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Offering a Discount on AED’s

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

April 24, 2024-An AED, Automated External Defibrillator, can save lives. It is utilized to help those experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. An AED is a sophisticated, yet easy-to-use, medical device that analyzes the heart’s rhythm and, if necessary, delivers an electric shock, or defribrillation, to help the heart re-establish an effective rhythm.

Several Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) clubs use Veterans Park in East Northport as a home field and the scoreboards on the two turf fields there have the logo of the Louis J. Acompora Memorial Foundation. 14-year-old Louis Acompora was playing in his first high school lacrosse game in West Islip on March 25, 2000 when he died from commotio chest, which resulted from a blow to his chest. This fatal condition leads to sudden cardiac arrest. Following his tragic death, the Louis J. Acompora Memorial Foundation was created to raise awareness about the importance of having AED’s, which could have saved Louis’ life.

The New York State Senator’s office shared the following information from the Department of Health regarding AED’s and Youth Sports programs. ENYYSA combined the information and posted it to the ENY website to provide further guidance on how to comply as we approach the effective date of the legislation on May 21, 2024. 

AED Guidance for Youth Sports in New York State

AED Guidance Resources:

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/

LISRA Reaches the Milestone of 1,000 Active Referees

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

April 24, 2024-The pandemic affected everything, including the number of players and referees registered in organized soccer. But while the number of players returned to pre-pandemic levels, not so the number of refs as many decided to retire or spend much more time with their families on weekends.

The Long Island Soccer Referee Association (LISRA) is the largest ref organization by far in the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA). Three years ago, LISRA was down to approximately 650 referees and could not have in-person certification classes because of the pandemic. Assignors sent out lists of dozens of uncovered games every weekend during the Spring and Fall Seasons plus many refs officiated all day on weekends to help ensure that all games would be covered with a certified official(s).

“The return of soccer games on Long Island after the worst of Covid was like a breath of fresh air! We went back to assigning referees to games and felt some normality returning,” explained LISRA President Cathy Caldwell. “However, our number of available referees had dwindled. It was a tough time finding referees to work games. So we sent out e-mails and letters to college coaches, spoke to some high school coaches, put recruitment signs out at tournaments and asked clubs to send e-mails to parents whose kids were 14 and above and playing soccer.”

LISRA now has 1,169 certified officials and exactly 1,000 of them are active. 439 LISRA officials are 21+ years old and most of them serve mainly as referees. 730 LISRA officials are 14 to 20 years old and they generally are assistant referees although some are being promoted to referee through LISRA’s assessment and evaluation process. The list of uncovered games released by LISRA assignors Rich Baroniunas and EJ Schwarz is now much lower.

Games Under-13 and up utilize three officials, one ref and two assistant referees, on a large field while matches Under-12 and below have one ref on a small-sided field who is helped by club linesmen volunteering their time in raising the flag when the ball goes over the touchline.

LISRA Recruitment Director Marty Foeppel and LISRA Assistant Referee Director Jean-Marie Maio pointed out several factors for the number of LISRA officials increasing 80% during the past three years:

• The return of in-person certification classes

• A large 25% increase in referee game fees for most matches played on Long Island

• Referees talking to kids ages 14+ about becoming a certified referee when checking in players and handing out LISRA’s Become a Referee card

• Coaches and club presidents sending e-mails on how to become an official to their teenage players

• Recruitment signs at tournaments

• Enthusiastic assistant referees doing job fairs at their schools

• A streamlined and less cumbersome online recertification process developed by US Soccer that was easier to follow

“The LISRA Board of Directors were driven, as well as our referees. The success of all these actions was remarkable,” President Caldwell stated.

The certification class to become a referee or assistant referee 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

For more info about becoming an official on Long Island, please contact Marty Foeppel at MartyFoeppel@gmail.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 on to http://www.enysoccer.com/

Three Longtime Volunteers Inducted Into the LIJSL Hall of Fame

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

April 8, 2024-The Long Island Junior Soccer League (LIJSL), the largest league in the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA), inducted three longtime volunteers into the LIJSL Hall of Fame. The ceremony took place on Saturday, April 7 at the Stonebridge Country Club in Smithtown.

From left to right: LIJSL Hall of Fame Chairperson Addie Mattei-Iaia, Victor Varonier, Violette Smith, Jeff Sinkiewicz and LIJSL President Andrew Seabury.

Victor Varonier has volunteered as a Club President for over two decades. He played soccer as a child, then became a coach and coached his Sound Beach team to the club’s only State Cup championship, an immense accomplishment for a very small community. Yet the Sound Beach Soccer Club, through Vic’s inclusive leadership, continues to grow. He also is always helping out to make sure the gameday experience is enjoyable for all players, from lining and setting up fields to cheering on the Sound Beach players from the touchline. 

Although Vic’s children graduated from youth soccer, the last one in 2018, he is now coaching his grandchildren!

Just like Vic Varonier, Violette Smith has been a Club President for over two decades. She has been the lifeblood of the Brentwood Youth Soccer Club as everybody knows Violette. She has steered the club with inclusivity, innovation and a genuine love for the sport, creating the atmosphere of a tight-knit family. This year, the club is also be celebrating its 50th anniversary and she is one of the many reasons why Brentwood High School has won five boys state soccer titles, including last year. 

In addition to leading a club of passionate soccer players, coaches and fans, Violette somehow finds the time to volunteer at the LIJSL office during the arduous but necessary registration process.

Jeff Sinkiewicz, known as “Mr. Middle Country Soccer,” has been involved with Middle Country Children’s Soccer for nearly three decades. Starting as a coach in the 1990’s, he served as Club President for five years and currently sits on the club’s board with the position of Head Referee. 

He is involved with many fundraising efforts in central Suffolk County and with many important days, from Memorial Day, the anniversary of 9/11, Halloween plus appearing as “Sinko’s Santa” aboard a Centereach fire truck and at the Centereach Tree Lighting. Jeff has also volunteered in the club’s TOPSoccer program that kicked off in 2021. He was honored as The Times of Middle Country’s Sports Person of the Year in 2012.

With over 100,000 youth soccer players––both boys and girls––and more than 25,000 volunteers, the non-profit Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) stretches from Montauk Point, Long Island to the Canadian border. 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/

Eastern New York Presents a Recreational Skills Clinic on June 1

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

March 28, 2024-The Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) is very pleased to present a Recreational Skills Clinic in support of the Spring 2024 League America Festival. It is free-of-charge and will take place during the State Cup finals on Saturday, June 1 at Stringham Park in LaGrange.

The event will start with one age group: Boys-Under-10 and Girls-Under-10, recreational players only. League America kicks off with a 1-hour skills clinic followed by inter-league friendly games. Participation awards will be presented to all players.

It’s a Saturday for recreational players to sharpen their skills, meet our coaches and have fun playing friendly games so please share this opportunity with your clubs and teams. 

Squads that would like to sign up can e-mail lfrancis@enysoccer.com. Responses should be sent to that e-mail address by 4 pm (the close of business) on Monday, April 15.

Any questions, please call the Eastern New York office at 516-766-0849.

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/

Remembering the Very Influential Joe Barone

Fiorentina general manager Joe Barone, who was the New York Cosmos senior vice president, chairman of the National Premier Soccer League and a prominent member of the Brooklyn Italians Soccer Club, has passed away.

He was 57.

Barone was influential in New York and American soccer. He was the New York Cosmos senior vice president, chairman of the National Premier Soccer League and a prominent member of the Brooklyn Italians Soccer Club.

The Italian Serie A club announced Barone’s death on March 19, a day prior to his 58th birthday.

“It is with deep sorrow and immense sadness that Fiorentina confirms the loss of one of its figureheads, a person who has marked the recent history of the club and who will never be forgotten,” a statement said. “General Director Giuseppe Barone passed away today at the San Raffaele Hospital in Milan after suddenly falling ill on Sunday.

“Rocco Commisso and his family, Daniele Pradè, Nicolas Burdisso, Alessandro Ferrari, Vincenzo Italiano, Cristiano Biraghi and everyone associated with Fiorentina are utterly devastated by the terrible loss of a man who showed great professionalism and gave his heart and soul for these colors. He was a treasured friend who always stayed strong in the happiest and, above all, the most difficult moments.

The entire Viola world sends its heartfelt condolences to Giuseppe’s wife Camilla, his children and the entire Barone family during this time of immense sorrow.”

On Sunday, Barone suffered a heart attack during a technical meeting at a hotel, prior to his team’s Serie A game with Atalanta. He was rushed to a hospital and was reported in serious and then criticial condition. He eventually was placed on life support.

“Joe was dedicated to the Brooklyn Italians Soccer Club doing everything from playing, coaching and administration. He was the driving force to their Columbus Day Tournament year after year,” Eastern New York Hall of Famer Jim Vogt stated. “He was an advocate for soccer in New York City, holding many positions while also working in the banking industry and being a husband and father of four. When you look at Joe’s numerous accomplishments, you would think that he was more than one person but that’s what made Joe so good as he could multitask with the best. When do you see a kid from Brooklyn rise to become GM of a storied Serie A team.”

The Brooklyn Italians gave tribute to Barone on Instagram as well, “The Brooklyn Italians remembers its architect, heartbeat, friend, brother, father, husband, grandfather and family. Our thoughts and support extend wholeheartedly to the Barone family. We stand united in offering our deepest condolences and unwavering solidarity as they navigate this difficult journey of grief and loss. Our hearts and prayers remain steadfastly with them, serving as a beacon of comfort and support throughout this challenging time.”

FIFA president Gianni Infantino paid tribute to Barone and his passion for Fiorentina.

“I will carry with me those wonderful smiles you gave me,” Infantino said in an Instagram post. “You were proud of Viola Park, a beautiful sports center. You were always moved when you spoke of Fiorentina. You improved the world of football, who loses you too soon. Tomorrow you would have celebrated your 58th birthday. Have a safe journey dear Joe, and a big hug to all the people who loved you.”

Serie A president Lorenzo Casini said: “Italian football loses an outstanding managerial figure. Joe in his years at the helm of Fiorentina was able to express passion, competence and vision that allowed the club and the team to achieve important results both on the field and in management, with the inauguration of the extraordinary Viola Park facility. Joe was a hard worker, who brought the American entrepreneurial spirit and the ability to think big to Serie A and Italian football. He was generous and always ready to fight for the sake of the system. He will be sorely missed.”

The Cosmos also issued a statement: “It is with deep sorrow and sadness that the New York Cosmos confirm the loss of one of its greatest champions, a person who made a major impact on the recent history of the club and who will never be forgotten. Giuseppe Barone passed away today at the San Raffaele Hospital in Milan after suddenly falling ill on Sunday.

“Rocco Commisso and his family, and all of Cosmos Country are utterly devastated by the terrible loss of a man who was a central figure in the reboot of the Cosmos and a tireless advocate for independent soccer in the United States. Joe was a treasured friend who always stayed strong in the happiest and, above all, the most difficult moments.

“The entire Cosmos family sends its heartfelt condolences to Joe’s wife Camilla, his children, and the entire Barone family during this time of immense sorrow.”

On Instagram, the Eastern New York State Soccer Association expressed its sympathies:

“The entire ENYSSA Family and Friends send its heartfelt condolences to the entire Barone Family during these times of sorrow.

“Joe was a player, coach, administrator, and most of all friend to everyone in ENYSSA; before he took the big leap to pursue a lifelong dream as a GM with @acffiorentina in Italy.

“Joe will be missed in the locker rooms, board rooms and especially the soccer fields in Brooklyn and across New York.”

Added U.S. Amateur Soccer Association president John Motta on X, formerly known as Twitter: “A very sad day for the soccer community!”

Born in Italy, Barone emigrated to the United States with his family when he was eight years old. He played for a local Brooklyn team called Pozzallo, which trained on a dirt field in Red Hook, Brooklyn. He played in local leagues in the Eastern New York State Soccer Association before performing at St. Francis College in the borough. Barone never played pro ball, but brought his passion and business acumen to the beautiful game.

He was a life member of the Brooklyn Italians, the storied New York City soccer club that captured the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup in 1991.

Barone is survived by his wife, three sons – Peter, Salvatore and Giuseppe, and daughter, Gabriella.

Visiting on Monday, March 25 from 2-9 pm at Sacred Hearts-St. Stephen Church, 125 Summit Street, Brooklyn, NY 11231.

Mass of Christian Burial on Tuesday, March 26 at 10 am at Sacred Hearts-St. Stephen Church.

Entombment to follow at Green Wood Cemetery, 500 25th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11232.

For more information, please call Scotto Funeral Home at 718-875-2515.

Remembering the Amazing Howard Rubenstein

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

March 21, 2024-The Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) is mourning the passing of Howard Rubenstein, who died on March 19. 

Howard was last seen by many in the soccer community when he received our Distinguished Service Award and a standing ovation at Eastern New York’s Hall of Fame Banquet which celebrated our 50th anniversary in 2022. He was an irreplaceable and enthusiastic volunteer during the five decades of our existence. He was a member of the Halls of Fame of Eastern New York, the US Amateur Soccer Association and the Long Island Junior Soccer League (LIJSL).

2022 photo of Howard in center with ENYYSA President Richard Christiano on left and ENYYSA First Vice President Bill Smith on right.

Howard’s name keeps coming up in the long history of both the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association and Eastern New York State Adult Soccer Association. In fact, the Eastern New York name comes from Howard. As new leagues were created, both the youth and adult associations started admitting clubs north of Albany so our original name of Southern New York was obviously no longer appropriate. Since our geographic area encompassed clubs from Long Island to the Canadian border east of Route 81, which connects Binghamton and Syracuse, in 1984, Howard and the incoming President, Peter Masotto, changed the name to the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association. Howard and Costas Mallios made the same name change from Southern New York to Eastern New York with the adults in 1988.

Howard served as ENYYSA President from 1980 to 1984 and as Vice President of the Cosmopolitan Junior Soccer League (CJSL) in the late 1980’s and then became Treasurer of the Eastern New York adults. In the early 1990’s, Howard and Alfonso Mondelo were in charge of the Eastern New York coaching. Howard was also in charge of refs, serving as State Youth Referee Administrator (SYRA) for a decade around the turn of the millennium and he had an amazing three tours of duty as State Referee Administrator (SRA) after 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. 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/

Apply to Eastern New York For a College Scholarship

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

March 26, 2024-Every summer, the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) awards college scholarships for deserving high school graduates. Four scholarships are for girls (named after Jack Baumann plus Patricia Louise Masotto and Brenda Driscoll) and there are two scholarships for boys (honoring Livio D’Arpino).

Criteria for Consideration

  • Must have a C average or better and graduate by August of the current year
  • Must plan on attending a school of Higher Education in the Fall. (Include name of University/College)
  • Must be a registered player of the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association
  • Must submit a 250-word essay on why you are deserving of the scholarship. The essay must include at the top of page 1, Your Name, Address, Phone Number, and the Scholarship applying to, indicated below.
  • Must submit a personal resume and a school transcript.
  • The essay, resume, and transcript must be submitted no later than June 1 to the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association, email to lfrancis@enysoccer.com or mail to:
    ENYYSA Attn: Scholarship Committee
    167 Nassau Blvd.
    Garden City South, NY 11530
  • Indicate at the top of the essay which scholarship you are applying to.

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/

56 Teams Competed in the 26th Annual Luis Montoya Indoor Tournament

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

March 12, 2024-In 1997, Luis Montoya founded the Big Apple Youth Soccer League (BAYSL) to serve the growing Latino population of New York City. The Eastern New York Hall of Famer was an enthusiastic supporter of local soccer and volunteered as BAYSL President from the founding of the league to his passing in 2021. Additionally, Luis served as a member of the diversity committee for U.S. Soccer under four presidents: Alan Rothenberg, Dr. Bob Contiguglia, Sunil Gulati and Carlos Cordeiro.

The BAYSL hosted the 26th Annual Luis Montoya Indoor Tournament at the Elmcor Gym and PS Q211 in Queens from January 6 to March 2.  56 squads from Under-8 to Under-15 competed.

“Everything went well,” stated BAYSL President Carlos Vergara. “All the games were on time and there was very good work by the referees. We played most of the games at Elmcor, our winter home for the past 26 years.”

A recap of the divisions:

Under-8: Club Madrid, JJV Academy, New York Kids, New York Talentos, Ramos Soccer International and Real Corona all received trophies

Under-9: New York Kids won the championship and La Colonia finished in second place

Under-10: JJV Academy won the title with New York Talentos as runners-up

Under-11: Gunners SK won the championship and Real Bronx finished in second place

Under-12: New York Talentos were first with Barboncito in second

Under-13: Slammers Boys Black won the championship and Real Bronx finished in second place

Under-14: Slammers Boys Black defeated Slammers Boys Gray in an All-Slammers final game

Under-15: Slammers Boys Black won the title with Gunners SK as runners-up

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 photos courtesy of the Big Apple Youth Soccer League

Atahan Yetimoglu Honored as the Eastern New York Young Male Referee of the Year

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

February 12, 2024-The Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) was very pleased to honor Atahan Yetimoglu as our 2023 Young Male Referee of the Year at our Hall of Fame Banquet on January 27 at Marina del Rey in the Bronx.

From left to right: ENYYSA President Richard Christiano, Atahan Yetimoglu, State Youth Referee Administrator Cheryl Aronson

Atahan took up the whistle with the Long Island Soccer Referees Association (LISRA) in 2020 and recruited his two sisters, Armina and Tuana, to join him. He made outstanding progress and two years ago, he was awarded the LISRA Rising Star Award as well as a LISRA Scholarship. Atahan was valedictorian at Lindenhurst High School in 2022 and currently is majoring in Pre-Med at Stony Brook University. Attending college locally allows him to continue to ref Eastern New York soccer games throughout the year.

At Lindenhurst High School, he played soccer, ran track and swam, being honored as an All-County Swimmer as both a junior and senior. Musically, he plays the tenor saxophone, piano, clarinet and oboe. He somehow also finds the time to volunteer for the Lindenhurst Rotary Club.

Atahan is enthusiastic for all his assigned games, he has officiated from the Under-7 to Under-23 age groups and he has progressed to being assigned the Long Island Cup finals as well as College Showcase tournaments.

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 United States Youth Soccer. For more information, please log on to http://www.enysoccer.com/

Julia Weston Honored as the Eastern New York TOPSoccer Buddy of the Year

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

February 9, 2024-The Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) is very pleased announce that Julia Weston has been honored as our 2023 TOPSoccer Buddy of the Year. TOPSoccer stands for The Outreach Program for Soccer, providing an opportunity for children with intellectual, physical and/or social characteristics that may require modified educational practices and services in order to develop to their potential. The award took place at the Eastern New York Hall of Fame Banquet held on January 27 at Marina del Rey in the Bronx.

Julia’s journey with the Auburndale Soccer Club’s TOPSoccer Program began in third grade and she has continued to selflessly devote her time and energy to helping others ever since. As a junior in high school now, Julia’s commitment remains unwavering. She consistently goes above and beyond by arriving an hour early to each session, ensuring that the space is meticulously set up and ready to welcome the Special Needs participants. Her attention to detail and proactive approach create an inclusive and welcoming environment for everyone involved.

What truly sets Julia apart is her remarkable ability to connect with the children. Her kind and gentle nature, coupled with her engaging personality, make her an ideal buddy for these kids. One particular participant formed an extraordinary bond with Julia, to the extent that they would independently reach out to her through calls and FaceTime, with the parent’s permission. Julia’s unwavering support and mentorship, both on and off the field, have transformed her into a trusted friend and confidant for this participant.

Another remarkable example of Julia’s impact lies in her work with a participant who faced hearing difficulties in one ear. Initially timid and hesitant to leave her mother’s side, this child gradually developed trust in Julie’s compassionate approach. Through her patient guidance and encouragement, Julia empowered the player to actively participate in every session. This trust and bond that Julia built with her lasted for an impressive four years, underscoring the profound and lasting impact she has on the lives of those she supports.

Julia’s exceptional leadership qualities shine through in every aspect of her volunteer work. She serves as a role model for other volunteers, inspiring them to emulate her dedication and compassion. Moreover, Julia actively encourages her classmates to get involved and support our cause. Her ability to rally others and foster a sense of community is truly commendable.

ENYYSA President Richard Christiano with Julia Weston

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 United States Youth Soccer. For more information, please log on to http://www.enysoccer.com/