News

Youth Soccer Continues This Winter in Eastern New York

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

December 15, 2025-Although the spring and fall are the most active seasons in the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) as the temps are perfect then for soccer, there is activity in both winter and summer. Check out what our leagues are offering this winter:

Big Apple Youth Soccer League
Luis Montoya Indoor Tournament • Indoors from January 10 to March 7 at the Elmcor Gym • Boys from Under-8 to Under-15

Cosmopolitan Junior Soccer League
NY Winter Tournament • Outdoors from December 6 to March 15 at Randall’s Island, Brooklyn and Queens
Boys from Under-9 to Under-16, Girls from Under-10 to Under-15 • Organized by Juventus Academy New York

Hudson Valley Youth Soccer League
Jim Slater Memorial Tournament • Indoors January 10-11 at the Hudson Valley Sports Dome • Boys and girls, Under-9 to Under-18

President’s Cup Tournament • Indoors February 14-15 at the Hudson Valley Sports Dome • Boys and girls, Under-9 to Under-18

Long Island Futsal League
Indoors from January 3 to February 22 in central Suffolk County • Boys and girls, Under-7 to Under-19

Long Island Junior Soccer League
Winter Showdown • Indoors from January 17 to March 7 at Stony Brook University • Boys and girls, Under-9 to Under-12

New York Futsal
Indoors from December 6 to March 8 in Uptown Manhattan • Boys from Under-7 to High School

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.

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/

Mourning the Profound Loss of Paul Kontonis

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

November 26, 2025-The Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) is in mourning over the passing of Cosmopolitan Junior Soccer League (CJSL) President Paul Kontonis on November 25 at the age of 54. The Flushing resident volunteered for the past 1.5 years as President of the CJSL, founded in 1933 and the oldest youth league in American soccer.

Paul had been CJSL Vice President and succeeded Ron Restrepo as President in 2024. Paul served Eleftheria Pancyprian Soccer Club as a Director and Coach, where he devoted his time, energy and heart to the players and staff. Prior to Eleftheria, he spent many years as a respected coach with another CJSL club wearing blue-and-white, BW Gottschee, helping develop countless young athletes and contributing to one of the city’s most storied youth soccer programs.

In a statement, the CJSL wrote that “Paul served our league with dedication and integrity. His leadership, professionalism, and belief in the mission of youth soccer strengthened our league and positively impacted every club, coach, referee and player in our community.

Paul believed in what we were building together. He championed the growth of our league, supported the development of our players, and worked tirelessly to elevate our standards. His impact—both on and off the field—was meaningful, lasting and will continue to be felt throughout our community…

Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Paul’s family, friends and all who were fortunate enough to work alongside him. His legacy within CJSL and the wider youth soccer community will not be forgotten.“

The Eastern New York Soccer Referee Association added, “Paul supported and championed the cause of referees in every way he could. He brought cheer and energy to every interaction and valued the development and growth of each person’s character in pursuit of the game; even referees. His combination of calm during a match and passion for the game was second to none in New York City. He will be missed.“

The CJSL will have a moment of silence before all remaining Fall Season games plus additionally, on Monday night, December 1, there will be a moment of silence before the first match of the CJSL College Showcase kicks off at 7 pm.

Memorial visitation is at the Frederick Funeral Home, 192-15 Northern Boulevard in Flushing on Thursday, December 4 from 6-9 pm and on Friday, December 5 from 10 am-1 pm.

We have lost a very good man. May he rest in peace!

TOPSoccer Integrates With Unified Players For the First Time on Long Island

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

November 20, 2025-Children With Special Needs playing soccer in an organized league first started in the Long Island Junior Soccer League (LIJSL) in 1978 when the Huntington Boys Club and Massapequa Soccer Club separately started programs at a time when those with Special Needs playing sports is not as accepted as it is today. That was the first seeds of what is now TOPSoccer, The Outreach Program for Soccer, for children and adults with intellectual, emotional or physical challenges, all under the US Youth Soccer umbrella.

Three dozen Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) clubs now have TOPSoccer teams.

Smithtown TOPSoccer coach Bob Kinney, recently selected by Eastern New York as our 2025 TOPSoccer Coach of the Year, explained that “when Smithtown TOPSoccer player Steven Heimerle moved to Charlotte, North Carolina, I helped him find a new team through Emily Mohlin of the Special Olympics Long Island. Steven ended up playing on a Unified Soccer team, and enjoyed it so much that he contacted me to talk about it. Steven’s input on his experience led to several discussions within the Smithtown Kickers on how we could do something similar.”

Unified teams consist of those with and without challenges playing on one squad. It’s inspired by the simple principle that playing together is a quick path to friendship and understanding.

This led to a 3-day soccer camp last July at Moriches Fields in St. James where 12 TOPSoccer players were integrated with five college and adult players, all under the direction of Miquel Gasparin, the Smithtown Kickers’ Director of Boys Training.

“The camp was a huge success. The players enjoyed it tremendously and in the Unified setting, they were able to work on more refined soccer concepts like ball possession. Everyone did not want the camp to end and asked to do it again,” Bob stated.

At the Special Olympics’ Fall Games on September 20 at Cantiague Park in Hicksville, Bob met Michael and Kristen Carolan, who had been involved in Unified Sports in Florida and are currently volunteering with Huntington Boys Club (HBC) TOPSoccer. Together with Sachem TOPSoccer coach Brian Pontecorvo, they planned their first Unified event on Saturday, November 15 at Moriches Fields as the TOPSoccer Fall Season concluded.

Photos of Sachem vs. Smithtown in a TOPSoccer and Unified game

Unified players were on each team as Smithtown played against Sachem. The partner players’ goal was not to star on either squad but to aid each teammate in getting the ball down the field so everybody touched the ball and had a good time. For the more advanced TOPSoccer players, the higher level of play enabled them to be at their best while for the less experienced kids, they saw how soccer should be played and gave them ideas and a pathway to improve.

Bob concluded by saying, “Our partner players did a great job involving all the players plus helped them with positioning. Everyone had a great time and is very interested in pursuing Unified play when we resume next spring.”

CJSL to Host Its Winter College Showcase on December 1 at Queens College

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

November 18, 2025-The players of the Cosmopolitan Junior Soccer League (CJSL) are held in such high esteem by college and junior college coaches that they are even scouting the tryouts for the CJSL Winter College Showcase.

Welcome to the 9th Annual CJSL Winter College Showcase, organized by andGo Sports and the CJSL, founded in 1933 and the oldest league in American youth soccer. The showcase receives financial support from the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA). Tryouts for high school senior boys are currently being held at Manhattan University and Queens College.

“We utilize multiple locations to have players from different parts of the city for this recruiting opportunity,” explained Max Watson, the CJSL First Vice President who is organizing the showcase. “We are definitely excited for the event this year!”

The selected players will be playing in the showcase on Monday night, December 1, kicking off at 6 pm at Queens College. Three teams will be playing 45-minute matches.

College and junior college coaches from Division 1 to Division 3 are once again expected to scout the CJSL Winter College Showcase.

For more information, please log on to the CJSL website.

Hudson Valley Youth Soccer League Inducts Scott Carruthers and Emmanuel Nneji Into its Hall of Fame

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

November 18, 2025-The Hudson Valley Youth Soccer League (HVYSL) held its Annual Awards Dinner on Saturday, November 8 at Villa Borghese in Wappingers Falls to honor those who have particularly made a difference on youth soccer fields in the Hudson Valley. The league, affiliated with the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) since its founding in 1974, brings together clubs from Dutchess, Orange, Ulster, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan and Westchester counties in New York plus Pike County in Pennsylvania.

“We had a great time with a room full of people,” explained Ken Gulmi, HVYSL Awards Chairperson and Eastern New York Hall of Famer. “15 Hudson Valley Hall of Famers were there and it was nice to see and visit with old friends.”

Scott Carruthers and Emmanuel Nneji were inducted into the HVYSL Hall of Fame during the festive day.

Scott Carruthers is in the center on left-hand photo and Emmanuel Nneji is in the center on right photo.
Ken Gulmi is on the left in both photos and HVYSL President Chris Decker is on the right.

Poughkeepsie resident Scott Carruthers became a coach in the Town of Poughkeepsie Soccer Club (TOPSC) four decades ago, then helped establish girls soccer in Dutchess County when he started coaching the Dutchess United Girls Soccer (DUGS) club. Scott became a ref and advanced to Regional Referee status and is now a well-regarded assessor too.

Emmanuel Nneji is the District Attorney for Ulster County. His coaching journey began over 35 years ago when he started coaching in the Kingston Area Soccer League. The Kingston resident has stepped up whenever a team needed a coach. Manny is a volunteer coach, his teams have played well but most importantly, he makes all his players feel good about themselves.

Also honored were the following outstanding individuals:

• Boys Competitive Coach of the Year-Alex Gunera, FC Puma

• Girls Competitive Coach of the Year-Hugo Alzate, Beacon Soccer Club

• Administrator of the Year-Felicia Sheehan, Eastern Pike Soccer Club

• Volunteer of the Year-Rebecca Palmatier, Highland United

Congratulations to all!

Sue Ryan to Receive the Charlotte Moran Long-Term Service Award For Youth Soccer

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

November 13, 2025-The Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) is very proud to announce that one of our longtime Olympic Development Program (ODP) coaches, Susan Ryan, will receive the United Soccer Coaches’ Charlotte Moran Long-Term Service Award for Youth Soccer. Sue will be honored at the United Soccer Coaches’ Awards Ceremony on January 16, 2026 in Philadelphia.

“This award has special meaning to me since it is named in honor of my mentor and friend, Charlotte Moran,” Sue said.

Another longtime Eastern New York ODP coach, John Fitzgerald, is being honored at the same ceremony with the Mike Berticelli Excellence in Coaching Education Award.

Sue is a former member of United Soccer Coaches’ board of directors, chair of the Advocacy Council and academy staff instructor. She was honored with the association’s Women’s Soccer Award of Excellence in 2011 and its Letter of Commendation in 2016.

The Stony Brook resident has served as the US Youth Soccer East Region Girls ODP Director for 36 years and has held leadership roles with United Soccer Coaches, including Chair of the Advocacy Council and the Women’s Committee. Appointed by the namesake of her most recent award, former ODP Administrator Charlotte Moran, Sue has consistently given back to the sport by coaching with the Northport/Cow Harbor Soccer Club, Stony Brook Soccer Club, Atlantic United Soccer Club, Long Island Junior Soccer League (LIJSL) Select Program, Eastern New York Girls ODP Program and East Region ODP.

Sue is Eastern New York ODP South Girls Director and currently coaching the team of South girls born in 2011.

“I have known Sue for over 20 years and we have been friendly competitors ever since,” explained Eastern New York ODP Director Wayne Fortino. “All the players and parents of Eastern New York ODP as well as myself are so lucky to have her as Girls Director of Coaching. In this role, she oversees the direction of the girls program as well as coaching one of the age groups. We’re extremely grateful for this and are very proud of her well-deserved award.”

As Eastern New York ODP coach, Sue suggested Phallon Tullis-Joyce transition from field player to goalkeeper and nearly two decades later, she is now keeper for Manchester United and the US Women’s National Team.

Sue coached the Stony Brook University women’s soccer team for three decades and her Seawolves became the first college team to win the New York Metro Intercollegiate Soccer Officials Association (NYMISOA) Sportsmanship Award twice, in 1997 and 2004. Sue coached the Northport/Cow Harbor Piranha to the Girls-Under-16 and Girls-Under-18 national championships just before the turn of the millennium.

Sue’s other honors and accolades include US Youth Soccer Youth Coach of the Year, Long Island Soccer Player Hall of Fame and Distinguished Educator, SUNY Cortland Alumni.

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 Exceptional Senior Games Are a Veterans Day Tradition in Guilderland

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

November 5, 2025-The Long Island Junior Soccer League (LIJSL) started the Exceptional Senior Games in 1981 so that top high school senior soccer players could be scouted by college coaches all in one venue. This all-star competition spread throughout the United States and continues on Long Island 44 years later, although it’s now organized exclusively by Nassau County Boys Soccer and the Suffolk County Boys Soccer Coaches Association.

One of the most successful Exceptional Senior Games takes place a long corner kick from the state capital in Albany every year. The Capital District Youth Soccer League (CDYSL) will be organizing its Exceptional Senior Games on Tuesday, November 11, continuing its tradition of playing these games on Veterans Day at DiCaprio Park in Guilderland. CDYSL volunteers have been partnering with NYSPHSAA Section 2 coaches in organizing this competition of both public and private schools annually during its three decades of existence with the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) providing financial support.

High school senior student/athletes are selected by their leagues/coaches to represent their individual conferences and showcase their talent by competing against other Section 2 players. Coaches from colleges and junior colleges from all over the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions have been invited to attend the games and evaluate local players who hope to continue their soccer careers next year.

Team photos from previous versions of the Exceptional Senior Games

The schedule:

Boys Games
10:00 am, Field 1, Western Athletic Conference (WAC) vs. Adirondack
11:30 am, Field 3, Wasaren League vs. Patroon Conference
1:00 pm, Field 2, Foothills vs. Colonial Council
2:30 pm, Field 1, Suburban Council White vs. Suburban Council Red

Girls Games
10:15 am, Field 2, Colonial Council vs. Foothills
11:45 am, Field 1, Wasaren League vs. Patroon Conference
1:15 pm, Field 3, Adirondack vs. Western Athletic Conference (WAC)

Please join us for an exceptional day of high school soccer!

For more info, please contact the CDYSL at 518-435-2325.

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/

Welcoming Tom Frambach as Our Director of Marketing & Membership Programs

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

October 23, 2025-The Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) is proud to announce the appointment of Tom Frambach as our new Director of Marketing & Membership Programs, a position newly created to enhance the association’s support for players, coaches, referees, clubs, and leagues across the state.In this role, Frambach will lead initiatives aimed at growing participation in the Beautiful Game, expanding educational and developmental opportunities and strengthening engagement throughout the Eastern New York soccer community.

A Washingtonville, NY native and longtime product of Eastern New York soccer, Frambach fondly recalls his early playing days—where he built lifelong friendships, learned valuable life lessons, and capped his youth career by winning a State Cup championship during his senior year of high school.

Frambach continued his soccer journey at SUNY Cortland, where he captained the men’s soccer team and earned a B.S. in Physical Education. He later completed his M.S. in Sports Management at East Stroudsburg University, serving as a graduate assistant coach and helping guide the Warriors to a PSAC Conference Championship and an NCAA Division II Tournament appearance.

During a summer internship with the New York/New Jersey MetroStars (now the New York Red Bulls) of Major League Soccer (MLS), Frambach was invited to train with the first team by then–head coachOctavio Zambrano, an opportunity that allowed him to experience the professional level firsthand.

After injuries brought his playing career to a close, Frambach turned to coaching—beginning as Head Men’s Soccer Coach at St. Andrew’s College (NC), where his team was recognized among the nation’s top 10 most improved programs. He later held assistant coaching roles with North Carolina State University (Division I) and SUNY Purchase (Division III).

Frambach’s passion for teaching led him deeper into youth soccer, coaching with CASL, North Carolina FC, and the North Carolina Olympic Development Program (ODP), Asphalt Green and DUSC before transitioning to leadership and management roles.

His management career includes serving as Director of Soccer at Asphalt Green (Cosmopolitan Junior Soccer League), Sports Director at Club Fit, and nearly a decade as General Manager of Downtown United Soccer Club (DUSC), also part of the CJSL. Under his leadership, DUSC players advanced to U.S. Youth National Teams, MLS and NWSL clubs and collegiate programs across all levels of play.Reflecting on his journey, Frambach shared,

“Soccer is a microcosm of life. We all face challenges, but maintaining perspective reminds me that faith, family, and futbol are beautiful things we must cherish. I’m deeply grateful to the Eastern New York board for the opportunity to inspire a love of the game and positively impact the next generation—both on and off the field.”

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/

Volunteering With TOPSoccer Led to a Career in Special Ed

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

October 28, 2025-Jocelyn Davis always wanted to become a teacher. Then known as Jocelyn Grafstein, she started volunteering as a teenager with the Smithtown Kickers’ TOPSoccer Program for four years around the turn of the millennium. TOPSoccer (The Outreach Program for Soccer) is a US Youth Soccer initiative that gives the opportunity to play soccer to those who are differently-abled.

“I always wanted to be a teacher and I think that Smithtown TOPSoccer is what sealed the deal to become a Special Ed teacher,” Jocelyn explained. “It truly is what I was meant to do and I absolutely love it!”

Smithtown TOPSoccer, now run by Bob Kinney, was led by Ronnie Whalen and Sue Rapp when Jocelyn was a teen. For her Senior Project at Smithtown High School in 2001 (before the community was divided into East and West high schools), Jocelyn organized a TOPSoccer tournament that May with up to 10 teams and 150 athletes having fun at the New York Avenue School. Helping Jocelyn pull this off were Ronnie and Sue, Jocelyn’s teenage friends plus her parents, Howard and Mary Pat Grafstein.

Howard was Jocelyn’s longtime coach with the Smithtown Kickers in the Long Island Junior Soccer League (LIJSL), the largest league in the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA).

“Dad was my coach forever!” Jocelyn said. “During this time, I babysat for families who were part of TOPSoccer which helped solidify that this is what my calling is and I absolutely love working with the kids!”

Jocelyn is now a Bronx resident, has been a Special Ed teacher for 21 years with the past 19 years at PS/MS 194 in the Bronx.

“I volunteer for a program called Autism on the Seas where I spend my school and summer breaks helping families with Special Needs children and adults have a nice vacation with assistance from this non-profit organization.”

Jocelyn coached lacrosse for a decade at the Ursuline School and Eastchester High School, she coached soccer at Ursuline plus ran a soccer program at the Bronx YMCA for six years.

She took up the whistle and has been refereeing US Soccer youth games plus school games in the Bronx and Westchester consistently for the past five years, and her involvement with soccer came full circle when she refereed the Special Olympics on October 11 on Randall’s Island.

Interested in also volunteering with TOPSoccer like Jocelyn did or even starting a program? Then contact Lauren Lee, Eastern New York’s TOPSoccer Director, at llee@enysoccer.com or 516-538-7303 and she will tell you how to get started.

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/

John Fitzgerald to Receive the Mike Berticelli Excellence in Coaching Education Award

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

October 22, 2025-United Soccer Coaches has announced the selection of John Fitzgerald as the 2025 Mike Berticelli Excellence in Coaching Education Award recipient for his outstanding contributions to coaching education and his singular service to the game.

Fitzgerald becomes the 26th person to receive prestigious recognition from his peers. The award is named in honor of Mike Berticelli, the Association’s former Vice President of Education and men’s coach at the University of Notre Dame who passed away in 2000.

Fitzgerald is Sporting Director and Director of Coaching Education for the Long Island Junior Soccer League (LIJSL), the largest league in the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA).

“This is a fitting recognition for someone whom has a profound effect on Coaching Education and the development of coaching standards across Long Island,” stated LIJSL President Andrew Seabury. “There are not many coaches who coach in the LIJSL, both past and present, who have not benefitted from John’s influence and passion for the highest coaching education standards. This high honor is well deserved.”

Fitzgerald’s extensive experience and dedication to soccer make him a prominent figure in the coaching community, particularly on Long Island where he continues to influence the development of young players and the growth of the sport.

The Smithtown resident is a highly respected coach with over 35 years of experience spanning professional, collegiate and youth soccer. He is currently the head coach of the American Soccer Club New York, a newly established team competing in the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL). Fitzgerald brings an impressive depth of knowledge and a proven record of achievement to this position, having earned recognition throughout the New York soccer community.

“John embodies what the Berticelli Award is about and is truly deserving of this honor for his passion and dedication to coaching education,” United Soccer Coaches President Paul Payne explained.

John Fitzgerald coaching in Eastern New York’s Olympic Development Program.

Fitzgerald’s coaching journey includes several notable roles:

• Associate Head Coach, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy: In this role, Fitzgerald contributed to the team’s six NCAA Division 3 tournament appearances, helping the program achieve a strong reputation and consistent performance.

• Director of Coaching, New York Cosmos: Fitzgerald was responsible for overseeing training and player development programs. He also served as assistant coach for Cosmos B, who captured the 2015 NPSL national championship.

• Head Coach, Long Island Lady Rough Riders: Under his leadership, the Lady Rough Riders won a national championship in the W-League, further establishing his credentials.

• Longtime coach in Eastern New York’s Olympic Development Program (ODP), including Boys Director of Coaching.

• Current head coach of East Region ODP Boys 2009 team.

Fitzgerald has been recognized for his outstanding contributions to coaching. He was named the 2004 NSCAA/Adidas Northeast Regional Assistant Coach of the Year and the 1997 Newsday Coach of the Year, as well as head coach of that years’ Umbro W-League All-Star select team His involvement in coaching education includes serving as the NSCAA State Director for Long Island and as a National Staff Instructor as well as a US Soccer coach educator. Fitzgerald’s teams have accumulated significant successes, including a record of 228-100-20 at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy as well as multiple conference championships and NCAA tournament appearances.

The Berticelli Award will be presented at the association’s Awards Ceremony on Friday, January 16, 2026, in conjunction with the 86th Annual United Soccer Coaches Convention in Philadelphia.

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/