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LIJSL Academy Wins the Girls-Under-15 National Championship

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

December 29, 2025-Congratulations to the LIJSL Academy, which has won the Girls-Under-15 USL Youth League national championship. Made up of players from the Long Island Junior Soccer League (LIJSL), the largest league in the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA), the squad won three games and tied one in Tampa earlier this month.

LIJSL Academy qualified for Nationals by virtue of having the best record in the North Atlantic Division last summer with 6 wins, 0 losses and 2 ties, scoring 28 goals and conceding just 3.

Top row, left to right: Adriana Kletzkin, Aubrey Schneider, Juliana Koppelmann, Lucy Palmeri, Madison Caglioti, Giuliana Portaro, Lily O’Connor, Emily Belpanno, Kylie Tannus, Coach Salma Tarik
Bottom row, left to right: Emily Landa, Braelin Fernandes, Makayla Friedrich, Ava Manfredi, Izzy Hercules. Camera shy: Abigail Smith

The Girls-Under-15 Nationals was round-robin play with four games to determine the national champion. On December 11, LIJSL Academy scored in the dying seconds of the first match on a goal by two players named Emily as Emily Landa scored with Emily Belpanno providing the assist to tie Maryland United, 1-1.

The next day, LIJSL Academy defeated Michigan DBSS, 5-1. Coach Salma Tarik commented, “We were flying on all cylinders as this game was hands-down the best match I have seen this team play in a year-and-a-half as our style of play, attitude, effort, desire and mentality all came together.”

On December 13, LIJSL Academy played another team from Michigan, the Portage Soccer Club, topping them 2-1. Coach Tarik explained, “I would say this was our hardest game. Their attacking line was something we didn’t face yet in the tournament and they were very athletic and physical. Our goalkeeper, Makayla Friedrich, made the best save of the tournament in stopping a breakaway.”

Led by tournament MVP Ava Manfredi, LIJSL Academy secured the national championship with a 4-0 victory over Ironbound from Newark, New Jersey on December 15.

“Resilience, grit, motivation, hard work and confidence led us to the national title. We knew what we were there to do and having missed out on attending last year, we wanted to make a statement and do something this club has never done which was win a national championship,” Coach Tarik continued. “I told this group over and over, you believe in what you can do against any opponent and this is the best team I have ever coached and it is our time to make a statement, and we did just that!”

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/

Top 10 Reasons Why Over 100,000 Kids Play Soccer in Eastern New York

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

January 2, 2026-Over 100,000 children and teenagers, from the East End of Long Island to the Canadian border, play soccer in the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA). Although some have gone on to play professional soccer plus in the World Cup and Olympics, all have learned the value of teamwork, perseverance, sportsmanship and getting along with others through the life lessons they have learned on our soccer fields. Here are the Top 10 Reasons why we have so many players:

1. State Cup. Eastern New York has two levels of the State Cup––the US Youth Soccer ENYYSA Championship and the Challenge Cup––so every premier and travel team in Eastern New York has a chance to win a state championship. Both competitions do try to schedule games against local opponents as much as possible for this springtime competition. 

Tyler Adams (in white toward back row) won a State Cup with the Town of Poughkeepsie Soccer Club (TOPSC) over a decade ago and now plays in the English Premier League. He currently has 52 caps with the US Men’s National Team plus he captained the red, white and blue during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Tyler returned to the Hudson Valley last summer for the dedication of his childhood soccer field, Martz Field in Wappinger, as it became the Tyler Adams Soccer Pitch.

2. National Championship. For ambitious teams looking to play against top competition and possibly win a national championship, they can do it through the US Youth Soccer ENYYSA Championship as it’s part of the National Championship Series. Teams that win the state championship qualify automatically for the top tier of Nationals as there are no more Regionals.

Crystal Dunn in the gray dress surrounded by her adoring fans.

3. Olympic Development Program. ODP is considered the highest level of competition in each state association. Every year, players must be re-evaluated by the ODP professional staff of coaches for a position on each age-specific team. The identification process ends each summer with the most elite players within the East Region competing for a position on the regional team and for possible entry to the national team program. Yet even those players who do not make the regional or the national teams often use ODP as a springboard to college scholarships and even on to professional soccer. Current US Women’s National Team players Sam Coffey, Crystal Dunn, Claire Hutton and Phallon Tullis-Joyce played in Eastern New York ODP as teenagers and Eastern New York ODP coaches John Fitzgerald and Sue Ryan are being honored with special awards by the United Soccer Coaches this month.

4. Futsal. Futsal is the only version of indoor soccer approved by FIFA, soccer’s world governing body. The surface, ball and rules together favor ball control in small spaces and futsal is increasingly cited in the discussion on how to improve player development, particularly in the winter months here in Eastern New York where outdoor fields can be frozen and unplayable. Both New York Futsal and the Long Island Futsal League, the latter celebrating its 30th anniversary this winter, play under the Eastern New York umbrella.

TOPSoccer under the lights in Plainview

5. TOPSoccer. This is a wonderful program for Children With Special Needs. Special Children playing soccer in an organized league actually started in Eastern New York back in 1978 when the Huntington Boys Club (HBC) and Massapequa Soccer Club separately started programs in an era when Special Children playing sports is not as accepted as it is today. Craig Ludin, who has Down’s Syndrome and has been playing for HBC since he was a young boy, received so many medals in the Special Olympics that he was inducted into the National Jewish Sports Hall of Fame over a decade ago. Craig’s teammate John Cronin started a very successful local business, John’s Crazy Socks, with his father Mark. Volunteers are always needed for this great program and you do not know what happens until you begin. The Manhasset Soccer Club’s Owen McCormack was honored last year by US Youth Soccer as the National TOPSoccer Buddy of the Year. 

6. Risk Management. To protect our players, Eastern New York conducts background checks on coaches and referees before they participate in our games. They must pass this background check every two years to continue to be involved in our competitions. Eastern New York also provides awareness education to coaches and referees, communicating information regarding field and player safety.

7. Coaching Education. Under the supervision of Eastern New York Director of Coaching Tim Bradbury, the coaching licensing curriculum provides all soccer coaches, from the beginner to the advanced, with up-to-date theoretical and practical knowledge so that Eastern New York coaches can help our players develop to their full potential. Coaches can earn state and national coaching credentials plus the courses offer valuable information and current coaching trends state-wide, nationally and internationally. All courses are available in both English and Spanish.

8. SAT and ACT Prep Courses. Eastern New York provides exclusive, free access to acclaimed SAT and ACT prep courses from eKnowledge, which is normally a $250 value. These courses can be taken online or via DVD, which makes them ideal for our busy student/athletes. Contact Siokbee Usaraga at siokbee@eknowledge.com

9. College Scholarships. Every summer, Eastern New York awards college scholarships to help defray the cost of college for deserving high school seniors. Five Eastern New York leagues––Capital District Youth Soccer League, Cosmopolitan Junior Soccer League, Hudson Valley Youth Soccer League, Long Island Junior Soccer League and the Staten Island Youth Soccer League––all have separate scholarship programs as well.

10. Support of All Leagues, Players, Coaches and Refs. Eastern New York provides insurance for all its competitions, hosts referee certification and recertification, promotes member leagues and helps secure new fields.

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/

Announcing Our 2025 Award Winners

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

December 11, 2025-The Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) is proud to announce the recipients of our 2025 Of the Year Awards. These individuals were selected from nominations received throughout our state association. They will be celebrated at our Hall of Fame Banquet on Saturday, January 24, 2026 at Marina del Rey in the Bronx. 

Boys Competitive Coach of the Year-Alex Gunera, Puma FC (Newburgh)
Girls Competitive Coach of the Year-Victoria Sherry, Niskayuna Soccer Club
Boys Recreational Coach of the Year-Chris McDonald, Wappinger United Soccer Club
Administrator of the Year-Felicia Sheehan, Eastern Pike Soccer Club
TOPSoccer Coach of the Year-Bob Kinney, Smithtown Kickers
TOPSoccer Buddy of the Year-Ella Schwartz, Plainview/Old Bethpage Soccer Club
Young Male Referee of the Year-Jules Mehmet of Manhattan
Young Female Referee of the Year-Hannah Stahl of Walden

Congratulations to all!

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/

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!

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/

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.”

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/

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.

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/

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!

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/

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/