Alumni

The American Soccer Club to Debut in May

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

April 29, 2025-Think of the American Soccer Club of New York as being red, white and new. Chock full of players who grew up in the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA), the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) team kicks off its inaugural season on May 4 at Hofstra University’s Captains Field.

Led in the executive suite by Hicksville Americans Soccer Club alumnus Kevin Reardon and Massapequa Soccer Club graduate Jim Kilmeade, who served as the first General Manager of the Long Island Rough Riders in the mid-1990’s. The Rough Riders were also filled with local players such as Chris Armas, Giovanni Savarese, Tony Meola and many other noteworthies and won the United Soccer Leagues (USL) national championship in 1995. As this was a year before Major League Soccer (MLS) kicked off, the Rough Riders were arguably the best team in all of the United States that year. They had a great slogan of “Speak Softly and Carry a Big Kick” as they attracted SRO crowds to Mitchel Athletic Complex.

30 years later, the pro soccer landscape has changed as many professional teams dot the landscape. The NPSL is in the fourth division of American soccer, one level above the United Premier Soccer League (UPSL) which has nine teams on Long Island. The NPSL was founded in 2003 and now has over 90 clubs across the United States. Its Managing Director is Cindy Spera, who played for the Rough Riders women’s team, then named the Long Island Lady Riders, three decades ago.

The American Soccer Club looks to fill Captains Field for their five home dates:

Sunday, May 4 vs. Osner’s FC. Long Island Junior Soccer League (LIJSL) Night
Saturday, May 10 vs. New York Shockers. Eastern New York ODP Night.
Saturday, May 31 vs. New Haven United
Tuesday, June 24 vs. Hartford City
Saturday, July 5 vs. New Haven United
All home games at 7:00 pm.

The local ties continue as the American Soccer Club coach is John Fitzgerald, the LIJSL Sporting Director who grew up playing for the Hicksville Americans Soccer Club.

“US Men’s National Team player Joe Scally is the prototype for why we are doing this,” Kilmeade concluded. “With all the soccer and all the people here, we believe there is more than one Joe Scally on Long Island.”

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/

Congratulations to Our Newest Hall of Famers!

…………………………… Peter Bralower …………………………………….. Jim Volpe …………………………………………. Rheyan Cader …………………………

Jim Volpe Inducted Into the Eastern New York Soccer Hall of Fame

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 very pleased to announce that longtime volunteer Jim Volpe has been inducted into the Eastern New York Hall of Fame. The induction ceremony took place at our Hall of Fame Banquet on Saturday, January 25 at Marina del Rey in the Bronx.

From left to right: ENYYSA Second Vice President Bill Smith, ENYYSA President Richard Christiano, Hall of Fame inductee Jim Volpe, Hall of Fame Chairperson Ken Gulmi.

Now a Long Beach resident, Jim grew up in neighboring Oceanside and has been involved with soccer his entire life.

Long before the youth soccer boom started in the 1970’s, Jim’s soccer career kicked off when he began playing for the Oceanside Dynamo in the Cosmopolitan Junior Soccer League (CJSL) and he then played for Oceanside High School and

the Oceanside United men’s team. He was childhood friends with Rudy Lamonica and has volunteered for decades at the Rudy Lamonica Indoor Tournament, the oldest youth soccer indoor tourney in the United States.

Jim started coaching in Oceanside United’s intramural program in 1977 and coached a half-dozen Oceanside United travel teams playing in the Long Island Junior Soccer League (LIJSL) through the years. Jim grew the club as President for a dozen years from 1989 to 2000. For all his involvement, he was inducted into the LIJSL Hall of Fame a decade ago in 2015.

Jim has served as Eastern New York’s Olympic Development Program (ODP) Administrator since 2014. On his watch, the 1999 Boys South ODP Team won the national championship in 2016.

After Jim’s wife, Marianne, died of blood cancer in 2011, he and his daughters Chelsea (named after the London soccer team) and Shaun started the Marianne Volpe 5K and Pumpkin Fun Run the day before Hurricane Sandy in 2012. The Volpes have raised over $300,000 for blood cancer research during the past 13 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/

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.

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.”

Hofstra Men Take the Conference Title For the Fourth Consecutive Year

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

November 25, 2024-The Hofstra University men’s soccer team, with six players on the roster who grew up playing in the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA), has had another outstanding season.

For the second consecutive year, the Pride has received a national seed in the NCAA Championship and a first round bye. Hofstra, who is making their fourth consecutive NCAA appearance, earned the #7 seed.

“Very pleased to have another successful season, to be conference champions and to be in the NCAA tournament once again,” longtime Hofstra men’s soccer coach Richard Nuttall stated.

Evan Bernstein photo courtesy of Hofstra University.

Hofstra (14-4-2) won the Coastal Athletic Association championship for the fourth consecutive season and eighth time overall.

This is the ninth time that Hofstra has played in the NCAA tournament. In 2021 and 2023, the Pride advanced to the third round and the team advanced to the second round in 2004, 2006, 2015 and 2024. Hofstra is 4-2 at home in NCAA play.

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 United States Youth Soccer. For more information, please log on to http://www.enysoccer.com/

Two Eastern New York Hall of Famers to Lead Kingston Capitals Women’s Soccer

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

October 31, 2024-Two Eastern New York Hall of Famers, Dimitri Giatrakis and Ken Gulmi, have been tabbed to coach the Kingston Capitals of the Women’s Premier Soccer League (WPSL). Dimitri Giatrakis was named Head Coach and Ken Gulmi was tabbed as General Manager and Assistant Coach for the squad that kicked off play at the start of this decade.

Coach Giatrakis has over 40 years experience as a player and coach. He holds a US Soccer National “A” license and has served as both the Hudson Valley Youth Soccer League (HVYSL) Technical Director and Olympic Development Program (ODP) Technical Director of the Eastern New York State Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA), overseeing a staff of over 30 coaches in the latter position. Dimitri has been a National Coaching Instructor and his teams have reached the finals of the National ODP Championship and a number of his players have been and are currently playing in MLS and the US Men’s National Team.

Coach Gulmi also has over 40 years coaching experience. He holds a US Soccer National “C” license and has served as HVYSL President for 22 years and as ENYYSA Vice President for 25 years. Ken served as a presenter on the College Bound educational symposium at the United Soccer Coaches national convention, as well as volunteering on the US Soccer National Committee on Disabled Athletics and he has conducted training sessions with players and parents on interview skills, nutrition and career counseling.

Dimitri Giatrakis (left) and Ken Gulmi

The team’s name is a source of pride for Kingstonians as the first New York State legislature met in Kingston in 1777 before Albany was declared the state capital two years later. Hence, Kingston is considered the first capital of New York State.

The WPSL is a highly competitive national league of 150 women’s teams in four regions and 16 conferences. Kingston, a member of the Northeast Conference, will compete against teams from Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Boston, Albany and Clarkstown. All home games will be at newly renovated Dietz Stadium in Kingston, beginning in early May 2025. Young women interested in trying out may contact Coach Gulmi at kingstoncapitals1@gmail.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 United States Youth Soccer. For more information, please log on to http://www.enysoccer.com/

Marianne Volpe 5K and Pumpkin Fun Run is on October 26 in Baldwin

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

October 10, 2024-Even though it’s precariously close to Halloween, we’re hoping that 13 is a lucky number as the 13th Annual Marianne Volpe 5K and Pumpkin Fun Run takes place on Saturday, October 26 at Baldwin Harbor Park.

Blood cancer support is important to the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) because of the life of Marianne Volpe. The Baldwin resident was 56 years old when she died of Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL), an aggressive form of blood cancer, leaving behind her husband Jim, daughters Chelsea and Shaun, three brothers, five sisters and countless friends. There are many stories of extraordinary people like Marianne whose lives are cut tragically short by this horrible disease.

Marianne Volpe

Jim is a Long Island Junior Soccer League (LIJSL) Hall of Famer and Chairperson of the Eastern New York Olympic Development Program (ODP) for the last decade-plus. Both Chelsea and Shaun grew up playing in the LIJSL, then played for Manhattan College and are still involved in the game today. The family started the Marianne Volpe 5K and Pumpkin Fun Run the day before Hurricane Sandy in 2012 and both the soccer and running communities have been helping out ever since.

More than $285,000 has been raised with the goal to go over $300,000 this year for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS), which has helped advance 55 of the 65 blood cancer treatment options approved by the FDA since 2017. It’s the world’s largest voluntary health organization dedicated to funding research towards cures for blood cancers. Since its inception in 1949, the Society has provided more than $1.2 billion to research specifically targeting blood cancers and its mission is to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma.

Shaun, Jim and Chelsea Volpe

On Saturday, October 26, the kids’ run dubbed the Pumpkin Fun Run (for ages 10 and younger) is at 9:00 am with the Marianne Volpe 5K starting at 9:30 am.

Click here to register for the run.

Click here to make a donation.

In addition to utilizing the website, you can also send a donation check made payable to The Leukemia & Lymphoma’s Society to: LLS Northeast Territory, LLS – PO Box 22470, New York, NY 10087-2470

For more information about the Marianne Volpe 5K and Pumpkin Fun Run, please contact Jim Volpe at 516-805-3765.

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 United States Youth Soccer Association. For more information, please log on to http://www.enysoccer.com/