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The Cosmopolitan Junior Soccer League to Start a TOPSoccer Program

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

January 23, 2025-The origins of Special Children playing soccer can be traced back to the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) in 1978. Today, the Capital District Youth Soccer League (CDYSL), Hudson Valley Youth Soccer League (HVYSL), Long Island Junior Soccer League (LIJSL) and Staten Island Youth Soccer League (SIYSL) in Eastern New York all have Special Children’s programs, which is now known as TOPSoccer, The Outreach Program for Soccer.

TOPSoccer is a US Youth Soccer initiative that offers children and adults with intellectual, emotional and physical challenges the chance to play soccer in a supportive and structured environment.

Now, America’s oldest soccer league, the Cosmopolitan Junior Soccer League (CJSL), is getting in on all the fun. New York City originals since 1933, the CJSL is happy to announce that registration is now open for their new TOPSoccer Program.

Whether you’re registering as a Participant or a Buddy, this is an event you won’t want to miss!

CJSL 1-Day TOPSoccer Pilot Event
Sunday, February 23, 2025 from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm
At the SoccerRoof in Sunset Park (14b 53rd St, Brooklyn, NY)
For Boys and Girls players, 7–12 years old
Entirely FREE of charge

Wear:

·       Soccer cleats or sneakers

·       Shin guards (if possible)

·       Weather-appropriate athletic wear for indoor soccer (player T-shirts will be provided!)

Bring:

·       A soccer ball (if you have one, otherwise the good folks of the CJSL will provide one)

·       Water for breaks

Register

·       Participant Registration: REGISTER HERE

·       Buddy Registration: REGISTER HERE 

Buddy Details:

·       Buddies must be in 6th grade or older.

·       Responsibilities include assisting players, keeping them engaged and ensuring they have fun!

·       Buddy Training: Required online and before the pilot event.

Buddies will receive a letter for Volunteer/Community Service hours, perfect for meeting school requirements. Encourage the older players in soccer clubs to join this very rewarding experience!

For more info, please contact the CJSL at 718-491-4009.

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/

Hudson Valley Youth Soccer League Partners With the Sideline Project to Improve Sportsmanship

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

January 21, 2025-The Hudson Valley Youth Soccer League (HVYSL) and Soccer Parenting Association announce a partnership agreement to make youth soccer better by providing members within their league with educational resources. With an emphasis on curriculum and collaboration, the partnership focuses on the gameday experience for all participants, ultimately improving the sideline environment. 

“The HVYSL Board of Directors and staff are excited about this new partnership and being able to support our member clubs in making the youth soccer experience in the Hudson Valley better for the players, parents, coaches, officials and all involved,” explained HVYSL President, Chris Decker. “This partnership is an investment and commitment to growing the Beautiful Game through the educational opportunities and support provided by Soccer Parenting. Whether it be the training pitch, sidelines on game day or the car ride home, Soccer Parenting has the resources to help make it a better experience for all involved.” 

Additionally, HVYSL will join as a Sideline Project Partner (TheSidelineProject.com), and will encourage all parents, coaches, referees and spectators to join the Sideline Project movement by taking the Sideline Project Pledge. 

“This curriculum partnership between the Hudson Valley Youth Soccer League embodies the Soccer Parenting mission by addressing sideline behavior and engaging and supporting members of our youth soccer eco-system. We are encouraged by their commitment to ensure a positive youth soccer experience of players, families, dedicated coaches and referees.” said Skye Eddy, Founder of the Soccer Parenting Association and the Sideline Project. 

The league brings together nearly 15,000 players in clubs from Dutchess, Orange, Ulster, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan and Westchester counties in New York State plus Pike County in Pennsylvania.

The HVYSL is the second league in the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) to partner with Soccer Parenting. The Cosmopolitan Junior Soccer League (CJSL) has improved the gameday experience in New York City in their relationship with Soccer Parenting for the past three years.

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 Brentwood Soccer Club Celebrates Its Golden Anniversary

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

January 10, 2025-Brentwood loves soccer. It’s by far the most popular sport in the mainly Latino town and all this enthusiasm has resulted in five state championships for the Brentwood High School boys varsity team.

Those players cut their teeth playing for the Brentwood Soccer Club at Brentwood State Park. The club celebrated its 50th Anniversary on December 13 at the American Legion Hall in Lindenhurst.

“My deepest appreciation extends to all our volunteers, coaches, and staff, past and present,” Brentwood Soccer Club President Violette Smith said. “Your dedication transforms plans into action and dreams into reality. Looking at what we’ve achieved together, not just this year, but over the past decades, I feel humbled that we will continue to strive no matter the changes in the soccer landscape.”

Key contributors from the club’s past and present were in attendance, including former club presidents Bruce Fabrizio and Norma Gorman as well as the Long Island Junior Soccer League (LIJSL) Programs and Events Manager Stephanie Hernandez, who grew up playing for the club along with her husband Joe.

“It was a special evening for both Joe and I,” Hernandez explained. “We both fondly remember playing games at the Pilgrim State Fields, now Brentwood State Park. This night truly felt like a homecoming and we’re both so proud of how the club has grown and how it continues to grow.”

The night full of celebration was capped off with honoring those who bleed green and black for Brentwood Soccer Club and have laid the groundwork for the club’s milestone. Smith was inducted last year into the LIJSL Hall of Fame for her pivotal role in helping make Brentwood soccer what it is today.  

“Thank you for making our mission your own,” Smith said. “Let’s carry this energy forward as we continue working toward our shared goals for another 50 years.”

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/

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 7, 2025-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 State Open Cup and the Challenge Cup––so every premier and travel team in Eastern New York has a chance to win a state championship. Both competitions try to schedule games against local opponents as much as possible for this springtime competition. Chris Armas won the State Cup while competing for the Brentwood Bandits and went on to play and coach professional soccer. He had 66 caps while playing for the US Men’s National Team and will be inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame on May 3.

2. National Championship. For ambitious teams looking to play against top competition and possibly win a national championship, they can do it through the State Open Cup as it’s part of the National Championship Series. After winning the State Open Cup, they would move on to Regionals and potentially Nationals. Or they could become a national champ through the US Youth Soccer National League. The top teams earn advancement to the Regionals as well as a chance to earn a coveted spot in the National Tier of the Leagues Program. 

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

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. Players are then identified by US Soccer staff coaches 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.

TOPSoccer at the Burr Road Soccer Complex in Commack, Photo courtesy of the Long Island Junior Soccer League.

4. 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 will be honored this month by US Youth Soccer as the National TOPSoccer Buddy of the Year for 2024.

Photo courtesy of New York Futsal.

5. 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 when outdoor fields can be frozen and unplayable. Both New York Futsal and the Long Island Futsal League play under the Eastern New York umbrella and both are very active with league play this winter. 

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, East Hudson 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 helped secure a new turf soccer field at Big Bush Park in Woodside that started play in autumn 2023.

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/

Five Longtime Volunteers Inducted Into the Hudson Valley Soccer Hall of Fame

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

December 14, 2024-The Hudson Valley Youth Soccer League (HVYSL) added five new members to its Hall Of Fame at a dinner on December 8 at Cosimo’s Trattoria in Poughkeepsie. The five honorees were the first to be inducted into the HVYSL Hall of Fame since 2019.

Luiz Amaral has coached in the Washingtonville Soccer Club with great success for over 25 years. He is held in very high regard as a role model and mentor to his players and has always been active in assisting the club in any way he can.

Dimitri Giatrakis, already a member of the Eastern New York Hall of Fame, was honored for his work in over 40 years of coaching as well as his work as Technical Director for both Hudson Valley’s Academy program and Eastern New York’s Olympic Development Program (ODP) North boys and girls programs. One of his ODP teams reached the National ODP chamionship game and he brought the current US Men’s National team keeper, Matt Turner, into soccer as a youth and developed him as a keeper when Matt played for Clarkstown in the Eastern New York Premier League.

Phil Larkin has been an active member of the Carmel United Soccer Club for 42 years and counting. He has been an active board member serving in many different roles (referee assignor, field coordinator, board member) in addition to his years as a coach, referee and mentor. 

Dean Martin volunteered as President of the Brewster United Soccer Club for many years after having served in other board positions before that. He has been their Field Coordinator and still serves as a mentor to both new and inexperienced coaches and board members. In addition, he came out of retirement to coach a Girls-Under-12 team so they would not be forced to disband.

Eddie Moloney is a longtime coach for the Washingtonville Soccer Club with 25 years plus and counting. Eddie has served as a club administrator, working virtually daily on maintaining their field complex plus coordinating use of field time. Additionally, Eddie is an active referee and the club’s referee assignor plus he also mentors young referees.  

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/

Carl Whyte and Diana Mojica Honored By the New York Soccer Referee Association

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

December 5, 2024-The New York Soccer Referee Association (NYSRA) is by far the oldest referee group in the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) as it was founded 86 years ago in 1938. NYSRA held its holiday party on November 21 at the Ukrainian Sport Club in Manhattan.

Carl Whyte (in red sweater) received Lifetime Membership, NYSRA’s version of the Lifetime Achievement Award, from NYSRA President Kambiz Riazi. Whyte became a referee in 1991 at the age of 41, upgraded to Regional Referee in 1995 and during the 1994 World Cup, he chaperoned the Italian and Spanish national teams.

Diana Mojica (on right in bottom photo) received the New Referee Award from NYSRA Vice President Harris Rasheed. 25% of NYSRA officials started in the past two years and Mojica, in particular, has applied and immersed herself in the game.

The Cosmopolitan Junior Soccer League (CJSL), which is five years older than the NYSRA, graciously helped pay for the dinner once again this year.

Would you like to join Carl and Diana as a soccer referee? Eastern New York is seeking new referees to be in the middle and/or on the line as assistant referees in youth soccer games throughout the state. The minimum age is 14 years old to become certified. 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

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/

Chris Armas to Be Inducted Into the National Soccer Hall of Fame

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

December 12, 2024-The Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) is very pleased to acknowledge that Eastern New York Soccer Hall of Famer Chris Armas has been selected to be inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame. Chris was inducted into the Eastern New York Hall of Fame in 2007 and will be inducted into the US Soccer Hall of Fame on May 3, 2025, at the National Soccer Hall of Fame in Frisco, Texas. 

Screenshot

Born in the Bronx in 1972, Chris grew up in Brentwood, playing for the Brentwood Bandits of the Long Island Junior Soccer League (LIJSL). He graduated from St. Anthony’s High School and then attended Adelphi University from 1990 to ’93, amassing 17 goals and 15 assists for the Panthers during his four years there. Chris was selected as a NCAA Division 2 First Team All-American his senior year. During the summer, Chris suited up for Hewlett/Lawrence in the Under-23 Ryder/Vass Cup of the Long Island Soccer Football League (LISFL).

Chris played for the Long Island Rough Riders in 1994 and ’95 with Teddy’s troops capturing the United Soccer Leagues (USL) national championship in 1995.

Major League Soccer (MLS) kicked off in 1996, Chris was drafted by the Los Angeles Galaxy in the first round and scored a goal in the first MLS Cup final that year but his Galaxy team lost to DC United, 3-2, in overtime during a downpour. He won the MLS championship in 1998 with the expansion Chicago Fire plus four Lamar Hunt US Open Cups with the Fire. Chris received MLS Best XI honors four consecutive times from 1998 to 2001. In 2003, he was again named MLS Best XI but also was honored as MLS Comeback Player of the Year after returning from a torn ACL. He was also named US Soccer Athlete of the Year in 2000.

Chris earned 66 caps with the US Men’s National Team in the years around the turn of the millennium.

The Floral Park resident then became a coach and has coached with New York Hota, been the head coach of the Adelphi women, the Red Bulls, Toronto FC and is currently the head coach of the Colorado Rapids. Additionally, he was an assistant coach with Manchester United and co-interim head coach of Leeds United in England.

“The recognition to be inducted into the Hall of Fame, if it’s a reflection of the career that I had, the contributions to the game, the type of player and teammate that I was, the way that I carried myself as part of good teams, being a piece of that, then I’m really proud,” Chris said. “It means a tremendous amount to my family, my boys, my wife, my parents, my dad from up in heaven can see that.” 

Also being inducted with Chris in the Class of 2025 will be Mark Abbott, Mary Harvey, Carli Lloyd and Nick Rimando.

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/

Manhasset’s Owen McCormack Selected as the National TOPSoccer Buddy of the Year

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

December 3, 2024-The Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) is thrilled to announce that our TOPSoccer Buddy of the Year, Owen McCormack, has been selected by US Youth Soccer as the National TOPSoccer Buddy of the Year. Owen will be honored at the US Youth Soccer Workshop in Chicago and the Eastern New York Hall of Fame Banquet in New York City, both in January.

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. 

Owen has volunteered with the Manhasset Soccer Club’s Adaptive Program since the 9th Grade, the earliest that the club allows student volunteers. Due to his dedication to TOPSoccer, he was appointed Director of Student Volunteers in the 10th Grade. Owen recruits volunteers from Manhasset High School’s varsity and junior varsity soccer programs as well as the rest of the student population.

The Manhasset resident is responsible for creating the schedule at the start of the season and communicates with students and their families to ensure that every child with special needs receives the attention they deserve. During practices, Owen takes the initiative in guiding new volunteers. His positive energy and inclusive nature has helped build strong relationships with players and their families.

Additionally, Owen reaches out to a special education teacher in a neighboring school district to offer her students participation in Manhasset’s Adaptive Program as there, unfortunately, is no such program in her town. 

In addition to being a leader with TOPSoccer for the past three years, Owen is a leader at Manhasset High School, volunteering as the Student Government Class Treasurer in the 9th, 10th and 11th Grades and organizing events promoting school spirit, fundraising and community engagement. Owen also volunteers at St. Francis Hospital and for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS). He was selected as team co-captain of the 2024 LLS Student Visionaries of the Year Campaign on Long Island.

Owen grew up playing in the Manhasset Soccer Club in both the intramural and travel team programs, has been a player for Eastern New York’s Olympic Development Program (ODP) for the past three years and also currently plays for the East Meadow Soccer Club and Manhasset High School.

This is the second time in the past six years that a teenager from Eastern New York has been selected as National TOPSoccer Buddy of the Year as Jessica Lee received this huge honor in 2019.

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/

Hofstra Men Take the Conference Title For the Fourth Consecutive Year

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

November 25, 2024-The Hofstra University men’s soccer team, with six players on the roster who grew up playing in the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA), has had another outstanding season.

For the second consecutive year, the Pride has received a national seed in the NCAA Championship and a first round bye. Hofstra, who is making their fourth consecutive NCAA appearance, earned the #7 seed. 

“Very pleased to have another successful season, to be conference champions and to be in the NCAA tournament once again,” longtime Hofstra men’s soccer coach Richard Nuttall stated. 

Evan Bernstein photo courtesy of Hofstra University.

Hofstra (14-4-2) won the Coastal Athletic Association championship for the fourth consecutive season and eighth time overall. 

This is the ninth time that Hofstra has played in the NCAA tournament. In 2021 and 2023, the Pride advanced to the third round and the team advanced to the second round in 2004, 2006, 2015 and 2024. Hofstra is 4-2 at home in NCAA play.

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/

Two Eastern New York Hall of Famers to Lead Kingston Capitals Women’s Soccer

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

October 31, 2024-Two Eastern New York Hall of Famers, Dimitri Giatrakis and Ken Gulmi, have been tabbed to coach the Kingston Capitals of the Women’s Premier Soccer League (WPSL). Dimitri Giatrakis was named Head Coach and Ken Gulmi was tabbed as General Manager and Assistant Coach for the squad that kicked off play at the start of this decade.

Coach Giatrakis has over 40 years experience as a player and coach. He holds a US Soccer National “A” license and has served as both the Hudson Valley Youth Soccer League (HVYSL) Technical Director and Olympic Development Program (ODP) Technical Director of the Eastern New York State Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA), overseeing a staff of over 30 coaches in the latter position. Dimitri has been a National Coaching Instructor and his teams have reached the finals of the National ODP Championship and a number of his players have been and are currently playing in MLS and the US Men’s National Team.

Coach Gulmi also has over 40 years coaching experience. He holds a US Soccer National “C” license and has served as HVYSL President for 22 years and as ENYYSA Vice President for 25 years. Ken served as a presenter on the College Bound educational symposium at the United Soccer Coaches national convention, as well as volunteering on the US Soccer National Committee on Disabled Athletics and he has conducted training sessions with players and parents on interview skills, nutrition and career counseling.

Dimitri Giatrakis (left) and Ken Gulmi

The team’s name is a source of pride for Kingstonians as the first New York State legislature met in Kingston in 1777 before Albany was declared the state capital two years later. Hence, Kingston is considered the first capital of New York State.

The WPSL is a highly competitive national league of 150 women’s teams in four regions and 16 conferences. Kingston, a member of the Northeast Conference, will compete against teams from Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Boston, Albany and Clarkstown. All home games will be at newly renovated Dietz Stadium in Kingston, beginning in early May 2025. Young women interested in trying out may contact Coach Gulmi at kingstoncapitals1@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 United States Youth Soccer. For more information, please log on to http://www.enysoccer.com/