Human Interest
Hannah Stahl Honored as the Eastern New York Young Female 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 Hannah Stahl has been honored as our 2025 Young Female 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.
Hannah is a Walden resident who started refereeing three years ago.
“Since that time, Hannah has blossomed into one of the Hudson Valley’s most improved and youthful referees,“ commented Hudson Valley Soccer Referee Association (HVSRA) President Brian Baer. “She has participated in multiple indoor and outdoor tournaments in our area. Due to her improvements on and off the field, Hannah was selected to officiate the 2025 State Cup finals, as referee for the Girls-Under-13 championship match and fourth official for the Girls-Under-14 final. We see a bright future for Hannah.”
She is a senior and student body president at Valley Central High School, plays two sports—soccer and lacrosse––and was selected to the All-Section girls soccer team for Section 9. She volunteers her time coaching 4- and 5-year-old players for the Orange County Soccer Club and plans to major in elementary education in college.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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/
Dusanka Marusic Inducted Into the Eastern New York Soccer Hall of Fame
By Randy Vogt, Director of Public Relations, Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association
January 27, 2026-The Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) is proud to announce that longtime volunteer Dusanka Marusic was inducted into the Eastern New York Soccer Hall of Fame at our Hall of Fame Banquet on January 24 at Marina del Rey in the Bronx.
For over four decades, Dusanka has been a driving force in youth soccer. She began as a player for the West Hempstead Flames of the Long Island Ladies Soccer League (LILSL), serving for over a decade on the league’s Board of Directors.
Dusanka coached for over two decades with the Hewlett-Lawrence Soccer Club and Valley Stream Soccer Club of the Long Island Junior Soccer League (LIJSL) plus New York Croatia of the Cosmopolitan Junior Soccer League (CJSL). In the early 1990’s, she recognized the need for CJSL teams to have more competitive matches so she proposed that CJSL squads be allowed to play as guest teams, a groundbreaking idea at the time, in the LIJSL. It eventually was approved and elevated player development, stabilized clubs and supported long-term growth.
Dusanka also launched the Leonard D’Orazio College Showcase, which became a pathway for players to be seen by college coaches, plus she started new initiatives for female players in the CJSL. She represented the CJSL and later the LIJSL at ENYYSA meetings plus also served on the Long Beach Soccer Club Board of Directors.
For this lifetime of soccer, the Cuddebackville resident was inducted into the CJSL Hall of Fame in 2023 and now, the Eastern New York Hall of Fame. Congratulations to Dusanka!
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/
Tony Padmore Inducted Into the Eastern New York Soccer Hall of Fame
By Randy Vogt, Director of Public Relations, Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association
January 28, 2026-The Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) is very pleased to announce that Tony Padmore has been inducted into the Eastern New York Soccer Hall of Fame. The induction ceremony took place at our Hall of Fame Banquet on Saturday, January 24 at Marina del Rey in the Bronx.
Tony grew up in Trinidad and Tobago and after emigrating to New York in 1970, he started playing soccer in a league in Prospect Park. In 1986, he began coaching his children, Rhonda and Michael, in the Staten Island Youth Soccer League (SIYSL) when they took up soccer. From 1986 through 1996, Tony coached intramural teams at St. Rita’s. In 1994, when the club needed a new Director, Tony stepped up and ran the club for two years while also coaching.
In 1990, Tony also started coaching at Staten Island United, doing so for the next 14 years, plus serving as club Secretary in 1998 and 1999.
While this is all very impressive, Tony is best known today as a referee, which he has done with a passion for over three decades. He was President of the Staten Island Soccer Referees Association (SISRA) from 2003 to 2005, then has been the SIYSL assignor for the past two decades. He was inducted into the SIYSL Hall of Fame back in 2012.
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/