News

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

February 8, 2024-The Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) is very pleased announce that Timothy Schwabenbauer has been honored as our 2023 TOPSoccer Coach of the Year. He was also honored as the Regional TOPSoccer Coach of the Year. The festivities took place at the Eastern New York Hall of Fame Banquet held on January 27 at Marina del Rey in the Bronx.

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. 

Timothy has been an integral part of the Auburndale Soccer Club’s TOPSoccer program for the past 14 years. Starting as a player, he expressed a desire to stay involved and contribute more to the program. Since then, he has consistently gone above and beyond in his role as a coach.
His dedication is evident from the moment he arrives at each practice session. He comes early to help set up the field and ensure everything is ready for the players. Additionally, he takes an active role in running the program each week, providing guidance and support to the players.

One of Timothy’s notable qualities is his ability to connect with the parents. He takes the time to speak with them individually, sharing his personal experiences with TOPSoccer. This not only helps build trust and rapport but also showcases his genuine passion for the sport and the impact it can have on the players’ lives.

Furthermore, Timothy takes on the responsibility of communicating with other park-goers to secure the field for the sessions. He handles this task with professionalism and ensures that the program has the necessary space to operate.

At the end of each season, Timothy delivers a heartfelt speech to the entire group, expressing his gratitude and appreciation for their commitment and hard work. He is a true testament to the values and impact of TOPSoccer.

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/

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

February 1, 2024-The Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) is very pleased announce that Michael Cannizzaro has been honored as our 2023 Boys Competitive Coach of the Year. The festivities took place at the Eastern New York Hall of Fame Banquet held on January 27 at Marina del Rey in the Bronx.Michael is the head coach of the Silver Lake Soccer Academy 2008 Premier Boys and has coached Silver Lake teams for nearly a decade. He grew up playing for Silver Lake teams in the Cosmopolitan Junior Soccer League (CJSL), has served as a member of the club’s Board of Directors and was recently voted as Director of the Boys Program.

It’s easy to understand why that vote was unanimous as Michael serves as an amazing role model for his players. Silver Lake President Ken Granowski wrote in his nomination letter, “Michael has created a positive atmosphere for his team. He teaches his players the right way to play the game. Win or lose, he has taught his team to do it with respect. Michael’s demeanor on the sidelines is always positive and his passion to teach his players is matched by none.”

In addition to all this coaching, Michael also serves as a great role model to the students he teaches in his “real job” as a New York City elementary school teacher.

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/

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

February 2, 2024-The Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) was very pleased to honor Ana Penagos-Bolivar as our 2023 Girls Competitive Coach of the Year at our Hall of Fame Banquet on January 27 at Marina del Rey in the Bronx.

Ana was nominated by Dana Richardson, the administrator for the Merrick Pumas, one of the three teams that Ana coaches. In the three years that Ana has coached the Pumas, they have been promoted three times in the Long Island Junior Soccer League (LIJSL), going from Division 2 to the Premier Division, won the Long Island Cup and received the LIJSL Sportsmanship Award for their Fair Play. The Pumas also finished in first place in Oceanside United’s Bob Schrager Memorial Tournament.

Dana wrote, “Ana never yells or corrects her players during play. She will always pull players aside when they come off the field to offer advice, make a correction or adjustment…Ana continues to find creative ways to keep things fresh and new and the girls continue to improve their skill set. She has the ability to bring out the best in each player and recognizes that they all need to be coached differently. She is always creating fun ways at practice and beyond for the girls to stay engaged…Ana also encourages the girls to try out and play for different teams over the summer. Two Pumas played for the LIJSL Academy and two played for the Long Island Rough Riders last summer.”

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/

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

February 5, 2024-The Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) is very pleased announce that Maureen Spaulding has been honored as our 2023 Administrator of the Year. She shared the honors with Jean-Marie Maio of the Long Island Soccer Referees Association (LISRA). Both women received their awards at the Eastern New York Hall of Fame Banquet on January 27 at Marina del Rey in the Bronx.

Maureen is currently the Treasurer and Director of Recreation Leagues for the Cornwall United Soccer Club in the Hudson Valley Youth Soccer League (HVYSL). She was nominated by Cornwall United President Rob Kirkpatrick, who wrote, “Maureen directs our Recreation League, which has proven to be an enormous success by serving players ranging from Pre-K children (some of whom might literally show up to practice with a blanket or stuffed animal) to teenagers seeking important recreational outlets.

Maureen’s counsel to me has been invaluable in my first year as President and her encyclopedic knowledge of club history informs every Board meeting. I often find myself thinking ‘What would Maureen do?’ 

Finally, Maureen has inspired her entire family to make contributions to our club. Her sons serve as coaches for teams and clinics. Her husband recently measured field dimensions to help us determine the best solution for sharing the town’s one multi-use property. Maureen is not merely a member of our Board of Directors, she is a Cornwall United Soccer Club institution!”

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/

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

February 6, 2024-The Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) is very pleased announce that Jean-Marie Maio of the Long Island Soccer Referees Association (LISRA) has been honored as our 2023 Administrator of the Year. She shared the award with Maureen Spaulding of the Cornwall United Soccer Club. Both women were honored at our Hall of Fame Banquet on January 27 at Marina del Rey in the Bronx.

Jean-Marie has been a member of the LISRA Board of Directors for the past 16 years, volunteering as the Recording Secretary for the past decade. Additionally, she serves as Chairperson of the LISRA Scholarship Committee, Director of Referee Development and was unanimously voted to become the Assistant Referee Director last year. 

She is a major reason why LISRA is by far the largest referee organization in Eastern New York with over 1,000 members. 

LISRA President Cathy Caldwell wrote, “At Board meetings, if something needs to be taken care of, Jean-Marie is the first one to volunteer. Her attitude is so positive, she inspires others to do more…Jean-Marie has been my ‘Right-Hand Woman’ for my decade-plus as LISRA President. I implicitly trust her judgment, her drive to make sure everything runs smoothly and, together, we have worked out a system of checks and balances to assure a well-run organization. I’m continually impressed by her selflessness, initiative and work ethic.”

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/

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

February 7, 2024-The Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) is very pleased announce that Noe Canales has been honored as our 2023 Peter C. Collins Volunteer of the Year. The festivities took place at the Eastern New York Hall of Fame Banquet held on January 27 at Marina del Rey in the Bronx.Noe possesses a National Youth Certificate from US Soccer along with a dual Masters of Science degrees in Early Childhood Special Education, focusing on severe and multiple challenges. He applies these qualifications as a full-time bilingual special education teacher in Middle Village.

Noe founded Soccer Kids NYC, an inclusive soccer program for young children with seven travel teams now playing in the Cosmopolitan Junior Soccer League (CJSL). Noe grew up playing in the CJSL and received a college scholarship after a standout performance in the CJSL Showcase.

Comments about Noe from the parents of Soccer Kids NYC players include, “When we signed up Brandon for soccer at age two with Coach Noe, we never expected that he would be blessed with such an amazing soccer coach, mentor and friend. Not only is Brandon learning critical soccer skills from a passionate expert, but he is learning listening skills, teamwork, how to think on his own, share, persevere through challenges and problem-solve. Noe makes every child feel special and capable of succeeding…Coach Noe is truly amazing with kids as he is patient, creative, funny, caring and has a lot of experience…I have seen an increase in my 5-year-old son’s confidence and overall skill level every season while working with Coach Noe…He has the magical gift of making children focus while they enjoy themselves.”

The Volunteer of the Year Award is just one of many awards that Noe has received, which includes Soccer Kids NYC being honored with the CJSL New Club Award (2023) and the Best Soccer Club in Queens for seven consecutive years (2016-23). Noe received a Star Under 40 for his exceptional leadership skills (2017) and the Merle Frampton Certificate of Excellence and Outstanding Performance in Special Education Teaching and Community Service (2013). Additionally, Soccer Kids NYC received a citation from the New York State Assembly for Soccer Kids NYC’s substantial positive impact on the community (2017).

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/

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

January 29, 2024-The Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) is very pleased to announce that Michael D’Ambrosio has been inducted into the Eastern New York Hall of Fame. The ceremony took place at the Eastern New York Hall of Fame Banquet on January 27 at Marina del Rey in the Bronx.

ENYYSA President Richard Christiano stated, “Local soccer people know that when you need something done, you can call and depend on Mike D’Ambrosio. It’s incredible the number of hours he volunteers for soccer and other organizations. Somehow in his free time, he also finds the time to serve on the Oceanside School Board since 2013, volunteer on the Pastoral Council of St. Anthony’s Church in Oceanside and work as the Deputy to the Nassau County Commissioner of Parks. Michael continues to work, volunteer, is dedicated, selfless with a heart of gold we all know and love him for.”

Mike’s soccer journey started back in 1988 when he started coaching his daughter Danielle for Oceanside United. Mike was very busy moving up the ladder as a volunteer at the Oceanside United Soccer Club, serving on the Board of Directors from 1989 to 2003. He volunteered as Intramural Director, Bob Schrager Labor Day Tournament Director, and Co-Director of the Rudy Lamonica Indoor Tournament. If volunteering for Oceanside United was not enough, he started volunteering for the Long Island Junior Soccer League (LIJSL) Board of Directors in 2004 and continues that to this day.

He has served as a Trustee, then Vice President and was inducted into LIJSL Hall of Fame in 2017. As the league grew, so did Mike’s dedication. 

Former LIJSL President Addie Mattei-Iaia explained, “Michael D’Ambrosio is the best of the best when it comes to being a volunteer. I have known Michael for more than 25 years, part of which he served on the LIJSL Board of Directors during my tenure as President. Whenever I needed a job done, he was the one I went to. He never questioned, just would say ‘You got it.’ Loyal, honest, dependable and friend is my best description of Michael.“ 

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/

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

January 30, 2024-The Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) is pleased to announce that Dimitri Giatrakis was inducted into the Eastern New York Hall of Fame. The ceremony took place at the Eastern New York Hall of Fame Banquet on January 27 at Marina del Rey in the Bronx.

From left to right: ENYYSA President Richard Christiano, Dimitri Giatrakis, Hall of Fame Committee Chairperson Ken Gulmi

Dimitri began his coaching career approximately 30 years ago in Clarkstown. In fact, Matt Turner, our current US National Team goalkeeper, played his youth soccer there under Coach Dimitri all the way through to college. And they are still in touch with one another! Committed to achieving excellence as a coach, he completed licensing courses until he achieved the highest level: The US Soccer National A license. One of very few to do so at that time. He was so highly regarded that the National Coaching Staff added him as an instructor in the Federation’s National C course and he was one of only three in New York State.

In the early days of the East Hudson Youth Soccer League (EHYSL) Academy, Dimitri assumed the position of League Technical Director for several years and authored full-season lesson plans for every single age group from Under-10 through Under-19 including objectives, coaching strategies, practice sessions, etc. These lesson plans gave those early days a consistent and well-structured developmental program from youth soccer entry to aging out.

For over 20 years, Dimitri has coached teams from Mahopac, Yorktown, Shrub Oak and the Town of Cortlandt and is still coaching to this day in what is now known as the Hudson Valley Youth Soccer League (HVYSL). He served six years as Technical Director for Boys ODP North and added Girls ODP North as well for the last two, building a coaching staff that set a record for the number of players placed in the Region 1 player pool. Furthermore, his own team made it to the national finals before losing in a shootout. At present, his love of coaching has led him to return to the Eastern New York Olympic Development Program (ODP), accepting a coaching position on the current staff.

As if all this coaching was not enough, Dimitri is also a US Soccer-certified referee for the past two decades and is still refereeing.

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/

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

January 31, 2024-The Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) is very pleased to announce that Lawrence (Pete) Sand has been inducted into the Eastern New York Hall of Fame. The ceremony took place at the Eastern New York Hall of Fame Banquet on January 27 at Marina del Rey in the Bronx.

Pete is a referee icon in the Albany area and there is no one currently alive in the state who has been a referee as long as him (64 years) and he is still refereeing at the age of 88. We have no idea how many games Pete has officiated but over the years, he has refereed at the scholastic and college level plus the Capital District Youth Soccer League (CDYSL). Additionally, he also was a referee in the professional American Soccer League (ASL), and even refereed in Scotland in 1983. 

Pete has been inducted into the Halls of Fame of both of the CDYSL and CD-Ref, the Capital District’s soccer ref association. Other awards include the 1981 Section 2 Golden Thread Award as the outstanding high school referee and the 2002 New York State College Referee of the Year. Way back when, he was one of the co-founders of the CDYSL in 1978.

Pete was a good soccer player first, then became a good referee, and eventually became a good youth coach of his own children. He always seemed to have an understanding that soccer was only a game and not a ‘life or death’ matter. As he became older, he developed hearing issues and instead of giving up on the sport that he loved, he continued to officiate. 

As a youngster, Pete played soccer for the Albany Sports Club, then was MVP and All-American at Ithaca College before he started refereeing and coaching.

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/

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

January 11, 2024-Indoor tournaments and futsal leagues dot the landscape of the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) during the winter. But the hardy souls of Juventus Academy New York started an outdoor Winter Tournament last year which has gained in popularity. 23 teams played last year and it has more than doubled with 49 boys squads from Under-10 to Under-16 competing this winter. Juventus Academy had entered into a strategic partnership with the Cosmopolitan Junior Soccer League (CJSL) to organize the Winter Tournament.

“I was a pro player back in Italy and played outdoors in all weather conditions,” stated Giovanni Russo, President of the Juventus Academy New York. “When I moved to the United States 12 years ago, I found out that teams play indoor tournaments and futsal during the winter because of the harsh weather. Futsal improves technical skills but it takes a few weeks for the players to adjust to playing outdoor soccer again in March so we created the Winter Tournament.”

All games are played in accordance with US Soccer’s Cold Weather Guidelines on turf fields on Randall’s Island, Queens and Brooklyn as Juventus Academy partnered with other CJSL clubs in finding available fields. Games started in December and run until the semifinals on March 2 and the championship games on March 9.

Russo added, “It is a competitive tournament, the level of play has become better but the emphasis is on safety. My staff tries to be at all the games.”

Some CJSL clubs have teams that are playing in the Winter Tournament while other squads in the same club are playing indoors, dependent on the choice of the team and coach.

For more info about the NY Winter Tournament, please contact Giovanni Russo at 917-558-1551 or giorusso@juventusnyc.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/