Human Interest

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/

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/

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/

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/

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

June 26, 2025-The Cosmopolitan Junior Soccer League (CJSL), the oldest league in the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) and in all of American youth soccer, has announced the recipients of the 2025 Emil Cohill Scholarship, an annual honor awarded to top student-athletes who have demonstrated excellence both on the field and in the classroom while also giving back to their communities.

This year’s scholarship recipients are:

• Caoimhe Crowe – SC Gjøa
• Brandon Codallos – Eastern Queens FC
• Isaiah Harrison – SC Gjøa
• Alec McDonald – Manhattan Kickers Soccer Club
• Carlos Munoz Tamay – Eleftheria Pancyprian

Each of these outstanding individuals has been awarded a $4,000 scholarship, distributed as $1,000 per year over four years of college enrollment.

The Emil Cohill Scholarship is named in memory of the Eastern New York Hall of Famer and league leader who dedicated his life to youth development and education through soccer. This year, the CJSL received a record number of applications, each one reflecting the passion, discipline and heart that defines the league.

The five teenagers represent the very best of what the CJSL strives to foster: Well-rounded individuals prepared for success in life and sport.

“The Emil Cohill Scholarship is recognition of character, resilience and potential,” said Dimitrie Draguca, CJSL League Director. “We are proud of this year’s recipients, who exemplify the values of the CJSL both on and off the field. They are great players and they are leaders in the making.”

Each scholarship is renewable annually. To receive their yearly installment, recipients must provide a copy of their college transcript along with a brief academic progress update.

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/

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

June 18, 2025-More than 100 people gathered at Staten Island Academy on June 6 for the Todd Hack Memorial Game, a friendly soccer match held in honor of the beloved longtime coach at Silver Lake Soccer Academy who tragically passed away on September 12, 2024 of a pulmonary embolism at the age of 46.

Todd Hack was a graduate of both Silver Lake Soccer Academy and Staten Island Academy, where his son, David, graduated, and daughter, Gabrielle, currently attends.

Chris Vega, President of Silver Lake Soccer Academy, called the event “more than just a soccer match, it’s a tribute to a beloved coach, mentor, and friend whose impact on our community continues to be felt every day. This event is a celebration of life, leadership, and lasting influence — and a chance for us all to give back in his name.” 

Ken Granowski, the Staten Island Academy girls’ varsity coach and Silver Lake’s director of operations, emphasized the coach’s profound influence.

“Todd had a huge impact on the girls he coached,” he stated. “He was an amazing mentor — a teacher, coach, father, and husband. He was the kind of man who tried to do it all for everybody.”

Todd’s impact extended beyond the soccer field. He was also a longtime fourth-grade teacher at PS 8 in Great Kills, known for leading integrated co-teaching (ICT) classes that combined special needs and general education students. His dedication in the classroom has been widely praised, further highlighting his commitment to mentoring youth both on and off the pitch.

The gathering also included a special moment as Silver Lake Soccer Academy awarded a memorial scholarship in Todd’s memory to Jason Consalvo, a recent graduate of The Michael J. Petrides School and a Silver Lake player. Consalvo will continue his education when he attends SUNY Cortland this fall. Chris Vega described Consalvo as “a young man whose commitment and character reflect everything Coach Hack stood for.”Through the combined efforts of the community, family, and friends, the Todd Hack Memorial Game not only honored the legacy of a remarkable coach but also celebrated the lasting impact of a truly exceptional man.

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/