude and desire of the player towards competing and playing the game.
  2. The beliefs and attitude of the parents in supporting a young player who loves the game.
  3. The knowledge, experience and teaching ability of the coach.
  4. The commitment and quality of the players in the squad.
  5. Quality, playing style and competitive nature of the local leagues.
  6. The quality of the training and playing environment that the club can provide.

Unfortunately, finding a clear picture in many of the above is not simple. Many of the points presented are problematic and need careful consideration.

1. The attitude and desire of the player towards competing and playing the game.

Players with a great attitude and able to compete at a high level are quickly presented with multiple playing opportunities, school ball, elite team invites, ODP, Premier this and Elite that. The phone never stops ringing and frequently the soccer diet becomes madness. They overplay, overtrain and get exhausted. The idea of rest is obsolete. Different coaches with different language and teaching styles are simply detrimental.

2. The beliefs and attitude of the parents in supporting a young player who loves the game.

Parents driven by the lure of more is better and if we don’t do that program, we will fall behind, and commit to way too many programs. The player never gets a rest, and the fun of the game starts to evaporate. The idea of rest and recovery is shunned as parents look for more and more activity.

3. The knowledge, experience and teaching ability of the coach.

Finding a highly-licensed quality coach with vast knowledge of the game, and experience with elite-level players, is a real challenge. Many parents are not qualified enough to evaluate a high-level training session.

4. The commitment and quality of the players in the squad.

Finding a group of players with a similar commitment and love of the game can be a real challenge. The multi-sport experience of years gone by is now a real challenge as many sports demand a year-round commitment. Parents keen to not lose out place their kids in soccer, basketball, lacrosse, baseball and softball, and quite simply, the child suffers. The idea of a sensible physical diet is never discussed, and kids get dragged to two or three sports experiences each night. We must begin to understand the idea that kids need rest.

5. Quality, playing style and competitive nature of the local leagues.

This is where things get problematic. So many leagues with so many teams that finding a truly competitive league with close games is a real issue. Each of the leagues with an Elite sounding title and many involve spending more time on the road than the games last. More than 18 National Champion Leagues. So many elite level platforms that mean our best players seldom get to play or train with each other.

6. The quality of the training and playing environment that the club can provide.

Very few clubs have access to enough training space, different types of fields with lights, indoor training space, meeting space etc. that it is possible to create good training environments for players to work in.

The Brentwood Soccer Club Celebrates Its Golden Anniversary

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

January 10, 2025-Brentwood loves soccer. It’s by far the most popular sport in the mainly Latino town and all this enthusiasm has resulted in five state championships for the Brentwood High School boys varsity team.

Those players cut their teeth playing for the Brentwood Soccer Club at Brentwood State Park. The club celebrated its 50th Anniversary on December 13 at the American Legion Hall in Lindenhurst.

“My deepest appreciation extends to all our volunteers, coaches, and staff, past and present,” Brentwood Soccer Club President Violette Smith said. “Your dedication transforms plans into action and dreams into reality. Looking at what we’ve achieved together, not just this year, but over the past decades, I feel humbled that we will continue to strive no matter the changes in the soccer landscape.”

Key contributors from the club’s past and present were in attendance, including former club presidents Bruce Fabrizio and Norma Gorman as well as the Long Island Junior Soccer League (LIJSL) Programs and Events Manager Stephanie Hernandez, who grew up playing for the club along with her husband Joe.

“It was a special evening for both Joe and I,” Hernandez explained. “We both fondly remember playing games at the Pilgrim State Fields, now Brentwood State Park. This night truly felt like a homecoming and we’re both so proud of how the club has grown and how it continues to grow.”

The night full of celebration was capped off with honoring those who bleed green and black for Brentwood Soccer Club and have laid the groundwork for the club’s milestone. Smith was inducted last year into the LIJSL Hall of Fame for her pivotal role in helping make Brentwood soccer what it is today.  

“Thank you for making our mission your own,” Smith said. “Let’s carry this energy forward as we continue working toward our shared goals for another 50 years.”

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/

Affiliating With Eastern New York Can Be One of the Best Decisions That You Ever Make

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

January 6, 2025-The Long Island Futsal League (LIFL) kicked off play at the World Gym in Setauket in 1996. Always affiliated with either US Futsal or US Soccer, the LIFL then started using school gymnasiums in central Suffolk County for league play and slowly increased the number of teams that registered. The league received a jolt in the number of registered teams in 2018 when it affiliated with the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA). That winter, nearly 50% of its teams were new to the LIFL as ENYYSA can easily communicate directly with 100,000-plus registered players in the state, unlike other groups.

The LIFL went from 196 squads in 2017 before affiliating with ENYYSA to the 312 that have registered this winter, an all-time high, despite losing one season in 2021 due to Covid with all players, coaches, refs and spectators needing to wear masks upon futsal’s return in 2022. The LIFL is now one of the largest futsal leagues in the United States.

“Affiliating with Eastern New York provides great recognition and credibility and it’s equally important that we are registered with the Long Island Junior Soccer League as a recreational club as that provides similar benefits in our status,” stated LIFL President John Branca. “Having certified referees in both US Soccer and futsal is a big plus too.”

In addition to all these benefits, affiliating with ENYYSA provides insurance plus the coaches and referees have passed background checks. Contrast this with other indoor leagues, many which struggle to attract teams and that cut corners with no heat, no insurance for players, coaches or referees and the game being officiated by the guy behind the desk.

For more information on how to affiliate your league or tournament with ENYYSA, please contact our office at 516-766-0849.

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/

Playing Club Soccer in College

By Pat Grecco

January 14, 2025-In my more than three decades of placing high school athletes into colleges and universities to play soccer, there have been times when the decision to attend the high-profile university superseded the opportunity to playing soccer at the collegiate level. The decision then had to be made, “Do I play club soccer in college?”

In the pecking order of college sports there is 1. Varsity, 2. Club and 3 Intramural. If you love the game of soccer, don’t give up if were not recruited by the coach at the school you plan to attend. Like many types of club programs, they have President, Vice-President and Treasurer as club programs are student-run and student-led. Club soccer is not governed by the NCAA or any sanctioning organization.  

What club soccer can do for you:

• Keep you in the game that you love

• Obtain leadership skills

• Maintain fitness level 

• Make friends and develop commitment 

Fundraising is an important part of club sports. In order to provide funding, events are hosted, donations requested, usually from parents and family. This money attempts to make the club program independent and self-supporting.  Depending on your college’s funding structure, you might have to pay some of the costs associated with participating in a club sport. This can include equipment, uniforms and even travel costs for away games. 

Keep in mind that playing club soccer in college is most likely not a bridge to getting onto the Varsity the following year. There is usually a faculty member who is in charge of club and intramural sports at a college, but please understand that most of the club sport activity is student-run. 

Some college club teams might be highly competitive, feeling almost like a varsity team, while others might be more relaxed. You’ll want to check in with the team culture and commitment level at your school and ensure it fits with your expectations and course schedule. Club sports are less demanding of your time but a great way to make friendships and feel a part of the campus community.

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Pat Grecco is an Eastern New York and Long Island Junior Soccer League Hall of Famer who is CEO of the College-Bound Athlete Scholarship Service. For more info, log on to www.collegeboundathlete.com or contact Pat directly at soccervol@aol.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 on to http://www.enysoccer.com/