News

Soccer Refs Wanted

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

June 26, 2024-There are over 100,000 youth soccer players in the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) and over 3,000 referees and assistant refs.

Most of the action takes play during the spring and fall as the weather is just right, not too hot or not too cold for soccer. With the Spring Season coming to a close, Eastern New York looks to increase our number of referees in time for the Fall Season.

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

Photo courtesy of the Massapequa Soccer Club

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

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 nine 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 Mourns the Passing of Hall of Famer Constantine (Dinos) Iordanou

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

June 19, 2024-The Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA), as well as the Greek and Cypriot communities, are mourning the loss of Constantine (Dinos) Iordanou after his unexpected passing on June 16 at the age of 74.

Dinos was inducted into the Eastern New York Soccer Hall of Fame in 2016.

Born on the island of Cyprus, he came to the United States in 1969. With an uncle in Astoria providing the roof over his head, Dinos’ first job was pumping gas at a Shell station. He also washed dishes in a nursing home, drove a cab and worked as a cook.

“You’ve got to earn your way through school and get on,” Dinos had explained that his father had told him. With his Dad’s voice in his head, he moved on and played soccer plus graduated from New York University with a degree in aerospace engineering.

His first career stop was Pratt and Whitney, then the AIG Insurance Company for 10 years, then to CV Starr which was part of AIG, where he was a partner. He later went on to Berkshire Hathaway, and became Chairman of the Board of Directors of Arch Capital Group.

He had been active with the Pancyprians since their beginning, helping to found the association in 1975, and he was one of their lifetime Trustees.

“I played for their soccer team when I was young,” he had said with pride, winning three US Open Cup titles and three Cosmopolitan Soccer League championships with the New York Pancyprian Freedoms in the late 1970s and early ‘80s. He also played professionally in Cyprus.

The Upper Brookville resident was also founding member of FAITH, a charitable organization for the advancement of Greek-Americans in Education. He was a Trustee for the Holy Child Academy, Our Lady of Mercy Academy, Roosevelt University and the College of Insurance.

His children all grew up in Eastern New York’s Olympic Development Program (ODP). Tina played at the University of Virginia, Danielle played at Northwestern and Alexandra went to William & Mary.Dinos graciously donated nearly $500,000 to Eastern New York’s Arch Capital Cup. More important than the money, he was a leader who inspired by his example.

We have lost a very good man.

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 onto http://www.enysoccer.com/

Morgan Salmon Thanks TOPSoccer in Acceptance Speech as Northeast-10 Conference Woman of the Year

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

June 19, 2024-Morgan Salmon of West Hempstead has been honored by the Northeast-10 Conference as the Woman of the Year and Soccer Defensive Player of the Year as well as a United Soccer Coaches All-American.

Morgan’s playing time at Adelphi University consisted of starting 51 of her 53 career games at the pivotal center back position. The Panthers, under her captaincy, not only returned to the NE10 Championship final in 2023, but captured the school’s first NCAA Division 2 East Region Championship in 20 years. Her final start as a Panther came at the NCAA Division 2 National Championship, where Morgan played all 90 minutes of the team’s semifinal game against Washburn University.

Morgan completed her bachelor’s degree this May in Nursing, maintaining a 3.854 cumulative grade-point average along the way. In her acceptance speech as the Northeast-10 Woman of the Year, she thanked Lauren Lee, the TOPSoccer Chairperson of the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA).

Morgan said, “I would like to thank West Hempstead TOPSoccer and Lauren Lee. West Hempstead TOPSoccer is the outreach program for soccer which allows individuals with special needs the opportunty to play soccer, whether that is a mental or physical disability. I started volunteering with this program in 2013 so I grew up with these kids, they’re neighborhood kids, and as much as you would think that I taught them, they have truly formed me into the person I am.”

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 onto http://www.enysoccer.com/

Deaf and CP Soccer Camp Being Hosted at Golden Goal Park in Fort Ann

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

May 29, 2024-The Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) is committed that every child who wants to play soccer is able to do so.

Special Children playing soccer, now called TOPSoccer, originated in Eastern New York in 1978 when the Huntington Boys Club and Massapequa Soccer Club seperately started programs. The USA National Amputee Team consists of a few players who grew up playing youth soccer in Eastern New York.

We’re very happy to send out information on the upcoming Deaf and CP Soccer Camp at Golden Goal Park in Fort Ann, marketing itself as “the perfect balance of serious training and enjoyable activities” from Saturday, June 22 to Thursday, June 27. There are only 10 places available.

Go to https://usdeafsoccer.com/upcoming-events/?eid=11335 to register.

For more info, please contact USA Deaf Soccer’s Youth Representative, Sydney Andrews, at sandrews@usdeafsoccer.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/

Deadline is June 1 to Apply to Eastern New York For a College Scholarship

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

May 20, 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/

After Much Success Playing and Coaching Soccer, Jerry Owenburg Becomes a Ref

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

May 23, 2024-There are many diverse reasons for becoming a soccer referee. For Jerry Owenburg, it was to stay involved with the Beautiful Game after a lengthy playing and coaching career.

Jerry grew up playing in the Long Island Junior Soccer League (LIJSL). Referees took an interest in him and taught him to always respect the rules.

“I was fortunate as a teenager playing in many international youth tournaments such as the Dana Cup in Denmark, the Gothia Cup in Sweden, the Germany Cup, Paris Cup and the Holland Cup,” Jerry explained. After that, Jerry started his college playing career at LIU Post and then became team captain and MVP at Farmingdale State.

As an adult player, Jerry won two State Cup championships with West Babylon and one with Carle Place of the Long Island Soccer Football League (LISFL) plus he also played for the New York Greek-Americans of the Northeast Super Soccer League.

By then, Jerry had started coaching and his teams included the Olympic Development Program (ODP) of the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA), where his side won the Regional ODP championship, as well as LIJSL Select, the Long Island Rough Riders, New York Surf, Atletico, St. Joseph’s University where his men’s team won the conference plus his alma mater, West Babylon High School, which had the highest team GPA in the nation.

“I’m especially proud that two of the players I coached, Sal Caccavale and Jerrod Laventure, were signed by the Red Bulls,” Jerry added.

“Last year, I took my first break from coaching in 30 years. During that year, I had time to reflect on my playing and coaching career. One of the areas that stood out was how this game impacted my life and made me the person I am today. The most significant memories were not necessarily the wins, losses or championships. It was the relationships and how people impacted my life and helped me along the way. Of course, coaches and teammates were among the list, but what also stood out were the referees,” Jerry explained. “So with my recent break from coaching, it became the perfect opportunity to take some time to enjoy the game from a different perspective and stay connected with the people in the soccer community that mean so much to me.”

So Jerry started refereeing this year and has done well, even being in the middle for Under-19 games in his first season. The Sayville resident, who is Principal at Bellmore JFK High School, said that he is disappointed when he sees adults treat young refs poorly.

“I’m so proud of some of the young game officials I’ve met who take on the role of referees. These young refs are the future of our game and they need adults to be patient and supportive.”

Jerry stated, “I like everything else about refereeing. This has been such a positive experience that I’ve already set my sights on working towards becoming a Regional Referee. I strongly encourage other former players and coaches who miss the game to consider the role of referee as a way to keep soccer in their life.”

Are you interested in joining Jerry in becoming a referee or assistant ref? Eastern New York is looking for new Grassroots Referees and the certification class consists of both online and classroom learning. For more information, log on to https://enysreferee.org/how-to-become-a-referee/. If you have any questions, e-mail questions@enysreferee.org

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/

Richmondtown’s Jake Ryan Sells Out His Pens and Gives All Proceeds to Rocco Strong

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

May 9, 2024-Jake Ryan is a 12-year-old angel who plays for the Boys-Under-15 Richmondtown Rockets in the Staten Island Youth Soccer League (SIYSL).

On May 2, Jake went to Max’s Es-Ca Restaurant and Bar for the Mother’s Day Shop and Sip. He explained how he created his business, Jake’s Key Characters, as “I wanted to sell things after I went to vendor shows with my mom.”

Jake sold all the pens he had designed and with the biggest heart, gave all the money to Rocco Strong, for 6-year-old Rocco DiMaggio, suffering from a reoccurrence of childhood cancer.

Jake’s consideration for others is perhaps the best present he could have given to his mom Marissa Arcuri for Mother’s Day.

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/

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/

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