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Mike Finnegan Honored as Life Member by the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association

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

August 8, 2024-At the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Associaton (ENYYSA) Annual General Meeting on August 3 at the Sonesta Hotel in White Plains, Eastern New York’s youth leagues unanimously gave Life Member status to longtime volunteer Mike Finnegan. The Life Member award in local youth soccer is equivalent to the Lifetime Achievement Award designation used by other groups.

“A reason that the vote was unanimous is Mike’s steady personality is so deserving for Life Member status and he has volunteered in youth soccer for nearly 50 years plus continues volunteering today,” stated ENYYSA President Richard Christiano.

Mike began his soccer journey like many other American adults, after his daughter Noreen registered for youth soccer. He started coaching Noreen in intramurals in 1977 in the Rockville Centre Soccer Club, coaching her Rockville Centre Cardinals travel team up to the Under-23 division, for the next 15 years. Mike’s other daughters, Sharon and Veronica, also played soccer but he did not coach them.

Mike also coached St. Agnes High School (just before it became Kellenberg High School) in 1986 for one year and arguably his greatest accomplishment in his brief time there was getting the Private School Girls players included in the Exceptional Senior Games that were organized by the Long Island Junior Soccer League (LIJSL).

Mike’s volunteering increased substantially when he was elected to the Board of Directors of the Rockville Centre Soccer Club in the 1980’s, helping lead a period of great growth in the club, and he served as Intramural Chairperson, Travel Chairperson, Secretary, Vice President and President.

The longtime Rockville Centre resident was elected ENYYSA Treasurer in 1986 and performed this important role for over two decades. He became a member of the East Region Olympic Development Program (ODP) in 1986 and served as camp director and team administrator for the next 30 years until 2016.

Awards include being inducted into the Eastern New York Soccer Hall of Fame in 2002 and honored as Volunteer of the Year by the East Region in 2005.

Now in his eighties, Mike has not been slowing down as he has volunteered as the ENYYSA Scholarship Chairperson since after the turn of the millennium and as Appeals Chairperson for more than a decade.

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 New York Connections of the US Women’s National Team

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

August 10, 2024-Congratulations to the United States Women’s National Team (USWNT), which won all six of its matches at the Paris Olympics, outscoring their opponents, 12-2, en route to the Gold Medal. Two USWNT players and the new head coach have New York connections.

Sam Coffey was born in Manhattan and grew up in Sleepy Hollow. Sam developed her wonderful talent in Eastern New York’s Olympic Development Program (ODP) as well as for clubs Match Fit Academy and the New York Soccer Club. It was then on to Boston College and Penn State while also competing for the United States National Youth Teams in the Girls-Under-18, Girls-Under-19 and Girls-Under-20 age brackets. She has played for the Portland Thorns for the past three years, helping them win the NWSL championship in 2022.

Crystal Dunn grew up in Rockville Centre, Long Island and spent her formative years in the Long Island Junior Soccer League (LIJSL), playing for the Rockville Centre Power, Rockville Centre Tornadoes and Albertson Fury ‘91. Crystal also played in Eastern New York ODP for six years, and used it as a springboard to represent the USA internationally.

Crystal Dunn in the gray dress surrounded by her adoring fans at the Rockville Centre Sports Complex. Photo courtesy of Crystal Dunn.

“From the age of nine, Crystal displayed a tremendous desire to learn about the game. Her drive and desire to understand all the things you teach a developing youth player were incredible. Crystal’s energy and courage for her size were as impressive as her desire to learn,” commented Tim Bradbury, who coached Crystal on her two Rockville Centre youth teams and is the longtime Director of Coaching for the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA).

As a junior at the University of North Carolina, she won the Hermann Trophy as college soccer’s best player, scoring five goals in leading the Tar Heels to the 2012 NCAA championship. Crystal and her USA teams won the 2012 Under-20 Women’s World Cup, the 2019 Women’s World Cup plus a Bronze Medal at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. She has played for the Washington Spirit, North Carolina Courage and Portland Thorns in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) and currently plays for Gotham FC. In the 2017-18 season, she played for Chelsea of the Women’s Super League, where her coach was Emma Hayes, who is now her coach with the USWNT and got her start as a 25-year-old coach in New York.

Emma Hayes giving a clinic at the 2002 LIJSL Convention. Photo courtesy of Kim Wyant.

Emma coached a top women’s team, the Long Island Lady Riders in 2002, receiving the W-League Coach of the Year Award. She then coached the Iona College women’s team from 2003 to 2005 before embarking on a professional career in both England and the United States.

Emma told NBC News, “I was lucky to be born in England but made in the USA.“

Emma Hayes coaching the Long Island Lady Riders at Michael Tully Park. Photo courtesy of Kim Wyant.

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/

All-Female Ref Crews Officiate the WPSL East Regional Final Four

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

July 17, 2024-Over 3,000 certified referees officiate the 100,000-plus players of the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA). But while females make up nearly 50% of our players, the percentage of female referees to overall refs is much smaller. Eastern New York’s referee shortage would be over if the number of female refs increased to nearly 50%, just like our players.

From left to right: Tatjana Budesheim, Cheryl Aronson, Stephanie Overton and Ashley Prevet before Clarkstown’s 4-1 win over Niagara 1812 in the WPSL East Regional Semifinal.

Our top young female refs were in the spotlight as three all-female referee crews were assigned by Brendan Mullarkey and Brian Baer for the Women’s Premier Soccer League (WPSL) East Regional Finals played at SUSA’s Orlin & Cohen Sports Complex in Central Islip on July 13 and 14.

Mullarkey stated, “Everything went very smoothly and the refs did very well.”

From left to right: Stephanie Loehr, Tatjana Budesheim, Stephanie Overton and Cheryl Aronson before Reading United’s 2-1 victory over SUSA in the WPSL East Regional Semifinal.

There are many reasons to become a referee and/or assistant referee, from staying involved with the game, getting exercise, meeting new people, earning money, etc. Plus you are your own boss and decide when you are available to ref. The reasons for reffing are as diverse as the people who make up our referee ranks.

Eastern New York seeks new Grassroots Referees and the certification class consists of both online and classroom learning. For more information, log on to https://enysreferee.org/how-to-become-a-referee/. If you have any questions, e-mail questions@enysreferee.org

From left to right: Ashley Prevet, Stephanie Overton, Jennifer Dumaine, Stephanie Loehr and WPSL Associate Commissioner-East Shelley Dougherty before Clarkstown’s 4-2 win past Reading United in the WPSL East Regional Championship Game.

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/

Boys-Under-12 B/W Gottschee Academy Blue Win the Regional Championship

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

July 16, 2024-The Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) salutes B/W Gottschee Academy Blue who won both the Boys-Under-12 State Cup and Regional titles recently.

Back row: Coach Andreas Kalpaxis, Alexander DiClerico, Lev Hermann, Sidney Bai-Scanavino, Filip Rzedzian, Teo Freund, Viktor Hnatiuk, Yaseen Zaghdudi, Christopher Cardona, Oliver Milanja
Front row: Christian Reyes, Teo Contreras, Leonardo Atis, Colin Palazzo, Brandon Piña, Moussa Azala

B/W Gottschee Academy Blue won all five games in the State Cup, outscoring their opponents 30-2. They shut out their clubmates, B/W Gottschee Academy White, 4-0, in the State Cup final on June 1 at Stringham Park in LaGrange. It was the 72nd state championship that B/W Gottschee teams have won since the Queens club’s founding in 1951. 

“Football is a simple game that tends to get complicated by odd tactics and over-coaching. Our focus as a club is to give players the ability to decide games on their own,” coach Andreas Kalpaxis explained. “The ball should always be their priority. Mastering control, handling the ball in tight spaces and taking on defenders without hesitation. Give the players the tools to master the ball and let them create their own solutions on the pitch.”

B/W Gottschee Academy Blue then won four games and lost one, outscoring the other teams, 19-5, during Regionals in West Virginia from June 27 to July 2. They shut out Beadling North Red of Pennsylvania West in the final, 3-0, to give the B/W Gottschee club its 13th Regional title.

“Our boys excelled at Regionals and deserved to be crowned champions,” Coach Kalpaxis concluded.

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/

Boys-Under-14 East Coast FC Regional Qualify For Nationals

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

July 15, 2024-East Coast FC Regional won both the Boys-Under-14 State Cup and Regional titles as they have become one of the best youth soccer teams in New York State.

“We would like to dedicate the State Cup and the Eastern Regional Championship to our beloved club mentor, Joe Misso, who was born in 1945 and passed away earlier this year,” East Coast FC coach John Kokkoris stated. “Joe always said, ‘What you put into it is what you get out of it,’ and that is what our club is built on.”

In the State Cup, they won all six games, outscoring their opponents 23 to 1. Hector Santiago scored the only goal of the final as they topped Just Play Soccer Premier, 1-0, at Stringham Park in LaGrange on June 1. 

“The majority of our team has been together from the beginning, some even as young as five and six years old. They have grown up together and learned from past experiences, always showing persistency in reaching their objectives,” Coach Kokkoris said. “Their mentality has been top level from such a young age and it’s been special watching them mature and develop over the years.”

The Long Island side continued to impress at Regionals, winning four games and losing one, outscoring their opponents 10 to 5.

“In order to prepare for Regionals, we actually had a friendly with the Stony Brook LGN Thunder back in New York,” Coach Kokkoris explained. “After that friendly game, we told the boys that with the quality the two groups have, we wouldn’t be surprised if we met in the finals and that’s exactly what happened.”

The only goal of the Regional final was scored by Saul Peraza with three minutes left as East Coast got by Stony Brook LGN, 1-0, between the two teams from the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) on July 2 in West Virginia. 

Kokkoris continued, “Before the Regional Final, Stony Brook LGN coach Tim Graham and I met up and watched the USA play against Uruguay in the Copa America and traded some playful banter. Congratulations to Stony Brook LGN and their fantastic program.”

Back row, left to right-Coach John Kokkoris, Mitchell Levi, Alex Jung, Ryan Silva, Kaden Gallagher, Hudson Wu, Jesus Sorto, Team Manager Fina Lugris
Middle row, left to right-Saul Peraza, Andrew McCormack, Hunter Chilelli, Mayer Kaufman
Front row, left to right-Alejandro Lugris, Lennix Batres, Roi Lago, Hector Santiago, David Figueroa, Nico Leguizamon, Caedan McCord, Michael Keesee

East Coast FC Regional will represent Eastern New York as they play for the national championship from July 23 to 28 at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Reunion, Florida.

“We are going to treat Nationals like we do any other event. Nothing changes, with 100% concentration and 100% hard work in every training session,” Kokkoris concluded, “These boys are on a mission!”

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/

Samantha Graf is Honored With the Masotto-Driscoll Scholarship

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

July 12, 2024-The Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) is pleased to announce that Plainview resident Samantha Graf is receiving the Masotto-Driscoll Scholarship. 

At Plainview/Old Bethpage High School, Samantha was involved in student government all four years and was Senior Class President. An Honor Roll Student all four years as well, she was in the Business Honor Society, English Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society and a Moot Court Winner in addition to participating in the Mock Trial Club and Marching Band. Her community service includes teacher’s assistant, Holiday Helper, Senior Citizen Prom Senior, Citizen Internet Learning, Holocaust Remembrance Night and Valentine’s Day Veterans Cards.

Samantha played in Eastern New York’s Olympic Development Program (ODP) in addition to club  and high school soccer. In her essay, she wrote that “My dedication to soccer spans many years, starting from my early childhood and continuing into my high school years. Soccer has not only been a sport for me but a source of joy, discipline and personal development. The lessons I’ve learned on the field such as teamwork, resilience and sportsmanship have translated into other areas of my life, including academics and leadership roles.”

The scholarship’s namesakes, Patricia Louise Masotto and Brenda Driscoll, were best friends and top women’s soccer players from Massapequa, Long Island. Eastern New York set up a scholarship in their name after they were killed by a drunk driver in 1985. The scholarship is determined by success in high school as well as community service. 

We wish Samantha well in studying and playing goalkeeper at Marist College in Poughkeepsie this fall.

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/

Alyssa Deutsch Receives the Masotto-Driscoll Scholarship

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

July 11, 2024-The Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) is pleased to announce that Islip Terrace’s Alyssa Deutsch is receiving the Masotto-Driscoll Scholarship. 

The scholarship’s namesakes, Patricia Louise Masotto and Brenda Driscoll, were best friends and top women’s soccer players from Massapequa, Long Island. Eastern New York set up a scholarship in their name after they were killed by a drunk driver in 1985. The scholarship is determined by success in high school as well as community service. 

Alyssa was an AP Scholar at East Islip High School. She had four consecutive years of four straight quarters on the High Honor Roll, with a Mastery in Science and Mastery in Math, Art Honor Society and World Language Honor Society plus is working towards the Seal of Civic Readiness. She was also selected the 2023 Homecoming Queen.

Alyssa played four years of varsity soccer with East Islip High School, winning a Suffolk County championship along the way. She competed for Stony Brook LGN in club soccer, captaining her side to several league titles and two cups. One of her most memorable experiences was playing on a girls team that competed against boys squads and made it all the way to the semifinals in Spain’s Mundialito Tournament.

The many local groups that Alyssa volunteers with includes the past four years with the East Islip Soccer Club’s TOPSoccer Program for children with special needs.

We wish Alyssa well in studying and playing soccer at SUNY New Paltz this fall.

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/

Caitlin Hess Receives the Jack Bauman Scholarship

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

July 10, 2024-The Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) is very pleased to announce that Patterson’s Caitlin Hess is receiving a Jack Bauman Scholarship. 

The scholarship’s namesake is considered the father of women’s soccer on Long Island. He was devoted to the Massapequa Soccer Club and Eastern New York. The Jack Bauman Scholarship is based on success in high school as well as community service.

Caitlin was a National Honor Society Member at the Mother of Grace Divine School, a Catholic online learning program designed for students who want a faith-based classical education. She was a National Honor Society Special Project Leader and also volunteered for Birthright of Greater Danbury.

In her essay, Caitlin wrote that “I have learned to embrace all challenges as opportunities for growth as a person. I especially embraced this philosophy in my senior year as I took upon a leadership role in the National Honor Society as a group service project leader and coordinator. My participation in the National Honor Society, the Town of Poughkeepsie Soccer Club and volunteer positions have played an integral part in forming my current leadership skills. Furthermore, these organizations have given me opportunities to participate more fully in giving back to my community.”

Caitlin played soccer for 14 years in the Hudson Valley Youth Soccer League (HVYSL).

We wish Caitlin well in studying nursing at Ohio’s Franciscan University of Steubenville this fall.

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/

Michael Iemma Receives a Livio D’Arpino Scholarship

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

July 9, 2024-The Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) is very pleased to announce that Bethpage resident Michael Iemma is receiving a Livio D’Arpino Scholarship. 

The scholarship’s namesake was a beloved Eastern New York Vice President who was seemingly involved in every level of local soccer before his untimely passing in 2002. The Livio D’Arpino award is based on success in high school as well as community service.

At Plainedge High School, Michael was a  member of the National Honor Society the past two years and had a weighted GPA of 3.7 out of 4.0. He received All-County soccer honors in 2021, ’22 and ’23 plus was the Red Devils’ MVP in 2021.

He has been playing with Eastern New York’s Olympic Development Program (ODP) from 2018 to today and made the National ODP Team three times, including currently. He started playing with the Plainedge Soccer Club when he was four years old and also competed for East Meadow, Massapequa and the Long Island Rough Riders.

Additionally, Michael is a certified referee who received the Long Island Soccer Referee Association (LISRA) Ace of Initiative Award last winter and a LISRA Scholarship last month.

In his essay, he write that “Soccer has been a major part of my life growing up and has taught me valuable lessons that will follow me for the rest of my life. Soccer taught me about competitive spirit, hard work, teamwork, sportsmanship, positive attitude, failure and how to bounce back from it, just to name a few.”

We wish Michael the best studying and playing soccer at Methodist University in Fayetteville, North Carolina this fall.

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/